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Raspberry tomato: cultivation & care
The ‘Raspberry’ tomato is a unique, pink beefsteak tomato. In the following article, find out how to plant the ‘Raspberry’ oxheart tomato variety in your garden and how to care for it properly.
The ‘Raspberry’ oxheart tomato has an enticingly full flavour, delicate pink colour and high yield. We will introduce you to this tomato enthusiast’s variety and give tips on growing and harvesting it.
Contents
‘Raspberry’ tomato variety: profile
| Fruit | Beef tomato, pink |
| Flavour | Juicy, tangy, fruity |
| Ripening time | Early |
| Growth | Indeterminate, up to 160 cm in height |
| Location | Greenhouse, outdoors (with shelter from rain) |
Origin and history of the ‘Raspberry’ tomato plant
The ‘Raspberry’ heirloom tomato variety originates from Poland. It is a heritage variety that has been preserved through generations of tomato enthusiasts and hobby gardeners.
Description and taste
The large fruits of the ‘Raspberry’ tomato reach a weight of up to 500 g while the plants grow to a height of about 160 cm. The plump, slightly ribbed pink fruits ripen from mid-July in clusters of roughly three tomatoes. Healthy ‘Raspberry’ tomato plant cultivation leads to high yields of fruits with very thin skin and juicy flesh. With its tangy, fruity, and aromatic taste, it is considered a gourmet tomato. Being an heirloom (seed-saving) variety, you can save the tomato seeds yourself for the cultivation of next year’s plants.
‘Raspberry’ tomato plant: growing and care
Greenhouse tomato cultivation suits the ‘Raspberry’ variety well, but it can also be grown outdoors, provided there is shelter from rain. This is because the fruits burst easily when it rains, and the plants are susceptible to late blight (Phytophthora infestans). On the other hand, this variety does not mind cold temperatures; even in cool summers it produces a good yield. Plant the ‘Raspberry’ oxheart tomato in the greenhouse from the beginning of May. However, wait until at least the middle of May for growing outside, and make sure to harden off the young plants for 1 to 2 weeks before moving them outside permanently. To improve the soil in the bed and in the greenhouse, dig and fill a hole with a specially adapted compost, like our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost, before placing the young plants in it. The compost promotes microorganisms and improves the soil structure in the bed in the long term. The nutrients in this compost nourish the tomato plants in the first weeks after planting and support healthy growth and abundant flowering. After planting, water the tomato plant generously.
- Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables such as chillies, courgettes & more
- For strong & healthy plant growth as well as an abundant vegetable harvest
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
As a short bush plant, the ‘Raspberry’ tomato grows very well with two shoots. To do this, leave one low side shoot and carefully remove all other shoots. Repeat tomato plant pruning roughly every fortnight, so that the plant does not waste resources on the growth of the side shoots instead of the fruit. Fertilise from June onwards with a slow-release fertiliser, like our Plantura Tomato Food. The plant-based granulate is absorbed into the soil surface around the plants and is then slowly and evenly broken down by the soil organisms to release its nutrients for the tomato roots.
- Perfect for tomatoes, chillies, courgettes, cucumber & more
- For healthy plants & an abundant tomato harvest
- Long-lasting fertiliser that is free from animal products - child & pet friendly
Harvesting and using ‘Raspberry’ tomatoes
As soon as the ‘Raspberry’ tomato starts to turn pink, it is ready for harvesting. You can harvest the tasty beef tomato until the first frost. It is best eaten fresh, in salads, sandwiches, or simply as a snack. Of course, they can also be cooked, but their aromatic flavour is best enjoyed raw.
Are you familiar with the unusual green tomato varieties? We love them for their fruity-fresh taste and their light and dark shades of green that add variety to the nightshade family.
