Tomato ox heart: cultivation, care and harvest
Soil condition
Oxheart tomatoes do best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It is advisable to enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve the nutrient supply.
Calendar for the farmer
| month | Occupation |
|---|---|
| March to April | Sowing of tomato ox heart indoors |
| May to June | transplanting seedlings outdoors |
| June to August | Regular watering, fertilizing and removing weeds |
| August to September | Harvest of tomato ox heart |
| September to October | Remove tomato plants |
It is important to sow tomato oxheart indoors to ensure plants receive enough heat and light during the initial growth phase. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be planted outdoors in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
During the growth phase, tomato ox heart must be watered and fertilized regularly. Weeds should be removed regularly so as not to impair the growth of the plants.
Harvesting of tomato ox heart usually takes place in late summer or early autumn, when the fruit is fully ripe and has a deep red colour. After harvest, the tomato plants should be removed to make room for other plants in the next growing year.
Sowing and planting
The ox heart tomatoes should be sown about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds in potting soil and place the pots in a warm, bright spot. After germination and when the plants are at least 10 cm tall, they can be transplanted outdoors or into larger pots. Be sure to keep a planting distance of about 60 to 80 cm.
Cost of seed tomato ox heart
Here is an updated tomato seed price comparison chart that includes four additional varieties:
| Tomato variety | Number of seeds | Price (in euros) |
|---|---|---|
| tomato ox heart | 20 | 2.99 |
| Tomato Vivagrande | 10 | 3.49 |
| Tomato Resibella | 15 | 4.99 |
| Tomato Rubylicious | 20 | 4.99 |
| Tomato marmande | 50 | 2.49 |
| Tomato Green Zebra | 25 | 3.99 |
| Tomato San Marzano | 30 | 4.49 |
| Tomato Black Crimea | 20 | 4.99 |
| Tomato Brandywine | 15 | 5.99 |
Caring for the oxheart tomatoes
watering and fertilizing
Oxheart tomatoes need a steady water supply to ensure healthy growth and good fruiting. Water the plants regularly, but without causing waterlogging. It is advisable to use an organic fertilizer in the first few weeks after planting and later switch to a special tomato fertilizer.
Here is a table with the 10 most popular fertilizers for tomato ox heart and their prices:
| Fertilizers | Quantity | Price (in euros) |
|---|---|---|
| Neudorff Azet tomato and vegetable fertilizer | 1 kg | 8.99 |
| COMPO BIO tomato fertilizer | 1L | 9.99 |
| Cuxin tomato fertilizer | 1 kg | 7.99 |
| Substral tomato and vegetable fertilizer | 1 l | 7.99 |
| COMPO tomatoes long-term fertilizer | 750 g | 9.99 |
| Naturen organic tomato fertilizer | 1.5 kg | 9.99 |
| COMPO Guano tomato and vegetable fertilizer | 1 kg | 10.99 |
| Neudorff tomato and vegetable fertilizer | 1 liter | 7.99 |
| Kölle’s organic tomato fertilizer | 1 kg | 8.99 |
| Oscorna animalin tomato fertilizer | 25 kg | 49.99 |
Diseases and pests
The most common diseases in oxheart tomatoes include brown rot and powdery mildew. To prevent this, you should ensure adequate air circulation and not plant the plants too densely. Pests such as aphids and whiteflies can be controlled with beneficial insects or non-insecticides.
supporting and cutting
Since oxheart tomatoes can grow quite large and heavy, it is advisable to support the plants with sticks or trellis. Remove side shoots regularly to encourage vigorous growth and keep the plant upright.
Harvest and storage
Time of harvest
The right time to harvest the oxheart tomatoes is when they have assumed their characteristic color and are slightly soft to the touch. However, they should not be harvested when they are overripe, as this can lead to a mealy-mushy pulp.
Storage and shelf life
Oxheart tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for a few days. However, they should not be stored in the refrigerator as this can affect the taste. To extend their shelf life, tomatoes can be frozen, dried, or canned.
Taste and use
Tomato ox heart is a tasty and versatile tomato variety that is ideal for many dishes. Here are three popular recipes you can try with tomato ox heart:
- Caprese Salad: This Italian classic is easy to prepare and perfect for warm summer days. Slice tomato, ox heart and fresh mozzarella cheese and arrange on a plate. Sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
- Tomato sauce: Tomato ox heart is ideal for making homemade tomato sauce. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and fry them in olive oil. Add chopped garlic and onions and sauté until soft. Then add tomato paste, salt, pepper and your favorite spices and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve the sauce over pasta or as a base for pizza.
- Tomato Salad: This simple and refreshing salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Slice tomato ox heart and arrange on a plate. Add chopped red onions, chopped fresh parsley and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Optionally, you can also add feta cheese or olives to add variety to the salad.