Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are open pollinated which means that they are true to type. This means that when you plant a seed it will be what it is supposed to be. Hybrid plants are not true to type. Heirloom plants are usually handed down from generation to generation, usually in a family. Seed companies will pass them down to keep the variety alive. This is called a commercial heirloom tomato.

Some people think that to be heirloom the seeds must be over 100 years old. Some believe that they are anything that has been around since the end of World War II. Whichever it is, the older heirloom tomatoes have the best flavor.

Heirloom tomatoes are usually grown from transplants, but they can be grown from seeds. If growing from seed, you should plant them in a pot six to eight weeks before the last frost. You have to harden the transplants by setting them in the sun for a few hours a day for a week. You can also grow your heirloom tomato in a 12 inch container on your patio.

Heirloom tomatoes come in different varieties, which have different sizes and shapes. An heirloom tomato will have a stronger tomato taste, and will have more acid than hybrids. If it is lighter in color, it will be less acidic. You should always let an heirloom tomato ripen on the vine. Tomatoes should never be put in the refrigerator because this changes the flavor and texture.

There are several varieties of heirloom tomatoes. A few of the different varieties are the Black Cherry, which matures in 65 days, The Brandy wine which matures in 85 days, and the Big Rainbow which matures in 90 days.