Pink Ponderosa Tomato

10 Seeds

Pink Ponderosa Tomato is a classic heirloom beefsteak tomato introduced in the late 19th century. It is renowned for its exceptionally large, smooth pink fruits, typically weighing 400–900 g, with some fruits exceeding 1 kg under ideal conditions. The fruits are meaty, nearly seedless, low in acidity, and have a rich, sweet, old-fashioned tomato flavor. As an indeterminate variety, it continues flowering and producing fruit throughout the season. It is excellent for slicing, sandwiches, salads, fresh eating, and gourmet dishes. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cooler months and thrives in 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: 21–29°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°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

• 7–14 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:

• 80–90 days after transplanting

Pick fruits when they develop a deep pink color, feel heavy, and become 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 that produces very large, heavy fruits.
• 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.
• Because of the exceptionally large fruit size, provide strong support for both the main stem and fruit clusters.
• Pink Ponderosa Tomato performs exceptionally well in greenhouses, hydroponic systems, raised beds, large containers, and home gardens.