Tomato OXHEART Pink Sauce Canning Heirloom Indeterminate Non-GMO 50 Seeds

100% Pure Seed ? No Filler ? Non-GMO

PRODUCT INFORMATION

OXHEART HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEEDS

The large spreading vines of Oxheart tomatoes bear plentiful amounts of 14 Oz tomatoes that are heart-shaped and bright pink in color. The flesh is solid, with few seeds, and takes 80 days to ripen. Indeterminate.

The Oxheart strain of tomatoes have been commonly used for canning and sauce in America for generations. The name refers to the pointed heart shape of the tomato. Because of their thick, meaty flesh, Oxheart tomatoes perform very well for preserving.

FAST FACTS

• Latin Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
• Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Indeterminate, Warm Season
• USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Planting Method: From Transplant
• Sunlight: Full Sun
• Height: 60 Inches
• Color: Red/Pink

How to Grow Tomato Seeds

Sowing: Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sowing the seeds in a flat 1/4" deep and 1" apart. Keep the temperature at 70-75 degrees F until germination, as well as providing adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to grow strongly rooted plants. A week before planting the seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them; tomatoes cannot endure cold weather, and should not be transplanted outside until all threat of frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. If providing a trellis, space the plants 2' apart, but if allowing the vines to spread, space the plants 3-4' apart. For companion planting benefits, plant Black Prince heirloom tomato seeds with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them with cabbage or tomatoes.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties often perform best when provided with a trellis or support, since this protects them from various pests and diseases in connection with too much soil contact. Put the supports in place before the seedlings develop vines. As the vines begin to grow, tying them to the support helps their development. Since temperatures below 55 degrees F can damage production, protect the plants if temperatures drop. A thick layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds; water the plants once a week, but avoid getting the leaves wet. Pruning the "suckers," or shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches, will greatly improve the production and strength of the plant.

Harvesting: Test the ripeness of tomatoes by pressing them gently; the flesh should yield slightly. The mature color also indicates ripeness. If the stem does not come easily off the vine, cut it with a scissors. Vine ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, but as soon as frost comes, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will ripen eventually if kept in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Black Prince tomatoes are early and abundant, and have an intense sweetness.

Don't forget to plant Marigolds around your tomatoes!

• So why do marigolds and tomatoes grow well together?
• Marigolds and tomatoes are good garden buddies with similar growing conditions.
• Research studies have indicated that planting marigolds between tomatoes protects the tomato plants from harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil.
• Many gardeners believe that the pungent scent of marigolds also discourages a variety of pests such tomato hornworms, whiteflies, thrips, and maybe even rabbits!

SEED STORING

Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark location.
Most seeds have a long shelf life, years even, but heat and moisture will cut that life short.
Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing.