Best Heirloom Tomatoes To Grow

Imagine sinking your teeth into a sun-ripened tomato, bursting with flavor unlike anything you've ever tasted from the grocery store. That's the magic of heirloom tomatoes. These beauties, passed down through generations, offer a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and flavors that are simply unmatched. But with so many varieties, where do you even begin? Let's dive into the wonderful world of heirloom tomatoes and discover some of the best varieties to grow.

What Are Heirloom Tomatoes?

Before we jump into specific varieties, let's clarify what exactly constitutes an "heirloom" tomato. There isn't a single, universally accepted definition, but generally, heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties, meaning they breed true to type. This means that if you save seeds from an heirloom tomato and plant them the following year, the resulting plants will produce tomatoes that are virtually identical to the parent plant. Most experts agree that a tomato variety should be at least 50 years old to be considered an heirloom, although some include varieties that were commercially available before 1950.

Unlike hybrid tomatoes, which are created by cross-pollinating two different parent plants to achieve specific traits, heirloom tomatoes have been carefully cultivated and preserved over time, often by families or small communities. This dedication to preserving these varieties is what allows us to enjoy their unique characteristics today. The preservation of heirloom tomatoes is incredibly important for maintaining genetic diversity within our food supply. Modern hybrid tomatoes are often bred for uniformity, yield, and disease resistance, sometimes at the expense of flavor and nutritional value. Heirloom tomatoes, on the other hand, offer a much wider range of flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles. This diversity is crucial for adapting to changing climates and disease pressures in the future.

Why Grow Heirloom Tomatoes?

There are so many compelling reasons to grow heirloom tomatoes! Beyond the incredible flavor, you're also supporting biodiversity and preserving a piece of history. Here are a few key benefits:

1. Unmatched Flavor: This is the biggest draw for most gardeners. Heirloom tomatoes boast complex, nuanced flavors that are simply not found in commercially grown hybrids. From sweet and fruity to tangy and earthy, there's an heirloom tomato to suit every palate.
1. Unique Appearance: Forget perfectly round, red tomatoes. Heirloom varieties come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes. You'll find everything from vibrant yellows and oranges to deep purples and greens. They can be round, ribbed, pear-shaped, or even heart-shaped!
1. Open-Pollinated: As mentioned earlier, this means you can save seeds from your heirloom tomatoes and plant them the following year, knowing that you'll get the same delicious tomatoes. This allows you to build your own collection of treasured varieties over time.
1. Nutritional Value: While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that heirloom tomatoes may have higher levels of certain vitamins and antioxidants compared to hybrid varieties.

Best Heirloom Tomatoes To Grow: Variety Recommendations

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best heirloom tomatoes to grow, categorized by some key characteristics to help you choose the perfect varieties for your garden:

Heirloom Tomatoes For Beginners

If you're new to growing heirloom tomatoes, these varieties are relatively easy to grow and offer reliable yields:

1. 'Brandywine': A classic beefsteak tomato with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. 'Brandywine' comes in several variations, including 'Pink Brandywine', 'Red Brandywine', and 'Yellow Brandywine'. Pink Brandywine is perhaps the most popular and widely available.
1. 'Cherokee Purple': This dark, dusky-pink tomato has a complex, slightly smoky flavor. It's a consistent producer and relatively disease-resistant. It’s known for its rich, sweet flavor and meaty texture.
1. 'Mortgage Lifter': Legend has it that this tomato was created by a man who sold the plants to pay off his mortgage. It's a large beefsteak tomato with a mild, sweet flavor. Mortgage Lifter can grow to be quite large, sometimes exceeding two pounds! Providing adequate support is crucial for this heavy producer.

Best Tasting Heirloom Tomatoes

Flavor is subjective, of course, but these varieties are consistently praised for their exceptional taste:

1. 'Black Krim': A dark, almost black tomato with a complex, slightly salty flavor. It's incredibly flavorful, with a hint of sweetness and smokiness. Its unique color and flavor make it a standout in salads.
1. 'Green Zebra': This unique tomato has green stripes that turn yellow when ripe. It has a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that's incredibly refreshing. The Green Zebra tomato is a favorite among chefs for its unique look and flavor.
1. 'Pineapple': A yellow and red bi-color beefsteak with a sweet, fruity flavor. Its beautiful marbling and delicious taste make it a standout. It's a large tomato, so be sure to provide adequate support.

Best Heirloom Tomatoes for Small Spaces

Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy the taste of heirloom tomatoes! These varieties are well-suited for containers or small gardens:

1. 'Roma': It’s a small determinate variety, which means it grows to a set size, and produces a large harvest all at once. Romas are the perfect choice for making homemade sauces.
1. 'Micro Tom': As the name suggests, this is one of the smallest tomato varieties available. It's perfect for growing in small pots on a windowsill or balcony.
1. 'Bush Steak': A compact beefsteak tomato that's well-suited for containers. It produces large, flavorful tomatoes on a relatively small plant.

Heirloom Tomatoes for Canning and Sauces

While you can technically can or sauce any tomato, some varieties are better suited for this purpose due to their meatier flesh and lower water content:

1. 'Amish Paste': A large, meaty paste tomato with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It's a great choice for making tomato sauce, paste, or salsa.
1. 'San Marzano': An Italian heirloom paste tomato known for its exceptional flavor and low water content. It's widely considered the gold standard for tomato sauce.
1. 'Principe Borghese': A small, dry tomato that's traditionally sun-dried. It can also be used for making tomato sauce or paste.

Tips for Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

Growing heirloom tomatoes is similar to growing other types of tomatoes, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Start seeds indoors: Start your tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. This will give your plants a head start.
1. Provide plenty of sunlight: Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or use grow lights if you're growing indoors.
1. Use well-draining soil: Tomatoes need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
1. Water regularly: Water your tomato plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to disease.
1. Provide support: Most heirloom tomato varieties are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce tomatoes throughout the season. These varieties need support, such as stakes, cages, or trellises.
1. Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your tomato plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
1. Pinch off suckers: Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches. Pinching off suckers will help to improve air circulation and prevent disease.

Dealing with Common Heirloom Tomato Problems

Like all plants, heirloom tomatoes can be susceptible to certain problems. Here's how to deal with some common issues:

1. Blossom end rot: This is a condition caused by calcium deficiency, resulting in a dark, leathery spot on the bottom of the tomato. To prevent blossom end rot, ensure your soil is rich in calcium and water your plants consistently.
1. Early blight: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves. To prevent early blight, improve air circulation around your plants and avoid overhead watering.
1. Tomato hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can quickly defoliate your tomato plants. Handpick them off your plants or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural insecticide.

Growing your own heirloom tomatoes is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the incredible flavor and diversity of these unique fruits. By choosing the right varieties for your growing conditions and following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious heirloom tomatoes!

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