DESCRIPTION
Growing Persimmon Tomato Garden Seeds
Sowing & Growing:
Tomato seeds are best started indoors 5-8 weeks before your region's final spring frost. Begin sowing annual tomato plants with a seed-starting container under grow lights. Plant seeds 1/4" in a warm and rich starting mix. Be sure to expose seedlings to heat and light for the duration of the day and turn them off for 8-10 hours during the night. Persimmon Tomato seeds thrive in a temperature range of 70-85° and at least 60° for germination, which takes 1-2 weeks. Transplant young seedlings to 3" containers. Once summer tomato plants have 2-3 sets of true leaves, harden heirloom tomatoes by exposing them to outside conditions. Sow Persimmon Tomato seeds outdoors once your region's night temperatures don't drop below 50°. This meaty tomato prefers full sun and needs 1" of watering per week. Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering mature plants. Till rich, composted soil and prepare 8-12" holes. Remove the smaller leaves on each plant, leaving a single top set of leaves. Set Persimmon Tomato plants deep in the hole, with only their top set of healthy leaves exposed. Space the plants 2" apart with 3-4" in between rows. Use a trellis for support, as these large beefsteak tomatoes grow 12-16 oz and develop vigorous vines. Even though Persimmon Tomato Seeds are an indeterminate warm season crop, these delicious tomatoes thrive and bloom more towards the end of summer. Tomatoes should be fed by scattering a fertilizer made of peat moss and vermiculite throughout development. Using row covers or mulch will help retain moisture and protect your garden-grown plants all summer long. As this popular heirloom is crack-resistant, tomatoes still need warmer conditions in order to mature successfully. Beefsteak varieties prefer rich, loamy and well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. This spheroid-shaped slicing tomato develops ruffles and turns into bright apricot, blush and light-orange hues that any type of gardener can grow! With its abundant harvest, Persimmon Tomato crops won't disappoint, as their large and juicy fruit are perfect for a fresh summer dish.
Harvesting:
As Persimmon Tomato seeds develop into their large spheroid-shape, these meaty plants should be ready for harvest around 80-85 days from the sowing date. Heirloom slicing-type tomatoes will reach their perfect maturity by late summer and until your region's first frost. Harvest by gently pulling the red fruit from their calyx hat with one hand, while holding the stem with the other. Harvest You can also use gardening shears so you don't damage the 12-16 oz fruit. A popular way to enjoy Persimmon Tomatoes during the warm season is by eating them fresh or with drizzled balsamic, olive oil and basil leaves. You can pick your final round of Persimmon tomatoes before they turn color and allow them to ripen at room temperature.
Facts:
As an heirloom crop, vibrant Persimmon Tomatoes turn various colors of blush, apricot and light-orange hues. Although the specific origin of this beefsteak variety is still up for debate, it's regarded as likely developing in South America, as heirloom tomatoes started growing in Europe around the 1500s
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Solanum lycoperscium |
Variety: |
"Beefsteak Heirloom" |
Color: |
Bright apricot, blush and light-orange hues with ruffles |
Flavor: |
Juicy, meaty and fresh |
Growing Info
Days to Maturity: |
80-90 days |
Hardiness Zones: |
2-11 |
Planting Depth: |
¼" |
Plant Spacing: |
2 Inches |
Row Spacing: |
3-4 Inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright/long-vine |
Soil Preference: |
Loamy, rich and well-drained with pH 6.0-7.0 |
Temp Preference: |
Warmer |
Light Preference: |
Full sun |
Other
Pests/diseases: |
Tomato hornworms, flea beetles and early blight |