Orange Banana Tomato

10 Seeds

Orange Banana Tomato is a productive heirloom paste tomato variety known for its bright orange, elongated banana-shaped fruits. The fruits typically measure 8–12 cm (3–5 inches) long, weigh 80–150 g, and have firm, meaty flesh with few seeds and a mild, sweet flavor. They are excellent for fresh eating, salads, sauces, roasting, drying, canning, and making tomato paste. This indeterminate variety produces abundant harvests throughout the season and performs exceptionally well in the Gulf region when planted during the cooler months. It is suitable for gardens, greenhouses, raised beds, large containers, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (for greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid outdoor planting when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 38–40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (25–28°C) for 6–8 hours before sowing (optional).
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium consistently moist until germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–28°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During very hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30% shade cloth.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 60–75 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 90–120 cm apart

Harvesting

• Harvest begins:
  • 75–85 days after transplanting
• Pick fruits when they become bright orange, firm, and slightly soft when gently squeezed.
• Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during August to October for the highest productivity.
• Support plants with sturdy stakes, tomato cages, or trellises, as this is an indeterminate variety.
• Remove lower leaves and excessive side shoots to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to one higher in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting.
• Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature.
• Orange Banana Tomato performs exceptionally well in greenhouses, hydroponic systems, raised beds, and large containers.