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Solanaceae
Lycopersicon esculentum 'Opalka'
Heirloom Paste Tomato, Opalka Tomato, Tomato
The unusually long, deep red paste tomatoes of 'Opalka' are uncommonly sweet and have few seeds. They are produced in abundance on indeterminant vines that originate from Poland. Some consider this one of the best heirloom paste and sauce tomatoes for flavor. Vines produce fruits around 85 days after planting.
The garden tomato is a short-lived tender perennial vine that is grown as an annual crop. Its compound leaves are medium green, hairy and have a strong fragrance. Some vines have thick, potato-like leaves while others have more delicate, dissected leaves. Mature vines produce star-shaped yellow flowers in clusters along the branches. Most modern types are self-fertile.
Tomato plants have two growth types, determinant and indeterminate. Determinant tomatoes have short bushy habits, do not vine, and set fruit over a four to six week period. They are easy to maintain and well-suited to container culture. In contrast, indeterminate vines grow very large and produce a large crop of fruit over a longer period but require more care.
Tomatoes require full sun and perfectly drained, slightly acid to neutral garden loam. The vines root along the stems and should be planted deep for better establishment. They are cold sensitive, so plant after the danger of frost has past. Production and fruit flavor are best when both nights and days are warm. The fruits themselves are cold sensitive and become tough and less flavorful under cool temperatures, so refrain from storing them in the refrigerator if you can. In subtropical locations, tomatoes can be grown as a winter crop—if temperatures remain warm enough.
These veggies are heavy feeders, so it is important to feed and water them regularly for best growth and production. Be sure to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes, and avoid over-watering because too much water can reduce flavor and cause cracking.
Tomatoes are susceptible to a wide range of pests and other problems. There are hundreds of varieties available, many of which are resistant. For more information on tomato diseases see the general entry for Lycopersicon esculentum.
12 - 1
11 - 15
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun
6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
Indeterminate
Mexico, Central America, South America
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Vining/Climbing
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Yellow
Red, Dark Red
Green, Dark Green
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Vine
Butterflies
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