DESCRIPTION
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VR Moscow Tomato - Heirloom Garden Seed
The Moscow VR Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), was developed especially for inter-mountain regions by USU (Utah State University) in 1952. It was named after Moscow, Idaho"not Russia. Their thick skins make them ideal for canning.
The Moscow VR Tomato is best grown in hardiness zones 3-14. The soil must be between 75-90° F in order for the plant to germinate. If sowing outdoors, wait till nighttime temperatures are at or above 60° F until you start. You may be able to get a second harvest the following year.
Sowing: Sow tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep soil at 75° F. Seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. Or sow outdoors well after the last frost date when nighttime temperatures have stayed 60° F and above for two weeks, which is also the indicator to begin the transplanting process as well.
Transplanting: If sown indoors, harden off your plants for a period of two weeks before transplanting. Without hardening off, your plants may die from "transplant shock." Make sure you plant in an area that hasn't grown peppers, eggplant, potatoes, or other tomatoes for the last two years. Plant deeply, covering the roots and stem up to the first set of leaves.
Soil Preferences Mulches can help keeps weeds down and maintain even soil temperatures, which contribute to a healthy plentiful garden plant. Moscow VR Tomatoes require a trellis system of some kind. Simple cages and box trellises work just great!
Other Tips: Mulches can help keeps weeds down and maintain even soil temperatures, which contribute to a healthy plentiful garden plant. Moscow VR Tomatoes require a trellis system of some kind. Simple cages and box trellises work just great!
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Solanum lycopersicum (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however this name is no longer accepted as correct)
|
| Tomato Type: |
Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. |
| VR Moscow Tomato Color: |
Red |
| VR Moscow Tomato Flavor: |
Rich |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: |
80-90 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: |
24-36 inches |
| Row Spacing: |
36 inches |
| Plant Height: |
36-96 inches |
| Growth Habit: |
Determinate - Determinate tomatoes are more compact, bush-type plants that set their fruit all at once and end the harvest. They won't continue to produce tomatoes after that. By planting multiple plants in intervals a week apart, you can continue to harvest for longer periods. |
| 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: |
Late - Ready to harvest from 81 days or more from transplant. Difficult, if not impossible, to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good late-summer to early-fall producers for most USDA Zones. |
| Germination Temperature: |
65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Verticillium Wilt. 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 |
