I think the one most well known is New Big Dwarf, a selection from a cross between Ponderosa X Dwarf Champion that was originally released by the Isbell Seed Co around 1915. But they called it New Big Dwarf, not something with Isbell in the name as Dave said above it's also know as. But as often happens when a different seed Co offers the same variety they attach a seed source name to it or change the name considerably,and I mean back then, not so much now. Just to give you an idea of different DTM's for the same variety as posted by SSE members who list it in the 2008 Yearbook for members, and the DTM's reflect just the single season someone grew it and submitted the variety for listing> There is no listing for a Big Dwarf in the SSE Yearbooks, just the correct name of New Big Dwarf. 72 days, British Columbia 56days, Michigan 80 days, Ohio TX, DTM not given As far as I'm concerned I think DTM's are sheer guesstinmates when it comes to any variety b'c there are so many variables that come to play in any given season. I'd much rather see varieties listed as early, midseason and late and put some numbers on those three categories. Carolyn

beth Dave's Garden has it listed as a mid- to late-maturing variety, 69-80 days. It probably falls somewhere in the middle of that range, and it would depend on when you set the plants out as well as how mature the plants themselves are when you do. Those days are estimates anyway, since a lot of factors come into play about maturation dates. I'm planning to grow New Big Dwarf for the first time this upcoming summer, too, in an effort to find some shorter tomatoes that are just as tasty as many of the indeterminate varieties, which are huge in my garden by mid-July, even when trellised! Here is a link that might be useful: New Big Dwarf

I sent you a message. I hope we can do a trade. Thanks, Jen

"Ours are 3 weeks old and about 4" tall" Is that 3 weeks from sowing seed or from germination? If it is the prior, I'm impressed. My seeds took a week to germinate. From sowing seed, on March 26. Soak tomato seeds for 2 hours in water, then place on top of a folded paper towel that had been soaked in water then wrung out slightly. Place it all in a ziplock bag, but don't seal it. Keep it at 75F, germination in 2-4 days usually (some took longer), then carefully pick up the seed/root and place it 1/4" deep in sterile potting soil in a 3" net pot. We grow the seedlings at 75F under 4 regular fluorescent tubes 4' long trying to keep the leaves right up against the lights. After first true leaves are out, fertilize every week at 1/2 strength. Plants are now 6" tall and will be planted inside our winter shelter tonight. LFD is usually mid-May, which is when we will take down the shelter.