Orange Oxheart

Tomato

Zone 12a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Orange Oxheart

🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Sunlit and velvety, Orange Oxheart delivers a warm apricot-orange glow with a richly sweet, low-acid flavor that tastes like summ…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 22nd
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Early White Grano Onion

Aramato Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (Orange Oxheart), and how can I stop it early?

Early blight (Alternaria) is a frequent problem on tomatoes, showing as dark, target-like spots on older leaves that spread upward. Remove and discard affected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, and apply a labeled fungicide if spots are spreading; improve airflow by spacing plants and pruning only lower leaves that touch soil. Check leaves 2–3 times per week once plants start heavy growth so you can act before the canopy closes.

How often should I water Orange Oxheart tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During fruit set and bulking, keep soil consistently moist with about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat, and water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Aim for steady moisture—don’t let the soil swing dry then flooded, which can trigger blossom-end rot and cracking. Mulch around plants and water at the base, not overhead, to reduce disease pressure.

How do I tell when Orange Oxheart tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have a fully developed orange color with a slight yield to gentle pressure at the blossom end, typically around 85 days from transplant for this tomato type. If the top shoulders still look pale green or firm, leave them on the vine a few more days. For best flavor, pick in the cool part of the day and avoid harvesting when fruits are wet.

Sunlit and velvety, Orange Oxheart delivers a warm apricot-orange glow with a richly sweet, low-acid flavor that tastes like summer itself. Its meaty, beefsteak-style flesh is tender yet substantial, with a gently juicy bite and few seeds—ideal for showcasing in bold slices and hearty, colorful preparations. Grow Orange Oxheart for show-stopping, heart-shaped fruit that ripens reliably on a vigorous plant and rewards the patient gardener with exceptional color and presence at harvest.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For best orange-tinged flavor, transplant into soil that is consistently warm (60°F+) and keep moisture even after flowering to prevent cracking.