Tomato, Red Ponderosa

   Red PonderosaTomato

Heirloom. Organic. AKA Red Ponderosa or Crimson Cushion) Considered the original heirloom "Beefsteak" tomato. An old-time favorite that has been popular for many years due to it's excellent productivity and wonderful taste. Our organic tomato seeds produce lush, thick, indeterminate, regular-leaf, tomato plants that yield from vigorous vines, 4 to 5-inch, slightly ribbed, bright-red tomatoes that have spectacularly delicious, sweet flavors. This tomato's excellent taste and meaty flesh make it an ideal tomato for eating fresh or cooking, for slicing into sandwiches, using in salads or for canning!

Planting Red Ponderosa Tomatoes While starting seeds of the Red Ponderosa Tomato is not necessarily difficult, the right conditions will make the process successful.  Some gardeners sow Red Ponderosa Tomato Seeds directly in the ground in the spring when the threat of frost has passed or start in containers one to two to four weeks before transplanting into soil. Keep the ground moist but not wet for the first couple of weeks. Pick a sunny, well-drained spot for planting for the best performance. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position.  Heirloom / Open Pollinated Red Ponderosa Tomatoes are hot weather loving plants that prefer well drained loose soil and an even amount of water. Plant heirloom Red Ponderosa Tomatoes in rows or hills but make sure the soil is well warmed. In cooler climates, you can start Red Ponderosa Tomato seeds indoors 2-4 wks. before last frost to extend the growing season. Plant seeds 1/4" deep. Plant seeds or set out Red Ponderosa Tomato transplants in full sun. For rows plant 24-36" apart, in rows 24’' apart. Germination should occur in 10-15 days in soil 70-85°F. 

Height: 8-10’ (indeterminate vine)   Spacing: 24-36" inches, 24 inches between plants Depth: 1/4  inch Germination: 10-15 days

Starting from Seed Indoors

Generally, the time to start your seeds is about 2-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area, planting the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date. Another way to figure is to plan on setting out sturdy seedlings in the garden when night temperatures stay in the mid-50 degree range both day and night. Count back and sow seeds 2-4 weeks before that date normally arrives. Place a few seeds (5 to 10) into each pot and push them into the soil with your finger. Cover the seeds to a depth of approximately 1/2 inches of the potting mix. Mist each  pot with water until the soil appears moist. Place the pots in an area which will provide both light (which is required for germination) and heat, preferably about 65 to 70 degrees F and at least 8 hours of light each day. Check on the seeds every day and keep the seeds damp but not drenched by misting with your plant mister. You should see sprouting in about 5 to 10 days. Once your seedlings have reached about 1 to 2 inches in height, choose an area in your garden to transfer them. You can also use containers like barrels or clay pots. Dig holes twice the width and depth of each of your pots. Fill up each hole with water then let it drain off. Place a pot in the hole center and level so that your seedling is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Push dirt in carefully all the way to fill the hole back up. Water each seedling carefully so as not to soak the leaves or stem.

Direct-seeding into the Garden

Turn over the area you've selected to a depth of approximately 1/2 inches. Rake the area until it's level and smooth. Water the area until the soil is damp but not saturated. Scatter the seeds in the area. Gently rake the area to distribute the seeds further and protect them from birds. Or, press the seeds into the soil and cover with no more than 1/4 inches of soil. You can also place 2 to 3 seeds every 24 to 36 inches in rows approximately 24 inches apart, and cover seeds with 1/4 inches of soil. Place planting stakes around the area so you will know where to water. Check on your seeds about once a day. Make sure to mist the soil whenever it appears dry. Germination for the Red Ponderosa Tomato is approximately 10 to 15 days, depending on the warmth of the soil.   

Germination Problems

Growing plants from seeds successfully depends on a lot of factors and this makes it impossible to guarantee success on every batch of seeds planted.  Factors include, soil composition, PH, temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, soil density, seed viability, seed storage and many others.  We tested the germination of all our seeds and this seed variety is around 80%, but your results may vary based on exactly how you plant and all the environmental factors.  Good luck.