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Heirloom Plants & Gardens

Any suggestions for tasty tomatoes in the South

15 years ago

Hello All, in the past I've just bought some random tomato plants from Home Depot or Lowes but this year I've expanded my veggie garden and want to try growing some tasty heirloom varieties. I've looked on Park Seed and Burpee but I'm not sure which seeds to choose. I live in the Atlanta area and my garden is in full sun ALL day so I need something that can handle the heat.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Franny

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Comments (9)

Macmex
15 years ago
Sioux is a very good tomato for hot conditions. I've grown it for two seasons, and am growing it this year, for a third. It sets fruit during the hot time of the summer, which for us, lasts 6-8 weeks and reaches above 100 F every day. Additionally, Sioux makes an excellent canner and slicer. I think, if I had to be restricted to just one tomato, I wouldn't be too sad if it were Sioux. Though, I like to have variety in the garden.

Sioux has medium sized red fruit on indeterminate vines. I've found it does best if caged.

Another I've heard does very well in hot humid conditions is Arkansas Traveler.

Take a look at Sandhill Preservation Center or Tomato Growers' supply. They have LOTS to chose from. The two companies you mention are, in my opinion, a bit on the pricey side and generally go heavy on the hybrids. There are many other companies out there which are excellent. Don't want to slight them. These are what I think of off the top of my head. Try also Baker Creek Heirlooms. They're at rareseeds.com

Hope this helps. Have a great growing season!

George
Tahlequah, OK

Here is a link that might be useful: Sandhill Preservation Center
frannyflowers
Original Author
15 years ago
George,

Thank you so much for your response. I ordered both of your suggestions: Sioux and Arkansas Traveler. I also ordered Moneymaker, Cherokee Purple, White Currant and Yellow Pear. Not sure what they'll be like but they looked interesting so I thought I'd give them a try too. I can't wait to get the seeds!

Also thank you for the recommended seed companies. I ordered from Baker Creek Heirlooms and you are right their prices are much better than the two companies I had been looking at.

I really appreciate your help!

Happy Gardening,
Franny
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Tomatoes gotten from the grocery store are typically a hybrid variety, meaning that they won't grow true from seed. They may produce a tasty variety, but won't grow the same variety that you got the seeds from. The seeds in those tomatoes have reverted back to the traits from one of the parent plants used to product the tomato. Any plant sold at a garden center will produce a good tasting tomato. Again most of the ones sold at Wal-Mart or HD will probably be hybrids so you won't want to save the seeds. IMHO some of the best tasting tomatoes are Heirloom varieties. Common ones that you may be able to find include Brandywine, Green Zebra, & Cherokee Purple. I grow about 40 different varieties of toms. And every year a different variety shines. The flavor of a tomato depends on the weather and each year can be different. A couple years ago one of my favorites was Green Zebra, but last year Kelloggs breakfast was the winner, and while the GZ's were good last year they were not great. You don't list where you live...so at this point in the season I would recommend that you buy plants from the garden center. In many areas of the country it is too late to start toms from seed. No matter what variety you get they will taste better than anything from the grocery store, since you can let them ripen to the peak of perfection right on the plant. Next year you may want to check out Seed Savers Exhcange for a great place to order some Heirloom seeds.
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I made Mark Bittman's recipe also, but I froze it because I wasn't comfortable with the amount of acid. The blog post (on the NY Times Bitten blog) originally said it could be canned, but that note was removed after a discussion of the acid in the comments section. It seemed like a good recipe but I decided I don't like warm spices in tomato products, plus it was a little too sweet. I just didn't know what to do with it. The recipe as Mabel wrote it is actually 4 times the original. For me the original recipe yielded 2 half-pints plus some extra. Also, Mabel substituted cumin for coriander, and the original is less specific about how to add the heat. (I think I used 1 jalapeno, and mine was not hot at all.) Below is the recipe as it appeared on nytimes.com, to save you the math if you want a smaller batch. Melissa Tomato Jam 1 1/2 pounds good ripe tomatoes (Roma are best), cored and coarsely chopped 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 1 jalapeÃ±o or other peppers, stemmed, seeded and minced, or red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste. 1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan, Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. 2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use; this will keep at least a week. Yield: About 1 pint. recipe by Mark Bittman Here is a link that might be useful: tomato jam post on Bitten blog, with link to recipe
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Macmex
15 years ago
Your welcome.

I haven't grown Cherokee Purple. But I have heard that one needs to get it in real early, in hot climates, if they want it to produce very well. If it doesn't do well for you, planted in the spring, you might try it for a fall crop.

George
littleum
15 years ago
I can't comment on too much personal experience, but I am trying some heirlooms this year as well.

Having lived in GA and TX, I can tell you TX is by far hotter! (But GA is muggier!)

I went with the advice of the local nurseries and what I've read from other TX tomato growers and bought Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, Green Zebra and Jubilee.
bamagrit
15 years ago
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is a great source for Southern and Mid-Atlantic heirloom vegetable seeds. A good company to deal with also.

www.southernexposure.com
kandm
15 years ago
I would try to find some that might use less water and lots of sun if you are in the ATL area. Heatwave II Tomato, Solar Fire Tomato, Sunmaster Tomato and Florida 91 Tomato are good for Southern areas.
frannyflowers
Original Author
15 years ago
George, thank you again for your help and for the tip about the Cherokee Purple.

littleum, bamagrit and kandm, thank you all for the suggestions.

I appreciate everyone's help.

Happy planting,
Franny
br33
15 years ago
Franny I live in Lilburn, been growing toms in atlanta past 30+ years. send email addy I`ll send my phone no. I`ll be happy to share my experiences with you.( no phone no. on internet please)Bill--E-mail addy on MY PAGE
captstinky
15 years ago
you are likely to be very happy with the moneymaker and the yellow pear. We grow em both south of you with good results. I picked up a dozen varieties from Baker Creek to try out this year and most are doing well, but our heat and bugs are just getting started...

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