Plum Tomato
This Polish heirloom produces remarkable pointed tomatoes that look more like red peppers than traditional tomatoes, each weighing 5 to 8 ounces and measuring an impressive 3 by 6 inches. Wispy indeterminate vines reach 6 feet tall and bear these unique paste tomatoes with minimal seeds and jelly, making them ideal for sauce-making. At 85 days to harvest, Opalka delivers both distinctive appearance and exceptional processing qualities that have made it treasured by Polish families for generations.
Full Sun
Moderate
?-?
72in H x ?in W
Annual, Perennial
High
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Opalka stands apart with its elongated pepper-like shape and exceptional processing qualities. These striking tomatoes contain remarkably few seeds and minimal jelly, creating dense, meaty flesh perfect for authentic tomato paste and sauces. The unique pointed form, combined with savory acidic notes and fruity undertones, makes this Polish heirloom both visually distinctive and culinarily superior for sauce-making. Despite their delicate-looking wispy vines, these plants are generous producers of these specialty paste tomatoes.
Opalka excels specifically in processing applications where its low seed and jelly content shine. These tomatoes are perfect for creating thick, authentic tomato paste, rich spaghetti sauce, robust pizza sauce, and any recipe requiring meaty, concentrated tomato flavor. The dense flesh and minimal liquid content mean less cooking time to achieve thick consistency, making them particularly valuable for sauce-makers and home food preservation.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in a warm location with ample light, typically requiring supplemental lighting for best germination and early growth.
Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed, spacing plants 24 inches apart with proper staking already in place.
Harvest these distinctive tomatoes at 85 days when they reach full red color and the characteristic 3 by 6 inch elongated shape is well-developed. The pepper-like fruits should feel firm but give slightly to gentle pressure, indicating the dense flesh has reached peak flavor and processing quality.
Begin pruning when plants reach approximately 24 inches high to establish strong structure for these tall indeterminate vines. Continue removing suckers and lower leaves throughout the growing season to maintain good air circulation and direct energy into fruit production on the wispy but productive vines.
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“Opalka represents the rich tomato heritage of Poland, where families have grown this distinctive paste variety for generations. This heirloom variety made its way to American gardens through seed preservation efforts that recognized its unique combination of unusual shape and exceptional processing qualities. The name itself reflects its Polish origins, and the variety has been carefully maintained by gardeners who appreciate both its cultural significance and superior sauce-making properties.”