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Growing Tomatoes

Suggestions for not too sweet, not too acidic heirloom varieties?

15 years ago

I have had some opinions and advice shared with me in a couple other threads (thanks to those who helped me out) and I have decided that my seed list might need some revision.

I would like to get a couple different varieties and I need them all here by Feb 18th.

Can I get some suggestions...I am looking for heirlooms that are:

- Not very sweet, but no bitter edge

- Not too acidic, but some acidity is good (not too mild)

- Rich flavor and good texture

- Not too seedy

- Black or beefsteak type preferred

- Good yields

I know that's a lot of parameters but I hope at least a couple varieties can be pulled from it.

So many heirlooms to choose from, and I can't completely trust what the seed seller's descriptions say about taste and production. I want some opinions from growers here, especially if you're near zone 6b where you probably had similar results to what I will have.

Thanks to anyone who can suggest some good varieties.

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Comments (8)

mulio
15 years ago
try 1884
azruss
15 years ago
Aker's West Virginia
Marianna's Peace
Pruden's Purple

Trust me, you'll probably never fully make up your mind (I don't), and there'll always be at least one or two varieties you'll wish you had planted after it's too late (me too). Pick out a few, try 'em and make notes/save seed for next year. Otherwise you'll go nuts, like all the rest of us. :-)
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geeboss
15 years ago
Mule Team,
{{gwi:1300028}}

Druzba,

NAR, hoosiercherokee pic

Ed Millennium
HoosierCheroKee
15 years ago
However, if you want a BLACK BEEFSTEAK tomato with ALL the other characteristics you listed ... INDIAN STRIPE ... end of report.

And if I remember right, you're in Northwest Arkansas? Indian Stripe is from Arkansas and adapted to your 6b zone.
catman529
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions...keep em coming everyone... I have had my eye on 1884 and I'm not sure why I didn't buy it with my other seeds (maybe Tomatobob didn't have it in stock or something) The pictures are great too.
catman529
Original Author
15 years ago
hoosiercherrokee - I am in middle Tennessee...in zone 6b/7. Will look into the variety you mentioned. Thanks
HoosierCheroKee
15 years ago
Catman ... Victory Seeds and Sandhill Preservation both have Indian Stripe. Both have reasonable shipping charges. Sandhill is dirt cheap in fact.
catman529
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, I checked out Victory and just looked at Sand Hill. Seems like Sand Hill doesn't have Indian Stripe for 2009... I hear it is a variation of Cherokee Purple...have you grown that variety, and if so, how does it compare to Indian Stripe?

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