DESCRIPTION
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Heirloom, Non-GMO Old German Tomato Seed Growth Habits:
Old German tomato seeds produce indeterminate vines that continue to grow throughout the season, often reaching up to 10' tall. That's why it's best to stake or use a tomato cage with Old German tomato plants. Staking or caging will help support the vines that have to hold up the heavy fruit and provide good airflow to keep the Old German tomato plant healthy.
Because tomato plants are native to the tropical regions of the Americas, frost easily kills tomato plants. Start Old German tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last frost date, then harden off the tomato seedlings and transfer them into your garden after the threat of frost has passed.
If you give Old German tomato plants plenty of sun and consistent watering, they will produce very large, meaty fruit that often weighs over 1 lb.
Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich with nutrients. Be sure to transplant the Old German tomato seedlings into a location that drains well. Tomatoes love consistently moist soil, but soggy soil can lead to disease.
Various Uses for Old German Heirloom Tomatoes:
Old German tomatoes are a striking heirloom tomato thanks to their bicolor appearance with golden-yellow and red hues. The Old German striped tomato variety is an excellent slicer because of its size and sweet, juicy flavor.
Heirloom Old German Tomato Benefits:
Heirloom Old German tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamins C, A, and K, potassium, and lycopene. For most people, tomatoes are part of a healthy diet.
Additional Information:
Old German heirloom tomatoes come from the Mennonite farming community in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and have been traced back to the mid-1800s.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Solanum lycopersicum (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however this name is no longer accepted as correct)
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Tomato Type: |
Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. |
Old German Tomato Color: |
Red |
Old German Tomato Flavor: |
Very sweet, meaty |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
75 (from transplant) |
Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
24-36 inches |
Row Spacing: |
36 inches |
Plant Height: |
48-72 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. |
Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F) |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
No |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
Plant Width: |
24 inches |
Plant Spread: |
24 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. |
Germination Temperature: |
65-85 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Tomato Use: |
Salads, fresh eating, slicing |