Oxheart Tomato Seed Heirloom Rare Seeds

Sowing: Begin planting Oxheart heirloom tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, placing them in a tray about 1 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius until germination occurs, along with sufficient light in a sunny window or beneath a grow lamp. Ensure the soil remains moist but well-drained. When the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots, burying the stems up to the first set of leaves to foster strong root growth. To acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions, start hardening them off by exposing them to the weather for a week before transplanting outside. Since tomatoes are sensitive to cold, wait until there is no longer any risk of frost and the soil temperature is at least 21 degrees Celsius before moving them outdoors. Plant the seedlings in a fully sunny spot in very rich soil, burying the stems up to the first set of leaves again. Space the plants about 60 cm apart if using a trellis, or 90-120 cm apart if allowing the vines to spread on the ground. Tomatoes grow well with carrots or onions but should not be planted near cabbage or potatoes for companion planting benefits.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties, like Oxheart, benefit greatly from the support of a trellis or stakes to minimize pest and disease risks from too much soil contact. Install supports early before the seedlings grow too large. Tying the growing vines to their supports can aid their upward growth. Protect plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius, as cold can affect their productivity. Applying a thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds; water the plants weekly, taking care not to wet the foliage. Pruning the suckers, or the shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches, can significantly enhance both the yield and the robustness of the plant.

To check for ripeness, gently press the tomatoes; they should give slightly under pressure, and their mature color is a reliable indicator of readiness. If the stem does not detach easily, use scissors to cut it. Tomatoes that ripen on the vine taste best, but harvest all tomatoes at the first sign of frost, including the green ones, as they can ripen off the vine in a warm spot away from direct sunlight.

Cross-pollination between tomato varieties is generally rare, so isolation isn't typically a concern. Select fully mature tomatoes for seed saving and slice them in half horizontally. Squeeze the seeds and pulp into a container. For smaller tomatoes, blending the whole fruits briefly can help separate the seeds, as Oxheart seeds are tough and won't be damaged by this process. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few days until a mold layer forms on top, which helps remove the seeds' gelatinous coating. Skim off the mold and debris, then rinse the seeds beneath running water in a strainer. Spread the seeds to dry in an area away from direct sunlight, stirring them twice daily to ensure even drying. If humidity is high, a fan can help speed up the drying process. Once completely dry, store Oxheart heirloom tomato seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.

Planting Methods: Start Oxheart tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, planting 1 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart, and transplant outdoors when soil temperature reaches at least 21°C.

Blooming Season: Blooms appear in mid to late summer, depending on the planting time and climate.

Planting Season: 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring

Latin Name/USDA Zones: Lycopersicon esculentum var. oxheart/ Best grown in USDA zones 3-10

Sunlight Required/ Height: requiring full sunlight and reaching a height of up to 150-200 centimeters

Shelf Life After Test Date: Seeds remain viable for up to four years after the test date if stored properly.

Seed Type: Heirloom variety seeds

Soil Type: Thrives in loamy soil but can adapt to clay or sandy soils with adequate preparation and care.