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Growing Mandarin Cross Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin your Mandarin Cross tomatoes by sowing seeds indoors, ideally 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This early start is crucial because it boosts your tomato plants during the growing season, ensuring they have plenty of time to mature and produce fruit before the end of the growing season. For successful germination, place the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix, about a quarter inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide a warm environment (around 70-80 F). Bright, indirect light will help your seedlings grow strong and sturdy. If you're limited on natural light, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary lumens.

In regions with a long, warm growing season, you might opt to sow seeds directly outdoors. This can only be done when the soil has warmed to at least 60 F, and all danger of frost has passed. However, starting seeds indoors is generally recommended for Mandarin Cross tomatoes to ensure the plants are strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions when they're finally transplanted.

Before moving your tomato plants outdoors permanently, they'll need to go through a process called hardening off. This involves gradually acclimating your young plants to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered, partially shaded area for a few hours each day, slowly increasing their exposure to sun and wind. This crucial step reduces shock and improves their chances of thriving in their new environment.

Once your plants are hardened off and the soil temperature is consistently above 60 F, it's time to transplant them into your garden. Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Tomatoes thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, so consider amending your garden soil with compost before planting.

As your Mandarin Cross tomatoes grow, pruning and support become essential tasks. Remove any suckers (small shoots that appear in the axils of the leaves) to encourage stronger, more manageable plants. Supporting your tomatoes with stakes, cages, or trellises keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of disease and making harvesting easier.

A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting and then again as fruits begin to form will provide your tomatoes with the nutrients they need to grow robust and productive. Mulching around your plants helps retain soil moisture, keeps the soil temperature stable, and suppresses weeds. When watering, aim for the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and minimize the risk of disease. Consistent, deep watering is key to preventing problems.

Harvesting Mandarin Cross Tomatoes

Mandarin Cross tomatoes are ripe when they turn a beautiful, full, deep orange. Gently twist the fruit off the vine, or use a pair of scissors to cut it free. These tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for a short period at room temperature if you find yourself with an abundance.

About Mandarin Cross Tomato Garden Seeds

These fruits are crack-resistant and have thick, sweet, tasty flesh that melts in your mouth. Mandarin Cross flesh is also firm, making them a good slicing fruit. The plant produces rich orange-colored fruit that resembles a mandarin.

Mandarin Cross tomatoes bring an element of aesthetic appeal to the garden. The vibrant color of its fruits can brighten any garden space, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Originally, tomatoes were domesticated in South America, with their cultivation spreading to Europe and the rest of the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Over time, selective breeding and natural mutations brought about a wide variety of tomatoes, including the Mandarin Cross.

Mandarin Cross tomatoes are renowned for their sweet yet tangy flavor profile, a perfect balance that makes them irresistible to many. The fruit's flesh is juicy and firm, making it an excellent candidate for fresh eating.

Mandarin Cross’ broad adaptability makes them a versatile choice for gardeners across many different growing conditions. They do best in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to develop fully.

Those interested in heirloom and specialty tomatoes would also find the Mandarin Cross an intriguing addition, given its distinctive characteristics and potential for culinary exploration.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Many of these more unique varieties of tomatoes advertise various disease resistances. One of the best ways to prevent diseases besides choosing a good variety is to practice crop rotation! Never plant tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, tomatillos or any member of the Solanaceae family in the same area two years in a row. In fact, it is best to wait at least two years between using the same patch of soil for these plants."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Mandarin Cross Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 25 mg packet - Approximately 6 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 Mandarin Cross Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.