Tomato 'Altai'

Solanum lycopersicum

Among the earliest heirloom beefsteaks to ripen with excellent flavor, Altai Orange is known for its resilience in cooler climates and exceptional flavor. Fruity, meaty, and relatively few seeds. Resists cracking and has fairly good Blossom End Rot resistance. What got me was Adaptive's great point: "With tomatoes you can often have two out of three: early maturity, great flavor, and large fruit. Somehow Altai Orange delivers on all three." Believed to have originated in the Altai Mountains, located in the Russian Federation near the borders of Kazakhstan and Mongolia (aka Altaiskiy Oranzhevyi). Indeterminate. Seed is certified organic.

Packet contains approximately 15 seeds.

DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Shape: Beefsteak
Days to maturity: 65–70 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 24” apart in rows 4’ apart
Hybrid status: Open pollinated

SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 75–85°F

How to Grow

Sow indoors 5–6 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. There is no need to start any earlier as leggy, root-bound, or flowering transplants can cause stunting and reduce early production (we even prefer small transplants). Once germinated, grow at 60–70°F.  At first true leaf, pot-up to 50-cell trays or 4" pots. Always bury all the way up to first set of leaves to develop strong root system (plants develop roots from stems).

We mostly grow indeterminate varieties, which are vine-like plants that continue to grow throughout the season. It's best to provide support, such as a tomato cage, trellis, basket weave, or string and clip system (anything they can grow up vertically). Indeterminates benefit by removing all suckers directly below the first flower cluster. Once fruit beings to set, we also prune out any leaves below to encourage air circulation.

Harvest & Storage

Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths.  Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically. 

SHIPPING

FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets

Photo Credit: Adaptive Seeds

FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets

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