Description
Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Old Flame (Yellow-Pink Large Slicing Beefsteak)
Heritage: West Virginia, USA
This is a large, dinner-plate beefsteak variety, of vague origin. It believed that they were first recorded growing in West Virginia in the 1880’s.
Mild-mannered plants produce only 2-3 fruits each. Size of the slightly flattened fruit varies between 5-6” (13-15cm) in diameter, weighing up to 3lbs each (1.3kg). The skin is a variegation of yellow and light peach, with a fuchsia flame shooting through the centre of the entire fruit – so beautiful! Flesh is full-bodied and tender. Flavour is a palate-pleasing combination of mild sweetness with a very low acidic content. Slow to mature, but lovely to look at, and a delight to taste. Determinate. Matures in 90-95+ days. (310 seeds/g)
Largest Old Flame Tomato we grew: 13.2oz = just under 1 lb = 375g
Determinate plants grow as a bush, and are generally smaller than indeterminate varieties, producing and ripening their entire crop of fruit all at once (within a span of 1-2 weeks depending on the variety). This could be your preference if you are looking to preserve or sauce an entire batch at once.
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).