Yellow Oxheart Tomato

10 Seeds

Yellow Oxheart Tomato is a beautiful heirloom-type tomato known for its large, heart-shaped yellow to golden fruits. The fruits are typically meaty with relatively few seeds and have a mild, sweet, slightly fruity flavor. Plants are vigorous and productive but may need support because of the size and weight of the fruit. In the Gulf area, tomatoes grow best during the cooler growing season, as extreme summer heat can reduce flowering and fruit set.

Planting Instructions in the Gulf Area:

1. Best sowing time: Sow seeds from September to February. In the cooler northern Gulf areas, October–January is particularly suitable.
2. Temperature: For germination, maintain around 21–27°C. Avoid exposing young seedlings to extreme heat.
3. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 0.5–1 cm deep in a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
4. Germination: Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seeds generally germinate within 5–10 days under suitable conditions.
5. Light: Once seedlings emerge, provide 6–8 hours of strong sunlight daily, or use suitable grow lighting if starting indoors.
6. Transplanting: Transplant when seedlings have developed several true leaves and outdoor temperatures are moderate. Harden seedlings gradually before moving them into full outdoor conditions.
7. Spacing: Allow approximately 60–90 cm between plants and provide good airflow.
8. Soil: Use fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable.
9. Watering: Water deeply and regularly, keeping moisture relatively consistent. Avoid allowing the soil to repeatedly dry out and then become heavily saturated, as irregular watering can contribute to fruit problems.
10. Fertilizing: Start with a balanced vegetable fertilizer. Once flowering and fruit development begin, use a fertilizer suitable for fruiting tomatoes, with adequate potassium.
11. Support: Provide a strong stake, trellis, or tomato cage early in the season. The large fruits can place considerable weight on the branches.
12. Pollination: During flowering, good air movement can help pollination. In protected growing areas, gently shake the flower clusters in the morning to encourage pollen release.
13. Gulf heat: During unusually hot periods, provide afternoon shade and maintain consistent irrigation. Excessive heat can interfere with flowering and fruit setting.
14. Harvest: Pick fruits when they develop their characteristic yellow-to-golden color and feel slightly soft. Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to continue producing.