Orange Russian 117

Family: Solanaceae Vegetable

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Orange Russian 117 is an oxheart tomato that ripens to a luminous amber-orange, with a softly ribbed, heart-shaped silhouette that feels substantial in the hand.

The flesh is tender and juicy, balancing sweet, mellow flavor with a gentle tang—ideal for showcasing in bold, colorful slices, vibrant sauces, and quick pickling. Grow it for its distinctive color and old-world presence: a rewarding 85-day season that brings a harvest as beautiful as it is delicious.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Determinate

Botanical illustration of Orange Russian 117

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	9

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Orange Russian 117 hits that rare spot where it’s sweet up front but still has a gentle tang that keeps each spoonful lively. Use it in situations where you can see the juicy, tender flesh—slicing, blistering, or reducing—because it gives a luminous, orange-toned sauce instead of a dull red one.

Best Uses

thick slice-and-salt plates that let the flesh stay juicy without turning watery
quick skillet blistering or a short roast where the juices reduce into a glossy pan sauce
vibrant sauces where it cooks down into silky, orange-hued tomato base
fast refrigerator pickles for a sweet-bright bite

Flavor Profile

sweet, mellow fruitiness gentle tang with a soft acidic lift tender, juicy flesh with a substantial oxheart bite warm, sun-ripened tomato aroma

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil herbes de Provence feta balsamic vinegar pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) like ‘Orange Russian 117’, and how can I control it at home?

Watch for early blight and Septoria leaf spot, which show up as dark spots on older leaves that spread upward. Remove and discard affected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, and improve airflow with wider spacing and pruning of lower leaves. If it keeps recurring, use a labeled fungicide for tomatoes (follow the product schedule) starting as soon as spots appear.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase to prevent problems?

During active flowering and fruiting, keep soil evenly moist—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total, delivered slowly at the base. Let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly between waterings to reduce disease, but don’t let the root zone fully dry out, which can trigger blossom-end rot and fruit cracking.

How can I tell when ‘Orange Russian 117’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored to a consistent orange and feel slightly firm with a gentle give when squeezed. Pick at peak ripeness (typically around 85 days) because these tomatoes continue to develop sweetness on the vine and will soften quickly after full color.