Uluru Ochre Tomato – BC

Description

Uluru Ochre Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a unique dwarf tomato developed as part of the Dwarf Tomato Project. It originated from a cross between Orange Heirloom and Rosella Purple, made by Australian breeder Patrina Nuske Small. The variety produces medium to large, oblate and slightly ribbed fruits with unusual ochre-orange coloring and darker green to olive shoulders. The juicy, tender flesh has a rich, sweet flavor with distinctive smoky undertones. Fruits generally weigh around 200–450 g.

The plants have sturdy stems, rugose regular leaves and a compact growth habit, reaching approximately 1–1.2 m. Although dwarf and compact, Uluru Ochre is indeterminate and benefits from support, especially when carrying its heavy fruit load. It is also well suited to containers and smaller gardens.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Start seeds indoors: August
• Transplant outdoors: October

Planting & Care Tips

• Sow seeds about 0.5 cm deep in a warm, well-drained seed-starting mix.
• Germination usually takes 7–14 days.
• Transplant seedlings 45–60 cm apart.
• Grow in full sun with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Provide a sturdy stake or tomato cage to support the heavy fruits.
• Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Add compost and a balanced tomato fertilizer during the growing season.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage at the expense of fruit production.
• Harvest when the fruits develop their characteristic ochre-orange color and begin to soften slightly.