What Are and How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes

An heirloom tomato is a non-hybrid cultivar of tomato. They have become very popular in the last few years since people are taking an interest in going green and growing their own food. Heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. The Brandywine tomato has been one of the most popular of the heirloom tomatoes. It is a large red fleshed tomato grown in Ohio and the seeds were traded by the various tomato growers in the area. The seeds were sold in the 1880's by a company called Stokes and Johnson. Several different varieties of the Brandywine were sold so it's past is a bit cloudy.

When you buy your seeds, be sure and buy from a reputable dealer. An heirloom tomato must be open-pollinated and must not be altered genetically. Heirloom tomatoes are classified as a fruit because the seeds are inside like a fruit. You must start the seeds in the house or greenhouse in small containers six to eight weeks before time to plant them outdoors. Be sure the seedlings get plenty of sunlight.

fluorescent bulbs work well if natural sunlight isn't available. Transplant into a larger pot when leaves appear. The plants need to be hardened by putting them in a cold place before they are set in the garden. The garden soil should be well tilled and composted soil. Depending on the size of your garden they can be planted in rows, or simply spaced 12 to 15 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. A drip irrigation system is the ideal way to water the plants.