Amana Orange Heirloom Tomato Seeds Lycopersicon esculentum
This easy to grow heirloom tomato is super easy to grow and is a hit with vegetable gardeners! The Amana Orange variety produces massive tomatoes that can weigh up to 2 pounds and reach 5" in diameter. It's a beefsteak type with a mild flavor that takes about 85 days to ripen. It's indeterminate.
The Amana Orange tomato hails from Iowa and was sourced from Gary Staley in Brandon, Florida, who named it after the Amana Colonies in Amana, Iowa. These Colonies have been a National Historic Landmark since 1965 and were once self-sufficient communities of German Pietists. They brought their traditions and crafts from Germany, including heirloom vegetables like the Amana Orange.
Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique that improves germination and the strength of seedlings. It involves soaking seeds in water or a nutrient solution for a set period, allowing them to start the germination process without actually sprouting fully.
Benefits of Priming Amana Orange tomato
Faster Germination: Seeds that have been primed usually sprout quicker than those that haven’t.
Improved Vigor: Seedlings from primed seeds tend to grow stronger and establish better.
Enhanced Stress Resistance: Priming helps seedlings cope with environmental challenges like drought or temperature changes.
How to Prime Amana Orange tomato Seeds
Soaking: Put the seeds in a container filled with water or a nutrient solution. Soak them for 8-12 hours.
Draining: After soaking, get rid of the extra water.
Drying: Lay the seeds out on a paper towel or a clean surface to dry for a few hours. Make sure they’re not stuck together.
Sowing: Once they’re dry, plant the seeds at the recommended depth and spacing.
Amana Orange tomato offer several medicinal benefits, including boosting immunity due to their high vitamin C content, improving heart health through dietary fiber, and aiding digestion. They also contain tomatidine, which has anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
Sowing: Begin growing tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost. Plant the seeds in a flat, 1/4" deep and spaced 1" apart. Maintain a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until they germinate, ensuring they get enough light from a sunny window or a grow light; keep the soil moist but ensure it drains well. Once the second set of leaves appears, move the seedlings into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest leaves for stronger roots. A week before you plant them outside, start acclimating them to the outdoor conditions during the day to harden them off; tomatoes can't handle cold weather, so wait until there's no frost threat. When the soil temperature hits at least 70 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and rich soil; again, bury the entire stem up to the lowest leaves. If you're using a trellis, space the plants 2' apart, but if you want them to spread out, give them 3-4' of space. For companion planting, pair tomatoes with carrots or onions, but steer clear of cabbage or potatoes.
Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties usually thrive best with a trellis or some support, as this helps protect them from pests and diseases linked to too much soil contact. Set up the supports before the seedlings start to vine. As the vines grow, tie them to the support to aid their development. Since temperatures below 55 degrees F can harm production, make sure to protect the plants if it gets cold. A thick layer of mulch will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay; water the plants weekly, but try not to wet the leaves. Pruning the "suckers"—the shoots that sprout between the main stem and branches—will significantly boost the plant's production and strength.
Harvesting: To check if tomatoes are ripe, gently press them; the flesh should give a little. The color also shows they're ready. If the stem doesn't come off the vine easily, use scissors to cut it. Tomatoes that ripen on the vine taste the best, but when frost hits, you need to pick all tomatoes, even the green ones. If you have unripe tomatoes, they can still ripen if you keep them warm and out of direct sunlight.
Seed Saving: Since most tomato varieties don't cross-pollinate, you don't have to worry about isolation. Choose fully ripe tomatoes and slice them in half horizontally; then squeeze the pulp into a container. For smaller tomatoes, you can blend them instead, as Amana orange heirloom tomato seeds are tough and won't get damaged. Let the mixture sit for a few days until a thick layer of mold forms; this helps remove the gelatinous coating on the seeds. After that, pour off the mold and debris, keeping the good seeds at the bottom. Rinse the seeds in a strainer under running water until they're clean, then lay them out to dry in a safe spot away from direct sunlight. Stir them twice daily, and use a fan to help them dry faster if the air is humid. Once the Amana orange heirloom tomato seeds are fully dry, store them in a cool, dry place for up to four years.
Health Advantages of Amana Orange tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes, a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, also provide numerous health benefits owing to their rich nutritional profile.
Nutritional Composition
Nutrient Amount per 100g Daily Value (%)
Calories 28 -
Total Fat 0 g 0%
Sodium 16 mg 1%
Potassium 251 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 6.3 g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1.4 g 6%
Vitamin A 16% -
Vitamin C 48% -
Vitamin K 90 mcg 75%
Significant Health Benefits
1. Enhances Immune Function
High in vitamin C, which fortifies the immune system and assists in combating infections.
2. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Abundant in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and diminish the risk of heart disease.
3. Aids Digestive Health
Contains dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps prevent constipation.
4. Encourages Healthy Skin
The antioxidants and vitamins found in green tomatoes aid in collagen production, contributing to youthful skin.
5. Supports Weight Control
Low in calories and high in water content, they can help manage appetite and facilitate weight loss.
6. Possible Cancer-Inhibiting Properties
Contains tomatine, a compound that may hinder the proliferation of cancer cells.
Cooking Suggestions
Amana Orange tomato can be savored in numerous ways, including in salads or as a side dish. For a healthier alternative, consider baking them instead of frying to preserve their nutritional benefits while minimizing fat content.
Latin Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Indeterminate, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 10,000
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: Orange
