Organic 'Valencia' Tomato
Organic 'Valencia' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a fleshy and flavorful apricot-orange variety
The 'Valencia' tomato is a mid-season heirloom variety prized for its oval, apricot-orange fruit, weighing between 8 and 10 oz. Its flesh is meaty, firm, juicy, and contains very few seeds, making it ideal for salads, slices, thick sauces, or canning. Its flavor is that of a classic tomato, well-balanced between sweetness and acidity. Cold-tolerant and very reliable even in regions with shorter summers, this indeterminate variety requires good staking to support its vigorous and productive plants.
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 : 100 to 180 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Apricot-orange fruit, firm flesh, very few seeds, excellent for sauces and slices
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Place seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for germination in 5 to 10 days. Reduce watering and nitrogen application during hardening-off to promote stronger seedlings before planting out.
Transplant outdoors after 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). As this is an indeterminate variety, provide sturdy support.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the fruit when its apricot-orange color is fully developed. To advance the harvest, pick when the tomato shows its first hint of orange and let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher. Store the fruit between 12 and 21°C, with a relative humidity of around 95%.
Usage ideas
• Ideal in salads or sliced for gourmet sandwiches
• Excellent for thick sauces thanks to its low seed content
• Perfect for colorful preserves or coulis
• Delicious roasted or grilled to intensify its aromas
• Adds a lovely orange variation to trays of heirloom tomatoes
The 'Valencia' tomato is a reliable, flavorful, and versatile heirloom variety. Its apricot color and meaty texture make it a remarkable tomato both in the garden and in the kitchen.
