Heirloom Tomato Guide

There seems to be an ever increasing interest in heirloom tomatoes these days.  They are appealing in many ways.  Some people may be drawn to the many colors, sizes, and shapes available.  The true tomato lover knows that the real reason is taste.  You simply can't beat the flavor of heirloom tomatoes.

So just what is an heirloom tomato?  It is generally considered to be a variety that has been passed down through several generations of a family because of its desired characteristics.  In contrast, modern day hybrids have been bred for commercially desired qualities.

There are also disadvantages of heirlooms compared to the hybrid varieties.  They are more susceptible to some diseases and tend to be more irregular in shape.

At this point I can probably guess what you are thinking.  With so many varieties available, where do I begin?

One of the most complete sources (over 700 varieties) of heirlooms that I found is at the following link:

http://www.heirloomtomatoes.bizland.com/varieties.htm

This site gives a pretty good description of each variety.  But looking at this might just add to the question of which to choose.

My suggestion, unless you have a certain size and/or color in mind, is to try a variety.  There are quite a few selections available as seed packets if you start your plants yourself.  Some are even available as plants. Following is some of what I found, starting with the one I have been using for several years:

• Rainbow Blend from Park Seed (http://parkseed.com/rainbow-blend-heirloom-tomato-seeds/p/05411-PK-P1/cmp=cel&trigger=ac/):

Contains Aunt Ruby's German Green, Dixie Golden Giant, Black from Tula, Brandywine Red, Big Rainbow, and Cherokee Purple.  Available as both seeds and plants.

• Rainbow Blend from Burpee (http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/tomatoes/tomato-rainbow-blend-heirloom-prod001183.html):

The mix is composed equally of Bonny Best (red), Brandywine Pink (pink), Golden Sunburst (yellow), Black Krim (purple), Evergreen (green) and Djena Lee's Golden Girl (orange).  Available as seeds only.

• Heirloom Rainbow blend from Gurney's Seed and Nursery Co. (http://www.gurneys.com/product/heirloom_rainbow_blend_tomato/heirloom-tomatoes?p=0515548&utm_medium=shopping_engine&utm_source=googleshopping&CAWELAID=1889729661&%22cagpspn=pla%22&gclid=CK7jr_jm27wCFXHxOgodcFAAdw):

This blend may contain black, pink, red or yellow Brandy wine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, White Wonder and orange Nebraska Wedding. Large, meaty tomatoes have that rich heirloom flavor, unparalleled by today's hybrid varieties.  Available as seeds or plants.

• Finally, another idea is to buy a seed pack collection that gives you a good deal on individual seed packets sold as a collection.  One such example is the Big Tomato Collection from Tomato Growers Supply Co. (http://www.tomatogrowers.com/BIG-TOMATO-COLLECTION/productinfo/1077/):

BIG Tomato Collection #1077 (Assortment) For those of you who want to bring home the prize in a Giant Tomato contest, or anyone just wanting to impress their friends, this collection offers the BEST of the BIGGEST. Expect tomatoes from 2 to 5 lbs., and maybe beyond. Includes one packet each of: Goliath, Delicious, Church, German Giant, Virginia Sweets.


This collection contains a combination of heirlooms and modern day types.

I hope this post has been informative.

Until next time.