Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Mini Orange Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin your tomato journey indoors about 6-8 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. This head start is crucial for developing strong seedlings ready to face the outside world. Sow your mini orange tomato seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and keep it consistently warm, ideally around 70-80°F (21-27°C), to encourage germination. You should see your seedlings sprout within 5-10 days.

Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, it's time to consider transplanting. Before moving them outdoors, they need to be hardened off. This process involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two to acclimate them and reduce transplant shock.

Choose a sunny spot in your garden for your mini orange tomatoes, as they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Transplant them into the garden when the danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C). Space the plants about 24-36 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.

Tomatoes need regular watering, especially as they start to fruit. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, but avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Start with a balanced fertilizer when you plant, and switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula to encourage blooming and fruiting once the plants start to develop flowers.

For indeterminate varieties, which continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, remove the lower leaves to prevent disease and improve air circulation. Pinching off suckers, the shoots that grow in the axils of leaves, can help focus the plant's energy on fruit production. Provide support using stakes or cages to keep your plants upright and protect the fruits from touching the ground, reducing the risk of disease and pests.

Mini Orange tomatoes are particular lovers of the heat of southern summers. During their fruiting season, it is best if temperatures, even at night, do not dip below 70 F. Planting basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums nearby can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects, enhancing your tomatoes' health and yield.

Harvesting Mini Orange Tomatoes

Your mini orange tomatoes will be ready to harvest when they're fully colored and firm to the touch. Gently twist them off the vine to avoid damaging the plant. One of the joys of growing mini tomatoes is the continuous harvest thanks to their indeterminate nature; once they start ripening, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes regularly throughout the growing season.

About Mini Orange Tomato Garden Seeds

This adorable variety of orange fades from the unripe green and then into a delightful yellow before finishing off in a vibrant orange color for harvest. They grow in clusters of 4-6 fruits and only ripen when night temps are at or above 70 F making this variety ideal for southern climates with hot days and warm nights.

These charming little fruits are not only a visual treat but also packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to salads, snacks, or simply enjoying fresh off the vine.

Mini Orange tomatoes can be considered either a salad or a cherry tomato. They're particularly appealing for their striking orange hue, which adds a splash of color to dishes and garden spaces alike.

The exact developer or originator of the Mini Orange tomato might not be widely documented, as is the case with many heirloom varieties that have been cultivated by private growers or in small communities. Nevertheless, the collective effort of many passionate gardeners over the years has made these tomatoes widely available.

These tomatoes appeal to a wide range of gardeners, from beginners looking for an easy-to-grow and rewarding plant, to seasoned veterans seeking to diversify their garden with unique and flavorful varieties.

While it is possible to grow this variety in large containers, it requires more pruning and maintenance than other determinate varieties, which will stop growing at a certain height.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"By following these steps and providing a little TLC, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy mini orange tomatoes. Gardening is a journey of learning and discovery, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you and your garden. "

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Mini Orange Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Mini Orange Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.