Difficulty Raising Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are passed down through generations of growers.

Families and tomato growers saved tomato seeds and planted the same varieties for many years. They passed down the seeds to new generations and eventually these tomatoes became known as heirlooms. Some heirlooms are more difficult to grow than others.

Malformed Flowers

Varieties with flowers that are malformed, such as brandywine, have difficulty self-pollinating and don't set fruit readily. During periods of hot days with hot nights, this problem can be exacerbated to the point where blossoms drop before any fruit sets.

Disease Resistance

Except for a few varieties, heirlooms have not been scientifically tested for disease resistance. Gardeners who cannot rotate crops due to space considerations may encounter difficulties raising heirloom tomatoes since diseases can overwinter in seeds and plant material, causing partial or complete crop failure.

Fruit Deformities

Heirloom tomatoes have not been bred to look pretty and some varieties have fruit deformities. Deformities can include catfacing, green shoulders, concentric cracking or heavily ribbed shapes. These deformities are genetically controlled, cannot be prevented and weather conditions may encourage them. These deformities may affect saleability for the grower raising heirloom tomatoes.

References

• "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden"; Dr. Carolyn Male PhD; 1999

Resources

• Cornell University: Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Tomatoes