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Heirloom Tomato Plants


Heirloom Tomato Plants


Heirloom Tomato PlantsThe grocery store variety tomato, while shiny red and symmetrical cannot compete with a fresh picked heirloom tomato grown in your own garden, or a delicious heirloom variety purchased at a farmer's market. 

Shop for Heirloom Tomato Plants grown pesticide-free


What is an Heirloom Tomato Plant?

Heirloom tomato plants or heritage tomato plants produce tomatoes through open-pollination. Hybrid tomatoes are the result of crossing two genetically unique tomato varieties with each other, each year to produce hybrid tomato seed. Gardeners who grow heirloom tomato plants can save their seeds to grow new plants each year that are true to type, while seeds from hybrid tomatoes will not produce the same tomato the following year.

The actual definition of what constitutes an heirloom tomato plant is still under discussion. Some botanists consider true heirloom tomato plant varieties to be those who have been in existence for over 50 years; others consider heirloom tomatoes to be those varieties that have been passed down through generations of gardeners. Regardless of which definition holds true, all can agree that heirloom tomato plants produce delectable, delicious tomatoes.

Characteristics of Heirloom Tomatoes

Diverse would be the best way to sum up the overall characteristics of heirloom tomato plants and the fruit they produce. From the smallest grape tomato, to Mortgage Lifter, which boasts pink tomatoes that tip the scale at two pounds each, heirloom tomatoes are easily recognizable. The color and taste is just as varied as the size of heirloom tomato. From the green and yellow striped Green Zebra to the lush full and round Black Krim tomato, there is an heirloom tomato plant for every garden and gardener.

Heirloom tomato plants do require a little more attention than hybrid varieties, specifically with disease and irrigation requirements. Hybrid tomato plants have been breed to be resistant to common diseases that plague tomato plants, while heirloom varieties have developed through natural selection. To grow healthy heirloom tomato plants try these simple tips:
  1. Allow adequate air space between tomato plants. A cramped tomato garden is asking for pests and disease.
  2. Water tomato plants in the morning at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering whenever possible. 
  3. Check your tomato plants daily for pests or disease and trim off any diseased leaves or branches. Dispose of branches in trash not in your compost pile.
  4. Fertilize every two weeks with Maxicrop Liquid Kelp fertilizer to promote strong roots and healthy plants.
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