Pink Fang Tomato Description & Growing Instructions
Description
Pink Fang is a distinctive heirloom-style tomato known for its unusual elongated shape and excellent flavor.
Color: Dusty pink to rose-red when ripe
Shape: Long, narrow, slightly curved (resembles a fang or chili pepper)
Size: About 1015 cm long
Texture: Dense, meaty flesh with very few seeds
Flavor: Sweet, rich, and low acidity
Growth type: Indeterminate (keeps growing and producing throughout the season)
Days to maturity: 7585 days from transplant
Best uses: Fresh slicing, sauces, drying, and paste due to low moisture and high flesh content.
Growing Instructions
1. Seed Starting
Sow seeds indoors 68 weeks before last frost
Ideal soil temperature: 2025°C
Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged)
Provide strong light (sunlight or grow lights)
2. Transplanting
Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C
Choose a location with full sun (68+ hours daily)
Space plants 4560 cm apart
Plant deeply (bury part of the stem to encourage strong root growth)
3. Support
Use stakes, cages, or trellises
Plants can grow tall and require tying as they develop
4. Pruning
Remove side shoots (suckers) to improve airflow and fruit size
Optional but recommended for indeterminate varieties
5. Watering
Water deeply 23 times per week
Increase frequency in hot weather
Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves
6. Feeding
Start with a balanced fertilizer
Switch to a higher potassium feed once flowering begins
Compost or organic matter improves growth
7. Mulching
Apply mulch to:
Retain soil moisture
Reduce weeds
Stabilize soil temperature
8. Harvesting
Pick when fruits are fully pink and slightly soft
Regular harvesting encourages continued production
Tips for Warm/Hot Climates
Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat (>32°C)
Ensure good airflow to reduce disease risk
Watch for pests like aphids and whiteflies
Rotate crops each season to prevent soil diseases
If you want, I can adjust this into a month-by-month planting schedule for your area in the Western Cape.
