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Growing Tangerine Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Growing Tangerine tomatoes from seed is a process that requires attention to detail and patience. Begin by starting your seeds indoors about 7 to 9 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a container of seed starting mix, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy, and maintain a temperature around 80°F (27°C) for optimal germination. Once the seedlings emerge, usually within 7 to 14 days, provide them with a strong light source and keep the temperature at about 70°F (21°C).

As the seedlings grow, transplant them into individual 4-inch pots when they reach about 2 inches tall. This allows the roots to develop without becoming entangled. Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, they must be hardened off. This process involves gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions over a week or so to acclimate them to the direct sunlight, cool nights, and less consistent watering.

When transplanting, choose a sunny spot in your garden, as tomatoes love sunlight and need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure per day. The Tangerine Tomato is an indeterminate vine and can grow to a height of 5-7 feet, so it will require support as it grows. Use stakes or cages to keep the plants upright and prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Tomatoes are heavy feeders with deep roots, so preparing the soil with well-rotted manure and compost before planting is important. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends that "tomatoes can form an extensive root system along the stem. If you want stronger tomato plants, bury 2/3 of the stem at planting time". This helps the plant get better access to water and nutrients underneath the soil. However, be sure to remove any leaves that will be buried.

Once transplanted, keep the soil consistently moist and apply mulch to help retain moisture. Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to support their rapid growth and fruit development. Pruning is also an important part of care; remove suckers and side branches to improve air circulation and allow more sunlight to reach the lower leaves.

Pest management is crucial for maintaining healthy plants. Monitor your tomatoes regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action as needed. Using organic methods such as introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil can help manage pests without harming the plants.

Harvesting Hybrid Tangerine Tomatoes

Harvest Tangerine tomatoes when they reach their full vibrant orange color and have a slight give when gently squeezed. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems carefully. Consider sun-drying or oven-drying tomatoes to preserve their unique sweet and citrusy flavor. Alternatively, make a flavorful Tangerine tomato jam or pickle them to extend their shelf life. Store harvested Tangerine tomatoes in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate any cut portions to maintain their freshness and taste.

About Tangerine Tomato Garden Seeds

Tangerine tomato seeds produce a huge orange beefsteak tomato. This is a long-standing heirloom tomato, quite disease-resistant. Even early in the season, harvested Tangerine tomatoes can weigh over a pound and produce consistent yields throughout the season. Delicious and sweet, it stands out in your garden! The Tangerine serves as the parent crop for AAS-winning tomato variety Jubilee.

In 2007, the magazine ScienceDaily published the following: "Research involving tomato sauce made from an heirloom tomato variety named the tangerine tomato has established that a specific chemical form of lycopene is more effective in increasing the levels of this much-heralded antioxidant in people's blood."

Burpee Seed company in 1932 published, “This new main-crop tomato is as outstanding in quality as it is in appearance. The fruits are large and heavy, measuring 4" in diameter. They are as deep as they are high and inclined to be somewhat angular. The thin skin is a beautiful rich orange- the color of a fully ripened tangerine. The flesh is mellow, golden, and yellow, appetizing. The flavor is delightful-rich and tasty, of a sub-acid piquancy that stimulates the appetite. The vines make abundant growth.”

Tangerine tomatoes, known for their sweet and citrusy flavor, are versatile and can be used in various recipes to add a burst of vibrant taste. Recipes such as Caprese salad, salsa, bruschetta, tomato basil soup, and tomato jam are perfect for this unique tomato.

Like many tomatoes, Tangerine tomatoes are a good source of essential nutrients. They contain vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene. These nutrients contribute to their nutritional value and make them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Tangerine tomatoes typically exhibit an indeterminate growth habit. This means they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, resulting in a prolonged harvest period compared to determinate varieties.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Tangerine is one of the most well-known and well-loved non-red tomato varieties on the market. If you’re looking to branch out from a typical red tomato, Tangerine is a great option!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Tangerine Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 125 mg packet - Approximately 40 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds

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