A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Heirloom Tomato Varieties

If you are looking to grow the most delicious and nutritious tomatoes, you should definitely consider planting heirloom varieties. These plants have a rich history and unique flavors that set them apart from the average, store-bought tomatoes. In this article, we will explore 21 of the best heirloom tomato varieties that you can grow in your garden.

Heirloom plants are treasures that have been passed down through generations. They are grown from seeds that have been carefully saved year after year, preserving their exceptional flavor. Unlike commercial crops, heirlooms prioritize taste and nutrition over durability. Growing your own fruits and vegetables, especially heirloom varieties, results in healthier produce that is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and phytochemicals. According to experts at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, allowing produce to ripen on the vine maximizes its nutritional value.

The Difference Between Heirloom and Hybrid Varieties

Heirloom tomatoes differ from hybrid varieties in that they are not the result of deliberate cross-pollination. Hybrids are created by combining two cultivars to achieve specific traits such as disease resistance or increased yield. Heirlooms come in a wide array of colors and shapes, making them both visually appealing and flavorful. While hybrids may have their own benefits, the unique flavors and histories of heirloom varieties make them a favorite among many gardeners.

Organic Practices and Tomato Plant Types

When selecting seeds, you may come across both certified organic and non-certified heirloom varieties. Organic seeds are cultivated without the use of chemicals, meeting strict standards for this designation. Additionally, tomato plants can be either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate plants grow in a compact bush shape and produce all of their fruit over a short period. Indeterminate plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, often until frost.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best heirloom tomato varieties that you can grow in your garden:

1. Ace 55-VF

A vigorous determinate bush tomato with excellent disease resistance.
Thick-walled red fruits with low acid content.
Not suitable for canning due to low acid levels.
Available from True Leaf Market.

2. Amish Paste

A meaty red plum tomato ideal for sauces and canning.
Indeterminate variety with juicy fruits.
Originated in the late 1800s and available from Burpee and Eden Brothers.

3. Arkansas Traveler

Mild-tasting pink tomatoes resistant to heat and humidity.
Crack-resistant skin with six to eight-ounce round fruits.
Available in various packet sizes at True Leaf Market.

4. Black Cherry

Bite-sized, sweet cherry tomatoes on indeterminate vines.
Deep flavor and early maturity in 65 to 75 days.
Seeds available from Burpee and High Mowing Seeds.

5. Black Krim

Russian-origin beefsteak-style tomato with purple, red, and brown hues.
Disease-resistant indeterminate plant with large fruits.
Live plants and seeds available from Burpee.

6. Black Russian

Bushy indeterminate plant with unique smoky flavor.
Reddish-brown fruits that do not store well.
Seeds available at True Leaf Market.

7. Bonny Best

A classic canning favorite with sweet and tart balance.
Indeterminate variety with bright red fruits.
Available in various packet sizes from Eden Brothers.

8. Brandywine

Creamy, low-acid beefsteak tomatoes in various colors.
Characteristic “potato” leaf and unique flavors.
Seeds available for different types at Eden Brothers and Burpee.

9. Cherokee Purple

Disease-resistant indeterminate plant with pinkish-purple fruit.
Matures in about 80 days with high yields.
Live plants and seeds available from Burpee.

10. Chocolate Stripes

Complex-flavored slicing tomato with reddish-brown fruits.
Indeterminate variety with large, striped tomatoes.
Seeds available at Walmart.

11. Constoluto Genovese

Italian classic with ribbed and flattened fruits.
Indeterminate plant that thrives in heat and humidity.
Find seeds from Park Seed via Amazon.

12. German Johnson

Versatile dark pink variety with minimal seeds.
Sweet and tart flavor resistant to cracking.
Seeds available online at True Leaf Market.

13. Great White

High-yield indeterminate plant with sweet, juicy beefsteak fruits.
Tropical fruit flavor with low acidity and few seeds.
Seeds available from True Leaf Market.

14. Hillbilly

Yellow and red mottled beefsteak tomatoes with sweet flavor.
Indeterminate variety with hearty production.
Find seeds at Burpee and Eden Brothers.

15. Kellogg’s Breakfast

Colorful beefsteak tomatoes with thin orange skin.
Impressive one to two-pound fruits with jumbo slices.
Available seeds from Eden Brothers.

16. Mr. Stripey

Sweet, yellow with red stripes beefsteak tomatoes.
Fruits weigh up to two pounds with 80-day maturity.
Seeds and plants available from Burpee.

17. Oxheart Pink

Pink-skinned indeterminate tomato with juicy, flavorful flesh.
Fruits weigh up to two pounds with 80-day maturity.
Seeds available from Eden Brothers.

18. Thessaloniki

Greek indeterminate tomato with classic acid-sugar balance.
High yields of round red fruit resisting cracking.
Find seeds at True Leaf Market.

19. Tumbling Tom Red

Determinate variety perfect for hanging baskets.
Bright red, sweet cherry tomatoes with early maturity.
Seeds available from Hometown Seeds via Amazon.

20. VR Moscow

Bushy determinate plant with sweet and tart flavor.
Resistant to Verticillium wilt with all-purpose use.
Seeds available at True Leaf Market and Isla’s Garden Seeds via Amazon.

21. Yellow Pear

Disease-resistant indeterminate tomato producing snack-sized fruit.
Early maturity in 75 to 80 days with high yields.
Seeds available from True Leaf Market.

Investing in Exceptional and Sustainable Heirloom Varieties

Growing heirloom tomato varieties is not only enjoyable but also a sustainable practice. By saving seeds from your favorite plants each year, you can ensure a continuous supply of nutritious and flavorful tomatoes. Unlike hybrid varieties, heirlooms produce fertile seeds that grow true to the parent plant. Organizations like the Seed Savers Exchange are dedicated to preserving the heritage of heirloom seeds and promoting biodiversity in American gardens.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to heirloom varieties, cultivating these unique plants is a rewarding experience. By incorporating heirloom tomatoes into your garden, you are not only enjoying delicious fruits but also contributing to the conservation of valuable plant genetics. Share your stories and experiences with growing heirloom tomatoes in the comments below and inspire others to embrace the tradition of heirloom gardening.

To further enrich your tomato-growing journey, explore our related guides on tomato hybrids, cherry tomatoes, supporting tomato plants, and the top reasons to love these versatile plants. Happy gardening!