Oley Tomato

Why I chose it

I have a definite weakness for orange and yellow tomatoes, particularly varieties that keep producing over a long season, so Oley was always going to get my attention. Even better, this one comes from tomato research here in Aotearoa — a relatively new selection developed from a natural cross of Wally's Spanish. I haven't grown it before, so this season we're finding out together.

At a glance

Type: Medium salad tomato
Growth: Indeterminate
Fruit: Deep orange, medium-sized
Position: Full sun
Support: Sturdy support required
Origin: New Zealand selection

In the kitchen

Oley has been selected for a combination of fruity flavour and tartness, making it particularly suited to fresh eating. Use it sliced into salads and sandwiches, mixed through platters with tomatoes of other colours, or simply eat it straight from the garden. Kings Seeds NZ

In the garden

Oley originated as a natural cross of Wally's Spanish and was selected by New Zealand's Heritage Food Crops Research Trust. It's an indeterminate variety, so rather than producing one concentrated crop it will continue growing and setting fruit through the season while conditions allow. Kings Seeds NZ

Care

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently as the fruit develops and feed during flowering and fruiting. Provide sturdy support and tie in new growth as the plant develops. Protect from frost.

What you'll receive
One healthy, established  tomato seedling grown here at A Garden Between. Plants naturally vary in size and shape and may be supplied in reused nursery pots or growing bags — perfectly useful plastic doesn't need replacing simply because it doesn't match.