Organic 'Orange Banana' Tomato
Organic 'Orange Banana' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a long and sweet tomato with a fruity flavor, perfect for drying and preserving.
The 'Orange Banana' tomato is an irresistible heirloom variety that charms with its elongated shape reminiscent of a small banana and its sweet, vibrant, and fruity flavor . Indeterminate and productive, it yields numerous bright orange fruits with firm, slightly juicy flesh, similar to that of a Roma tomato, making it ideal for drying , canning, thick sauces, or simmering dishes. Each fruit releases a rich, slightly sweet, sun-kissed aroma, perfect for those who love colorful and unique tomatoes.
Its dense texture and regular shape make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a processing tomato that is both decorative and flavorful. 'Orange Banana' produces generously throughout the season, even under varying growing conditions.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Elongated orange fruits shaped like bananas, very sweet, Roma texture, excellent for drying and preserving
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Bury seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to ensure rapid germination, usually in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce robust, stress-resistant plants.
Transplant outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart and leave 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is necessary to support the numerous elongated fruit clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruits display their characteristic bright orange color. To advance the harvest, pick tomatoes that have already begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them between 12 and 21°C , at 95% relative humidity , to maintain their firm texture.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for drying , producing sweet and fragrant strips
• Ideal for preserves , sauces and thick coulis
• Delicious roasted or candied , further concentrating its fruity notes
• Interesting in colorful salads , offering a bright sweetness
The 'Orange Banana' tomato is a little ray of sunshine: original, sweet, productive, and perfect for processing. A must-have heirloom variety for gardeners looking for a truly distinctive orange-fleshed tomato.
