Red & Gold Heirloom Tomato

There are many varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

An heirloom tomato is a variety that has been passed down through several generations and valued for its desirable characteristics. When it comes to tomatoes, there are dozens of varieties. Master gardener, Gary Ibsen, says bi-colored or striped tomatoes tend to be sweeter than other kinds.

Candy Stripe

The Candy Stripe variety is a beefsteak-style tomato that can weigh one to two pounds. The tomato is known for its good flavor and bright streaks of red, orange, pink and gold.

Northern Lights

Also red and gold, the Northern Lights variety, can weigh up to one pound and has a mildly sweet and fruity taste.

Orange Russian

Orange Russian, another red and gold variety, is a bit more rare than the others and has red-and gold-striped skin and few seeds.

Copia

The Copia is named after the Copia American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts in Napa, California. It is marked by fine red and gold striped skin. The flesh is gold and streaked with red. This variety is known for being very juicy and sweet and weighs about one pound.

Mammoth German Gold

Mammoth German Gold tomatoes are named for their ample size -- two pound tomatoes boasting deep golden and read streaked skin. They date back to the 1800s and have high sugar content.

Considerations

Heirloom tomatoes can be grown from seed or small plants can be purchased. Plants should be spaced 18 inches apart. Use a small trellis or cage to support the plants to prevent branch breakage.

References

• Tomato: Heirloom Tomato
• Tomato Gardening Guru: Tomato Information