Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $2.25 |
|---|
Pruden’s Purple (Pink-Red Beefsteak)
Heritage: Syracuse, Ohio, USA
Introduced in the early 1920’s by Ben Quisenberry of Big Tomato Gardens Seed Co. Prior to that its’ history is a bit hazy. What is clear, however, is the way this tomato has changed over the years. Originally with a deep purple outer glow, it now is considered to be a red tomato with only a slight pink blush on the outer skin.
This is a mid-season beefsteak with energetic vining plants that produce large, slightly flattened, somewhat irregular shaped fruit. Tomatoes grow up to 4” (10cm) in diameter and 3” (7.5cm) deep, weighing up to 1lb (454g). Skin is red with a slight dusty pink tinge. Firm meaty crimson flesh. Very few seeds, and a silky, rich tomato taste. Matures a few weeks earlier than other Beefsteak varieties. Resists cracking. Performs well in most climates including northern latitudes with limited sun. Potato-Leaf. Determinate. Matures in 70-80 days. (310 seeds/g)
Largest Pruden’s Purple Tomato we grew: 9.5oz = just over 1/2 lb = 270g
Indeterminate plants are tall and sprawling continuing to grow and produce fruit until they are eventually killed by frost. This could be your preference if you are looking for a few tomatoes ripening at a time throughout the entire growing season. However, “a few” will vary with the variety you choose. It could mean three-four at a time for the larger varieties, or fifty-sixty at a time for the smaller crudités.
Tips for Growing Tasty Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are heat loving plants that can adapt themselves to almost any growing zone providing there is ample sunshine and the season is long enough to allow the fruits to fully mature. Start seeds indoors in small pots 6 weeks before last frost date by planting them just below the surface of the soil. As the weather warms, harden-off the plants by setting them outside in the sun for a few hours each day. When the ground has fully warmed and the season has stabilized transplant to a sunny area of the garden. Remove all yellow leaves and any buds or flowers that have formed. This allows the plant to concentrate on developing a good deep root system in its new home. Plant deep burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. Plants should be at least 12-18” (30-45cm) apart to allow for ample circulation and room to grow. Most tomatoes do best when support is provided either by using poles, cages or trellising. The most suitable companion plants for tomatoes are; asparagus, chives, onions, parsley, marigolds and carrots. Do not plant near potatoes, corn, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Tomatoes usually germinate within 5-7days (75-95ºF/24-35ºC).
