VegetableTomato
Amana Orange Tomato
From the historic Amana Colonies of Iowa comes this magnificent heirloom that produces massive bright orange tomatoes weighing up to two pounds and measuring five inches across. Ready in 80-89 days, Amana Orange thrives in zones 3-10 with its indeterminate vines reaching 3-8 feet tall. This treasured variety offers sweet, tangy flavors reminiscent of pineapple without the acidity, making it perfect for adding vibrant color to salads and salsas. What truly sets this tomato apart is its remarkable size combined with exceptional flavor and deep agricultural heritage.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
96 in
Height
TypeIndeterminate
Spacing
24
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-10
Size
96in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Amana Orange stands as one of the most impressive heirloom tomatoes you can grow, producing colossal fruits that can reach two pounds each with stunning bright orange color. The flavor profile is extraordinary, offering sweet and tangy notes that mimic pineapple without harsh acidity, creating a bright and lively taste experience. Its indeterminate growth habit ensures continuous harvests throughout the season, while the massive size makes each tomato a show-stopping centerpiece for fresh dishes. This Iowa treasure combines visual impact with exceptional taste, representing generations of careful seed preservation.
Common Uses
This versatile slicing tomato excels in fresh applications where its massive size and vibrant orange color can shine. Perfect for creating colorful salads and salsas when mixed with red varieties, it also makes stunning sandwiches where single slices provide substantial coverage. The sweet, tangy flavor with pineapple notes makes it excellent for fresh eating and adds bright, lively flavor to any dish requiring fresh tomatoes.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining, loose soil mix. Maintain temperatures between 65-85°F for optimal germination, which occurs in 7-10 days. Provide adequate light to prevent leggy seedlings, using a sunny windowsill or supplemental fluorescent lights.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed, typically 7-9 weeks after the last spring frost. Plant seedlings at the same depth as in seed trays, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage additional root development. Space plants 24 inches apart with 36-inch row spacing.
Harvesting
Harvest when tomatoes display vibrant orange color with a slight give when gently squeezed and a glossy appearance. As an indeterminate variety, fruits ripen continuously throughout the season rather than all at once. Use clean, sharp shears or pruning scissors to cut the stem, leaving a small portion attached to prevent damage. Check plants regularly during peak season for ripe fruits, as the prolonged harvest window allows for continuous picking of these massive tomatoes.
Pruning
As an indeterminate variety, regular pruning is essential for optimal growth and fruit production. Remove suckers that develop between the main stem and branches to direct energy to fruit development. Prune lower leaves regularly to enhance air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Continue pruning throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and productivity.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Solanum
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“The Amana Orange Tomato carries a rich heritage rooted in the Amana Colonies, a communal settlement in Iowa renowned for its agricultural traditions and commitment to preserving heirloom varieties. This open-pollinated treasure has been carefully maintained for generations, representing a direct connection to the region's agricultural past and the community's dedication to seed saving. The variety was specifically bred and selected for its sweet, subtle flavor profile and vibrant orange coloration, with careful attention paid to creating a tomato that could thrive in various climates while maintaining its exceptional taste characteristics. The Amana Colonies' agricultural legacy lives on through this remarkable variety, which embodies traditional farming practices and the preservation of unique flavors that might otherwise be lost to time.”