How to Choose Heirloom Tomato Seeds

Strange shapes and wonderful colors separate heirlooms from normal tomatoes.

Heirloom means different things to different tomato aficionados, but in general is defined as an open-pollinated tomato, with some history as a proven performer. Open-pollinated means that the seed from the tomatoes you grow will produce the same tomatoes next year and for generations to come. Hybrid tomato seed, on the other hand, will not produce seed that will "come true" in successive generations. Heirlooms have gained popularity recently for their amazing variety of color, form and flavor. Picking the right heirloom tomato seeds for your garden involves some decisions about your goals and an evaluation of your garden.

Instructions

1. Narrow the field first by choosing tomatoes suited for your growing conditions. According to Dr. Carolyn Male, author of "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden," gardeners with the very short growing seasons found in USDA hardiness zone 3 will have to choose varieties that mature quickly, referred to generally as "early season" varieties. Zone 4 gardeners have a wider choice, but may have to take some special measures to get midseason and long-season plants started and may not have good luck with some very long season types--bi-colors and large fruited beefsteaks, for example. Zone 5 and higher gardens have the full tomato catalog available to them.

2. Determine your intended uses for your heirlooms. Small to mid-sized tomatoes are popular for salads. Cherry tomato varieties also are among the earliest to bear. You can make sauce from any tomato, but many cooks prefer the meatier varieties such as San Marzano, Opalka and Amish Paste. Large varieties in a rainbow of unique colors, ideal for sandwiches and plates of sliced tomatoes, have driven the resurgence in heirloom popularity. Choose just what you want or a few for each use.

3. Examine your production goal and gardening experience. Some of the best-tasting heirlooms are somewhat temperamental growers and weak producers. Market growers and heirloom beginners will benefit from sticking with proven performers. For most of the country, that list includes Box Car Willie, Red Brandywine, German Red Strawberry, and D'Albenga--an Italian pear-shaped variety.

4. Buy from experienced heirloom seed sources. Companies are jumping on the heirloom bandwagon every day, but the ones listed in Resources have been there from the beginning. The boutique nature of heirloom seed production means that when you call these companies you will usually be able to talk to someone with a great deal of experience in growing heirloom tomatoes

References

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

Resources

• USDA: Hardiness Zone Map
• Sand Hill Preservation Center: Catalog of Heirloom Seeds and Rare Poultry
• Seed Savers Exchange: Home Page
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: Catalog
• Italian Seed and Tool: Great Garden Seed Fine Italian Tools