Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are varieties that have been grown from open pollinated plants, and the seeds are saved to grow genetically similar plants the following year. Growing open pollinated varieties of plants as opposed to hybrids is important because it preserves the genetic base. Over the years, heirloom varieties have developed resistance to pests and diseases in different areas of the country. By adapting naturally to different climates and growing conditions, growing heirloom varieties preserves genetic diversity.

Heirloom tomatoes have been divided into four classifications by some experts. The commercial heirlooms are those open pollinated tomatoes which were introduced earlier than 1940. Some are considered family heirlooms which are those tomato seeds which have been passed down by family members. Mystery heirlooms are naturally occurring cross pollinated varieties between different heirloom varieties. And created heirlooms are those which were purposely cross pollinated and then bred down for several generations of plants until desirable characteristics are stabilized.

Growing heirloom tomatoes in your garden is much like growing any other tomato plant. If you can obtain heirloom seeds from a local grower, you may have better results with the locally grown seeds than trying to grow from seeds which have developed in another climate. Heirlooms are all open pollinated, so if you want to keep your varieties pure for next year’s seeds, be sure to grow different varieties of heirloom tomatoes in different areas of your garden. Heirloom tomatoes are available in all the basic types of tomatoes: beefsteak, paste or plum, cherry or grape, and colors such as green or purple or even striped.