What is an Heirloom Tomato?
Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties of tomatoes that have been passed down through generations, prized for their unique flavors, vibrant colors, and historical significance. They are essentially tomatoes grown from seeds that have been saved and replanted for many years, resulting in plants that consistently produce the same characteristics as their parent plants.
A Taste of History: The Background of Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes represent a tangible link to our agricultural past. Before the rise of commercial agriculture and hybridized seeds, most farmers and gardeners saved their own seeds from year to year. These seeds, adapted to specific regions and growing conditions, became family treasures, passed down through generations. The rise of commercial tomato production in the 20th century prioritized traits like uniform size, disease resistance, and shelf life, often at the expense of flavor and diversity. Heirloom tomatoes, however, continued to be cultivated by dedicated individuals, preserving a wider range of flavors and forms.
Beyond Flavor: The Benefits of Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
While the taste of an heirloom tomato is often cited as the primary reason for growing them, there are other compelling advantages:
- Unique Flavors: From the sweet, tangy taste of a Brandywine to the smoky richness of a Black Krim, heirloom tomatoes offer a diverse flavor profile unmatched by many commercially available varieties.
- Genetic Diversity: Heirloom tomatoes boast a rich genetic diversity, making them more resilient to environmental changes and potential diseases. This contrasts with the uniformity of many hybrid varieties.
- Open-Pollination: As open-pollinated plants, seeds from heirloom tomatoes can be saved and replanted, allowing gardeners to maintain their favorite varieties and adapt them to their local conditions over time.
- Visual Appeal: Heirloom tomatoes come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes, adding beauty and interest to gardens and dishes.
- Support for Biodiversity: Growing heirloom tomatoes contributes to the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, ensuring that these unique varieties are not lost to future generations.
The Art of Seed Saving: Saving Seeds from Heirloom Tomatoes
Saving seeds from heirloom tomatoes is a relatively simple process, ensuring the continuation of your favorite varieties. However, it’s crucial to follow these steps carefully to maintain the purity of the strain:
- Choose Healthy Plants: Select your healthiest and most productive heirloom tomato plants for seed saving.
- Select Ripe Fruit: Allow the tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine until they are slightly overripe.
- Ferment the Seeds: Scoop out the seeds and pulp into a jar, add a little water, and let it ferment for 3-4 days, stirring daily. This process removes the germination-inhibiting gel surrounding the seeds. A white mold should appear on the surface.
- Separate the Seeds: Add more water to the jar and stir. Healthy seeds will sink to the bottom, while the pulp and non-viable seeds will float to the top.
- Rinse and Dry: Pour off the floating debris and rinse the good seeds several times. Spread the seeds on a non-stick surface (like a glass plate or coffee filter) to dry completely for 1-2 weeks.
- Store Properly: Store the dry seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Label the container with the variety name and the date of harvest.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
While heirloom tomatoes offer unique rewards, they can also be more susceptible to certain challenges. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Neglecting Soil Health: Heirloom tomatoes thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
- Insufficient Support: Many heirloom tomato varieties are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow throughout the season. Provide adequate support, such as cages or stakes, to prevent the plants from collapsing under the weight of the fruit.
- Lack of Sunlight: Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a sunny location for your tomato plants.
- Inconsistent Watering: Water regularly and deeply, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases.
- Ignoring Pest and Disease Problems: Monitor your plants regularly for pests and diseases. Take action promptly to prevent problems from spreading. Consider using organic pest control methods.
- Starting Too Late: Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
- Crowding Plants: Give your tomato plants enough space to grow. Crowding can lead to poor air circulation and increased disease risk.
- Using non-organic fertilizers/pesticides: Heirlooms tend to be more delicate and benefit from organic growing methods.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Neglecting Soil Health | Poor growth, nutrient deficiencies, increased susceptibility to diseases | Amend soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter |
| Insufficient Support | Collapsed plants, damaged fruit | Provide cages, stakes, or other support systems |
| Lack of Sunlight | Poor fruit production, leggy growth | Choose a sunny location (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) |
| Inconsistent Watering | Blossom end rot, cracking fruit | Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, and avoid overhead watering |
| Ignoring Pest/Disease | Widespread damage, loss of fruit | Monitor plants regularly, use organic pest control methods, and prune affected foliage |
Exploring Popular Heirloom Tomato Varieties
There is a wide range of amazing heirloom tomatoes to explore! Here are just a few popular varieties to get you started:
- Brandywine: Known for its rich, tangy flavor and large, beefsteak-type fruits.
- Cherokee Purple: A dark-skinned tomato with a complex, smoky-sweet flavor.
- Black Krim: A Russian heirloom with a deep mahogany color and a slightly salty flavor.
- Mortgage Lifter: A large, meaty tomato that is said to have helped a West Virginia farmer pay off his mortgage during the Great Depression.
- San Marzano: A classic Italian plum tomato, prized for its rich flavor and meaty texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly defines a tomato as an “heirloom?”
Generally, an heirloom tomato is an open-pollinated variety that has been passed down for at least 50 years, though some sources say 100. This open-pollination allows the seeds to be saved and replanted, producing tomatoes with the same characteristics as the parent plant. There is not one single definition, and the term is open to interpretation.
Are heirloom tomatoes always organic?
Not necessarily, but they should be. While the term “heirloom” refers to the lineage of the tomato variety, it doesn’t automatically imply organic growing practices. However, due to their unique flavors and more sensitive nature, most gardeners prefer to grow heirloom tomatoes organically, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Are heirloom tomatoes more difficult to grow than hybrid tomatoes?
They can be. Heirloom tomatoes are often more susceptible to diseases and pests than hybrid varieties, which are bred for resistance. However, with proper care, attention, and organic practices, heirloom tomatoes can be successfully grown by any gardener. The reward of the amazing flavor is worth the effort.
Do heirloom tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than commercial varieties?
Yes, typically. Heirloom tomatoes are bred for flavor and texture, rather than shelf life. They are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after harvesting. They tend to bruise more easily and rot more quickly than the thicker-skinned hybrid varieties.
Can I save seeds from any tomato and call it an heirloom?
No. To be considered an heirloom, the tomato must be an open-pollinated variety that has been passed down for generations. Saving seeds from a hybrid tomato will not result in tomatoes with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Where can I find heirloom tomato seeds?
Heirloom tomato seeds are widely available from online seed companies, garden centers, and seed exchanges. Look for reputable sources that specialize in heirloom and open-pollinated varieties. Farmers markets are also a great place to source starts.
Are heirloom tomatoes always ugly or misshapen?
Definitely not! While some heirloom varieties have irregular shapes and sizes, others are quite beautiful and uniform. The appearance of an heirloom tomato is simply a reflection of its unique genetic makeup. Don’t let the varied shapes deter you!
What is the best way to store heirloom tomatoes?
Store heirloom tomatoes at room temperature until they are fully ripe. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but this will diminish their flavor and texture. Best to enjoy them as soon as you can.
Are all colorful tomatoes heirloom tomatoes?
No. While many heirloom tomatoes come in a wide range of colors, including purple, black, yellow, and green, there are also hybrid varieties that are colorful. Color alone is not an indicator of whether a tomato is an heirloom.
Can heirloom tomatoes be grown in containers?
Yes, some varieties. Choose smaller, bush-type heirloom varieties that are well-suited for container growing. Be sure to provide a large enough container (at least 5 gallons), well-draining soil, and adequate support.
Why are heirloom tomatoes often more expensive than regular tomatoes?
This is generally due to lower yields, shorter shelf lives, and the specialized knowledge and care required to grow them. The superior flavor also warrants a higher price.
Can I cross-pollinate different heirloom tomato varieties?
Yes, but this is usually not a concern for home gardeners. While tomatoes are generally self-pollinating, cross-pollination can occur, especially with insect activity. To maintain the purity of your heirloom varieties, you can isolate plants of different varieties by a distance of at least 10-20 feet. If you are saving seeds, consider “bagging” the blossoms to prevent cross-pollination.