Organic 'Orange Icicle' Tomato
Organic 'Orange Icicle' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a long, bright orange tomato with citrus notes, sweet and extraordinarily versatile
The 'Orange Icicle' tomato is an exceptional Ukrainian heirloom variety, prized for its bright orange, elongated fruits , reminiscent of icicles, and for its sweet, rich, and intensely fruity flavor, marked by surprising citrus notes . Indeterminate and highly productive, it yields an abundance of extra-long, fleshy tomatoes with few seeds, just the right amount of juiciness, and an irresistibly vibrant color. This variety has won over many gardeners thanks to its culinary prowess: it produces a remarkable orange ketchup , a vibrant salsa , and beautifully fragrant sauces.
Its sweet and succulent fruits also make it an excellent tomato to eat fresh, straight from the garden. 'Orange Icicle' is an undisputed winner where it is grown, combining productivity, originality and exceptional taste — a true masterpiece of traditional Ukrainian breeding.
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, citrus flavor, very productive, ideal for sauces and ketchup, Ukrainian variety
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C until germination, usually in 5 to 10 days . Then reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening-off to produce stronger seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (watering level 3) , and sturdy staking , as the long orange tomatoes can be numerous and heavy.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit displays its characteristic bright orange color. To advance the harvest, pick those showing their first signs of color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store between 12 and 21°C in 95% relative humidity to preserve their dense texture and sweetness.
Usage ideas
• Excellent for homemade orange ketchup , surprisingly fragrant
• Perfect in colorful salsa , where its citrus notes shine
• Delicious fresh , perfect for eating straight from the garden
• Ideal for rich, mild pasta sauces , thanks to its thick flesh
The 'Orange Icicle' tomato is a treasure of Ukrainian breeding: original, generous, sweet, and vibrant. A must-have variety for anyone wanting to grow a truly unique tomato, both decorative and extraordinarily flavorful.
