An heirloom ox heart tomato with large, orange-red fruits. Position: Full sun Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: Average Hardiness: Tender annual Recommended By Raymond Blanc (Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons), this iconic Italian heirloom tomato produces extraordinarily large, meaty, ox-heart shaped fruit in a brilliant orange-red. Growing up to 200g, these beefsteak beauties are perfect for slicing, sauces, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
As an indeterminate variety, 'Cuore di Bue' requires staking and pinching back side shoots to focus energy on ripening its abundant harvest. Sow with a companion such as Calendula to deter whitefly, or basil, chives or mint to ward off aphids. Garden care: For the best yields - remove any sideshoots that develop between stem and leaf stems.
Shake flowers to aid setting. Once plant has reached its 6th truss of flowers, pinch out the top of the main stem to develop the fruits. Keep well-watered and feed weekly once flowers form.
Keep water levels in the soil consistent to prevent blossom end rot and split fruit. Increase water in hot spells and reduce in cool weather to keep the soil constantly damp. Sowing instructions: Sow indoors under gentle heat 1cm (¼”) deep in trays or alternatively two seeds per pot using good quality seed compost.
Lightly cover with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 1-2 weeks. Plant out in a greenhouse from March or outdoors after risk of frost has passed.
Sow: January to March Harvest: August to September