How to Grow Orange Red
Wikimedia Commons
Orange Red
Solanum lycopersicum 'Orange Red'
vegetableOrange Red is a determinately-growing tomato variety known for its vibrant orange-red fruits with balanced sweet and tangy flavor. The plants are compact and bush-type, making them ideal for containers and small gardens. This mid-season variety produces medium-sized fruits that ripen to a striking orange-red color.
When should you plant Orange Red in your zone?
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Example Orange Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Orange Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Orange Red
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Orange Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; can be grown as annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) developing into first true leaves
Provide bright grow lights 14-16 hours daily. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Maintain 70-75°F. Thin to strongest seedling if multiple emerge.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks after transplantingBushy compact plant developing sturdy stems and deep green foliage; determinates grow more compact than indeterminates
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting. Space 24 inches apart after last frost. Water consistently. No pruning needed for determinates. Stake or cage early.
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters along stems; determinates flower heavily over a concentrated period
Continue consistent watering. Maintain soil fertility with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Temperatures 65-85°F optimal for pollination. Pollinate by hand or let bees assist.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green fruit develops and enlarges; fruit gradually turns orange-red as it ripens
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase phosphorus and potassium. Continue consistent watering to prevent cracking. Mulch to regulate soil moisture. Prune excess foliage only if fruit is sun-scalded.
Harvest
Continuous over 2-3 weeks for determinates, or until frostFruit reaches full orange-red color with slight give when gently squeezed; rich, balanced flavor at peak ripeness
Harvest fully ripe fruits in morning for best flavor. Can pick at pink stage and ripen indoors if frost threatens. Continue harvesting until plants decline in late season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use yellow sticky traps. Encourage natural predators.
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Increase humidity. Spray with water. Use miticide or neem oil if severe.
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Use resistant varieties. Rotate crops yearly. Remove infected plants immediately.
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Remove lower leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide. Mulch to prevent soil splash.
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryOrange Red tomatoes offer a balanced sweet-tart flavor profile that works well fresh in salads, sandwiches, and as a snack. The medium size and meaty flesh make them versatile for slicing and serving. [source]
Sauces and cooking
CulinaryThe moderate acid content and balanced flavor make Orange Red suitable for sauces, salsas, and cooked preparations. Less watery than cherry tomatoes, they concentrate well when cooked. [source]
Antioxidant-rich food
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene and beta-carotene, compounds studied for potential cardiovascular and cancer-fighting properties. The orange-red color indicates high carotenoid content. [source]
Container gardening
HouseholdAs a determinant (bush-type) variety, Orange Red is ideal for growing in large containers (5+ gallons) on patios and balconies, making it perfect for limited-space gardeners. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract and provide pollen for bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity while ensuring fruit set. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruit is fully orange-red and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Pick in the morning for best flavor and shelf life. Ripe fruits can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in a cool spot for up to a week. For determinates, most fruit ripens within a narrow window, allowing bulk harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tomatoes were domesticated in Mexico and were called 'xitomatl' by the Aztecs; the word 'tomato' comes from this indigenous language.
- 🌱 Orange-colored tomato varieties contain higher levels of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) compared to red varieties, making them particularly nutritious.
- 🌱 Determinant tomatoes like Orange Red were bred specifically for commercial canneries and home gardeners who wanted one concentrated harvest rather than all-season picking.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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