Have you wondered why heirloom tomatoes taste so much better than those conventional ones from the store?
Conventional tomatoes have been bred for long shelf life, disease resistance, high yield, and, even for their looks! So whether you say to-may-to or to-mah-to, we’re here to help you choose the perfect heirloom tomato variety for you.
What is an Heirloom Tomato?
Heirloom tomatoes come from seeds that have been handed down from farmer to farmer for generations for their special characteristics and varieties must be 50 years old at least. Because of this, heirloom tomatoes have minimal disease resistance.
Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated–meaning that the seeds you collect will produce plants almost identical plants year after year. That’s key to their survival.
Many heirlooms have been passed down from generation to generation. Seeds, once considered valuable property, traveled country to country in pockets or through letters. Varieties come from Central America, Russia, Italy, Japan, France, Germany, and Kentucky. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best Heirloom Tomatoes to Grow
Pink Brandywine– This is hands-down the yummiest and most popular heirloom. Dating back to 1885, these tomatoes ripen late in the season, but delight with huge tomatoes with even bigger flavor. Plus, Pink Brandywine tomatoes grow well in containers.
- Growth Type: Indeterminate
- Time to Maturity: 85-100 days
- Taste and Texture: Intense, full flavor with a rich, velvety texture
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 4-9’
- Spacing: 24-36” apart
- Staking: Yes – Cage or stake
Black Cherry – This black, heirloom cherry tomato is somewhat disease-resistant and easy to grow – even in containers. The truly striking color makes these cherry tomatoes an instant conversation (or kabob!) starter.
- Growth Type: Indeterminate
- Time to Maturity: 65-75 days
- Taste and Texture: Sweet meets smoky flavor with a meaty texture
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 5-8’
- Spacing: 24-36”
- Staking: Yes – Cage or stake
Cherokee Purple – Cherokee purple tomatoes may look eccentric, but boy, do they taste good! Believed to be passed down from Cherokee Indians, this variety produces significantly more tomatoes than other heirlooms.
- Growth Type: Indeterminate
- Time to Maturity: 75-90 days
- Taste and Texture: Sweet, juicy, and savory with a thin skin
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 4-9’
- Spacing: 24-36”
- Staking: Yes – Cage or stake
San Marzano- The long, blocky fruits mature with a small, discreet seed cavity that can be scooped out, leaving all meat. This means much less boiling to get a first-class paste. The shape is also good for canning and excellent for drying.
