Azoychka Tomato DF

Solanum lycopersicum

Yellow indeterminate beefsteak tomato suited for growing under reduced irrigation or no irrigation (will also perform well with regular irrigation). In Oregon State University's 2020 Dry Farm Tomato Variety Trial, Azoychka produced the highest yield with lowest blossom end rot (the major challenge of dry farming tomatoes) of non-red tomatoes. In their 2021 dry farm tomato trials with that year's extreme heat, Azoychka ranked lower, suggesting it is best suited to moderate but not extremely harsh drought and heat conditions. Production is concentrated in the early- to mid-season. It may be best to grow it as a determinate. Azoychka produces medium-sized, dense, round to oblate fruit with fair sweetness and moderate citrus tang. Its bright lemon yellow colour glows in the field or greenhouse. Standard leaf.

Growing: Transplant. If you can provide enough heat and light, tomatoes can be started up to 8 weeks before intended transplant date. Sow seeds into individual pots or cells 1/2" deep, or start larger amounts in flats. Use bottom heat for germination. Move seedlings into larger pots once roots are peeking out the bottom. Transplant 1-3' apart, once nighttime low temperatures are at least 10° C — ideally higher. Harden off before putting out. While this is an indeterminate tomato, it has weak late-season production so could be grown in cages or similar as a determinate tomato.

Dry growing (growing without watering or minimal watering): Choose a site with moisture-retentive but well draining, fertile soil. Well-worked, heavier soils with good soil structure are ideal, but sandier soils may succeed if they have high organic matter. Choose a sheltered site if possible; mulch soil and aggressively remove weeds. Currently, we prune dry farmed tomatoes to two leaders, run up twine. Remove fruit with evidence of blossom end rot. A small amount of liquid fertilizer, particularly potassium, helps. Purists may say this isn't technically "dry growing," but we believe in the value of the irrigation middle ground.