The 'Orange Russian' tomato variety attracts everyone's attention with its flaming orange-red colour. Introducing the Unusual Oxheart Tomato.
The orange-red ox heart tomato 'Orange Russian' convinces with its tasty, large fruits. You can find everything about the history, properties and tips for growing the oxheart tomato here.
'Orange Russian': Profile
| Synonyms | 'Orange Russian 117' |
| Fruit | Beefsteak tomato; orange-red striped with yellow and pink inclusions |
| Flavour | fruity, sweet |
| Maturity | medium late |
| Growth | Stick tomato, up to 2 m |
| Location | Greenhouse, protected outdoor area |
Origin and History
The 'Orange Russian' variety comes from the USA, more precisely from California. She originated there from a cross between 'Russian 117' and 'Georgia Streak' and was selected by Jeff Dawson. Its real name is therefore 'Orange Russian 117', but the number is omitted in most cases. As a favorite variety, this unique ox heart tomato has established itself as a permanent part of the range for tomato fans all over the world.
Oxheart Tomato Flavor and Characteristics
The 'Orange Russian' reaches a height of about two meters and produces heart-shaped fruits up to 10 centimeters in size. These can weigh up to 300 grams and, when ripe, turn an attractive orange-red striped color with yellow and pink inclusions. It ripens mid-late and can be harvested for the first time from mid-August. The taste of the 'Orange Russian' is fruity and sweet, the flesh melts softly with only a few seeds. The 'Orange Russian' tomato variety is seed-resistant, so you can collect your own tomato seeds, dry them and sow them again next year.
Cultivation and care of the 'Orange Russian' tomato
The 'Orange Russian' should definitely have oneget a sheltered, warm location. Without rain protection, it is quite susceptible to fungal diseases and tends to grow poorly and produce poor yields in unprotected outdoor areas. In the greenhouse, on the other hand, it can produce a lot of fruit and stays he althy with good care. Too high humidity should be avoided because of the velvet spot disease (Cladosporium fulvum). From the beginning of May, the young plant of the 'Orange Russian' can be placed in the greenhouse, in the protected field only after the ice saints from mid-May. For difficult soils that are heavy, compacted or very poor in nutrients, we recommend using our Plantura organic tomato soil. The high proportion of compost has a particularly positive effect on soil life and soil structure. The nutrients it contains also supply the young plant in the first growth phase. After planting, don't forget to water and support the tall growing 'Orange Russian'.
As an oxheart tomato, the 'Orange Russian' can be grown with one or two sprouts. Here you leave one of the lowest side shoots and pinch out all the others. Pinching out the tomatoes must be repeated regularly to remove all subsequent pincers. As soon as the fruit begins to form, fertilizer should be applied to ensure the plant is well supplied with nutrients. Our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer is easily worked into the soil and decomposed there by the soil organisms. In this way, the granulate releases its nutrients slowly and evenly for the tomato roots. Proper watering and mulching of tomatoes outdoors and in greenhouses is an important issue to keep the plants he althy and vital.
Harvesting and Using 'Orange Russian'
The fruits of the 'Orange Russian' should mainly be eaten fresh, as this is how the fruity-sweet taste comes into its own. An orange tomato soup can also be made from the ox hearts, which not only impresses with its special colour.
There are a few things to consider when growing tomatoes in polytunnels and greenhouses. We give tips on buying a greenhouse, choosing a variety and growing the nightshade plants.