What Is Your Number 1 Heirloom ... So Far?

8 years ago

We have currently a #1 Hybrid running. which is most interesting and informative. How about a counterpart NUMBER 1 Heirloom or OP ? .

Ok, you can name up to 3. Is that fair ?

Here are mine: So far I've got 2;

== Cherokee Purple

== Ananas Noire (aka Black Pineapple).

CP is , probably, the most popular tomato grown by the gardeners. So no need to describe and introduce it.

But AN is fairly obscure and not known well.. In addition to its multi -color features, it tastes very good and the plant itself is fairly disease resistant.

and a cut view

Fairly large fruits, 12 to 20 oz.

This year I am also growing close to 25 new varieties of heirlooms and hope to find a few winners.Time will tell.

So what are your fave Heirloom (s) ? Name 1, 2 or 3 !

Sey

Featured Answer

Humsi

8 years ago

Marvel Striped is a new one I tried this year, and so far, my favorite. Biggest plant (other than the cherries, of course), fastest grower, most tomatoes, and absolutely delicious. Very sweet and mild though, almost like eating a melon instead of a tomato. I'd post a picture but we ate all the ripe ones already ;)

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Comments (81)

wormgirl_8a_WA
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Yeah she doesn't have a ton of pictures, Daniel, but it seems clear that rhoder is growing a different variety, having potato leaves.

My neighbor looked at a green boat-shaped CP yesterday on my vines and said just the shape of it makes it look like it will be delicious :)
User
8 years ago
Okay, thanks Jenn. I'm still going to call it "Rose". The sticklers might not like me doing that but I'm not selling anything, so....
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gigielle
8 years ago
My top three (so far) are:
- Jersey Devil (super prolific beast of a plant with uniquely shaped, delicious fruit)
- Persimmon (grows exceedingly well in my Northern Virginia garden and has a unique taste)
- Cherokee Purple (first time growing it, but it has been doing really well so far)
I would add Vorlon, but I think that is a more recent cross and not an heirloom. It is an amazing plant though!
rgreen48
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Rose - Organic Heirloom seeds ordered from Johnny's. It's the only traditional tomato I have growing. The others are a 'grape' style, and a 'plum' so these should be a true Rose.

Upper right corner shows a super bloom that didn't pollinate.

So far it very closely resembles the examples from the links others have posted. I hope it yields and tastes as good as hoped. We'll see. As of now, 4 1/2' tall and showing no signs of stopping.
daniel_nyc
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
rgreen48, nice. Can't wait to see the BIG tomatoes that you will have.

Last year my Rose was 10+ ft. and very productive.

Big, tasty tomatoes.

rgreen48, the leaves look very healthy. Do you fungicide? Fertilize?

rhoter551, can't wait to see pictures of your Rose.

Maybe next year a Rose' contest ?
rgreen48
8 years ago
Thank you daniel.

Nope, no fungicide. Plants were put out on the first day temps were forecast to be above 55 F (soil was about 60, but nighttime temps were erratic this year.)

This was the 1st time the bed was used for cultivation, so thankfully, little chance of any contamination. I prepared the future bed with a 'hay' mulch (8 - 16" long pre-seedhead grass and lawn weeds cut by a swing blade) and food scraps about a month before tilling. Mulch was removed, and the 14' X 4' space was tilled. 6" of mulch was replaced onto the bed. Another few weeks (after hardening off) plants were set out. A total of 27 plants were spaced out 3 rows of 9 (yep crowded.) A very small handful of 10-10-10 was added at planting.

I fashioned cages out of some old concrete mesh and galvanized tying wire I had sitting around waiting for use. Cages were put around every other plant.

At flowering/beginning of fruit set, Espoma Tomato food was top dressed by sprinkling around the base of each plant with a large spice jar.

Indeterminates are selectively suckered for air flow (as you know, very important when crowding.) Sometimes a sucker is 'allowed' to grow until its 1st or 2nd flower set, then growing tip pinched. Heavy watering is done when the bed needs it, and only when it needs it (before water stress, but roots are being trained to 'run deep'.)

Here in Tennessee, during the summer months, we get few long rains. Mostly it's afternoon thunder storms. That helps reduce molds and fungi. Humidity is a factor, so if things get too crowded, I won't hesitate to prune for air flow, and the deep mulch helps to keep the 'floor' of the bed, above the mulch, dry and resistant.

I may fertilize again as the season progresses, but the clay is quite fertile, I'll watch and since I'm out of Espoma, if necessary, I'll probably use a 6-6-10 I have sitting around.

Sorry to write a book. On general principle I dislike 'cides'. This method forces more attention paid to the plants. I'll rotate next year, but since it'll be a repeat of variety, and a greater chance of contamination, I'll increase spacing.
User
8 years ago
Sure Daniel, I'll post some pics later today.
pennypond USDA 10 Sunset 21 CA
8 years ago
I always try at least one heart every year, for the claimed taste, versatility and low seed count. I like them all! I'm especially impressed with Kosovo, new in my garden this year. I have picked 10 delicious maters so far, I think there are at least 35 more on the plant.
daniel_nyc
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
nice... where can I buy tomato seeds that make $ 1 bills ?

ha ha!

Giant Oxheart and Kosovo were on my list for this year.

Interesting thread here in Garden Web: Heart Tomatoes!!!!
User
8 years ago
daniel_nyc(7a)

Here is a pic of my Rose tomato.
daniel_nyc
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
tx; very healthy plant. you will have nice tomatoes.

Prepare a STURDY support for the plant, because very soon you will need one.

The Rose will grow high - at least 8 ft. - and heavy - if you don't prune too much. And I suggest you NOT to prune - except obviously, the necessary.
daniel_nyc
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Rose

More Roses

Slice of Rose
User
8 years ago
Thank you. I always forget just how tall they grow. Here is a pic of some of my other tomatoes

They are starting to sprawl
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
Original Author
8 years ago
In the last picture it is obvious the tha tomato wad a double fused.
In fact Brandy Boy, Cherokee purple, Black Krim are normally round. The lobed ones are fused.

Sey
chigardenlady
8 years ago
I second the oxheart varieties. This year I planted about four different hearts. Livingston gaint, Austrian giant, pink, and cour di bleu. The Cherokee was terrible last year took forever to ripen and when it did was nasty. However last year was cold and wet. I am trying several different heirloom and op varieties This year. Hopefully it is a good growing season, summers are very different now. My plants have only been in the ground a few weeks.
pennypond USDA 10 Sunset 21 CA
8 years ago
Rhodes, beautiful garden!

Let me guess, the Golden State?
User
8 years ago
Thank you, pennypond. Yes, I'm N. CA.
rgreen48
8 years ago
rhoder, could you tell from the pics whether or not they were similar? Btw... I'm envious of the space you have. Looks like you've been working the area for a while.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
rgreen48(6)

I can see the tomato I call rose looks very different from your tomato. By the way, your plant looks lush and healthy. I'm gardening in a serious drought and haven't been giving my tomatoes much water but I noticed little fruit at the bottom so I'll post pics when they start ripening up. If you don't get the slicing tomato you want from your plant, I'd be happy to send you some of my saved seed, I have tons from 2013 my tomatoes were great that year when there was plenty of water. I always save seed from the first and biggest tomato. Thanks for the garden compliment. I'm in a 35+ year old community garden, If the space looks good in my pics its because my garden neighbor is super neat and tidy and an artist. MY garden is actually kind of a mess...
Jennie Sims
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
My two keepers are Cherokee Purple and Dester, a large pink beefsteak tomato. In fact I am trying Brandy Boy to compare to Dester. Will let you know. My other two favorites are dwarf varieties, Summertime Green and Summertime Gold. Trying Lillians Yellow Heirloom and Green Giant (in addition to the dwarfs) to replace these as I would prefer the greater production of an indeterminate. Want to try a heart, but they have all failed in my garden. And would love to find a red that is good. love different colors. Going to try a bicolor next year.

Jennie
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
Original Author
8 years ago
I am also trying the following varieties to see how they do in my climate/ garden:
--Azoychka (yellow)
-- Arbuznyi (brown)
-- Rutgers (Red)
-- Bear Claw (red)
-- Big Rainbow (bi color)
-- Rio Grande (red, Roma type)
-- KB (yellow)
-- Black From Tula
-- Druzba (Red)
So there is a lot of anticipation in the garden. So far as I can tell B from T is ahead.

Sey
rgreen48
8 years ago
Rhoder, thank you... so far they are still thriving, but I've got to get up extra early tomorrow and water... they're thirsty! I have zucchs and winter squash that need hand pollinating and also need watering, but we're looking at tenps in the mid 90's with high humidity to boot, all tomato watering has to be done before the sun really beats down on the leaves. Can't yet afford a watering system. I think the peppers and eggplant can hold off, but the tomatoes are really starting to push fruit, meh, maybe we'll get a good 15 min. afternoon rain.

At least though, we aren't facing the drought conditions you are out west. I live just a few miles from a TVA lake where the municipality draws its water. Our population is nothing like much of California. We are very fortunate, our lake is at one of its highest peaks in years. I hope that the weather breaks for you soon.

I've always wondered about the choice to build so densely in what amounts to a desert... but don't let me go down that road.

And as for community gardens... they rock!

Thank you for the offer for seeds, I may just take you up on that... I look forward to your update. May you get caught in a downpour!
User
8 years ago
rgreen48(6b)

Having enough water is important for those 'maters. This year I have been experimenting with a few different low tech or home made, watering delivery systems and someone gave me an olla which is an interesting garden watering item. Some are working out better then others. I'm always entertained by garden experiments, as long as they don't all fail...
Neil Sambol
8 years ago
I don't have historical pictures and all of my seedlings died this year, but 1884 has been my hands-down favorite heirloom, ever. Huge beefsteak, old fashioned tart tomato flavor. Prolific. If I could grow only one tomato, this would be it. That said, I am growing 15 tomatoes this year - 13 different OP varieties, 1 hybrid and no 1884. :-( But I am excited about the German Queen and German Johnson varieties that I am growing this year for the first time.

My wife's favorite is a tie between Cherokee Purple and Paul Robeson.

These are the varieties that I am growing for 2015:

- German Johnson
- German Queen
- Hillbilly
- Arkansas Traveler
- Ugly Ripe (2)
- Mule Team
- Boxcar Willie
- Cherokee Purple
- Cherokee Chocolate
- Jersey Devil
- San Marzano Redorta
- Mortgage Lifter
- Best Boy (hybrid)
- Pineapple
rgreen48
8 years ago
Shouldn't be too many more days... Rose is blushing. Sometimes it seems the wait is so long...
fireduck
8 years ago
My heirlooms this year are mostly based on what y'all said this past winter. I want to thank you for the info/advice. Here is what I have going...along with some hybrids and dwarfs: 1. Box Car Willie: I really like the taste and the production is good so far. 2. Marianna's Peace: I am a bit disappointed in this so far. It is fair on production (in earthbox) and the taste has been bland so far. 3. Stump of the World: This one is my best so far! It is productive and really tastes good! 4. Cherokee Purple: Last year it was my best tomato in the garden. This year it got a late start...and only has greenies hanging. We will see. Expecting great things. 5. Brandywine Cowlick's: This one has septoria down low...but is pumping out a "good amount" of fruit. I have only tasted one off this plant....and it was a bit bland. I am really hoping the following fruit is better. High hopes...
User
8 years ago
rgreen48(7a), your rose tomatoes look really good but definitely a different tomato then mine is. Mine are blushing too, I'll post a pic as soon as I can...
digdirt2
8 years ago
fireduck - sorry to hear you are disappointed in Marianna's Peace. In a 20 gallon container it is just about tied with my Indian Stripe (also in 20 gallons) this year in both heavy production and great flavor.

Dave
lindalana 5b Chicago
8 years ago
Have only managed to taste 3 varieties so far- Kimberley, Indische Fleisch and VB Russia. All are fantastic, sweet and moderately juicy.
lartomato
8 years ago
I like mortage lifters best and they are running neck to neck with brandy boy . Just got a late start start due to frost. Hope to have time to ripen.
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
Original Author
8 years ago
Most of my beefsteak types are way behind with an exception of Big Beef, Black from Tula, Azoychka and Siletz. I am betting on Big Beef, BFT and AZOY. But you never know it is much too early to do a review.

Sey
nugrdnnut
8 years ago
For this year, Indian Stripe is the only Heirloom that I've tried so far this year. It is both very good and productive, despite being my smallest (3'6") plant.
mister_caledon
8 years ago
I'd vote for Cherokee Purple, Green Grape, and Paul Robeson. CP and GG were in last year's garden and didn't have high yields, but I blame that on my inexperience in plant spacing and maintenance. What I did get, though, oh man - the CP's were flavorful and juicy, and the GG's were crisp, tangy, even a little peppery.

My PR plants wilted and died last month (see long-winded other thread in this forum), but the six tomatoes I did save and bring inside were rich and savory tasting, great on burgers and salads.

So my track record in plant care is obviously less-than-stellar, but I'll remain confident that I can improve, meaning all three will probably have a place in my garden next year.
Matthew Gandin
8 years ago
Just harvested my first to ripen this year, so far my favorite! Mortgage Lifter
fireduck
8 years ago
OK mister...what is in in that salad??? Is that cheese or eggs? How do you make it? Do not worry...there is a lot of good people here who will educate you on the finer points of growing maters. You will do great.
Nitsua
8 years ago
Looks like tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and olive oil.
Matthew Gandin
8 years ago
Yes, classic caprese, mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
PRO
Jim's
8 years ago
Wow, there are some awesome looking tomatoes in this thread. I have a personal affliction for the black krims, but grow a handful of them here. Brandywine will be on my list for next year.
rgreen48
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
So, getting close to end of the season, Rose did okay. I'll keep it as a mainstay until I find something better. If I find one I'm happier with, it will stay, but given less space priority. It shared a plot with a few other varieties, but it performed quite well.

Extremely meaty! Few seeds and gel. Unfortunately, it's flavor was muted a bit by rain. In my E. Tn. soil there was no real acidic 'snap' to the taste at all, but it also wasn't very sweet. Overall, a very 'balanced' tomato flavor.

Vines grew 8' - 9' tall (and that's 'wind-swept'.) When the rains hit at the end of July, septoria immediately followed. Fruits were already ripening and harvestable, so an acceptable disease tolerance. In a bad year, without spray (as I try to abstain from 'cides',) I could see this variety having some problems.

There were a few fruits with BER, but again... very few, and at an acceptable rate (probably due to my own malpractice lol.)

Avg. size was 14 oz.

The smallest was 149 g. - 5 1/4 oz.

Largest: 753 g. - 26 1/2 oz.

Side slice...

Bottom Slice...

Overall... While it wasn't given room to 'shine', and was not sprayed for prevention, it is, IME, a very good tomato.
Labradors
8 years ago
Rgreen,

Thanks for a nice review of Rose! I am growing it this year, and hoping to taste my first one in a few days.

So far, only the dwarfs and cherries have ripened. I really like Mr, Snow and Rosella Purple.

Linda
fireduck
8 years ago
based on the info from the fine folks above...my wife has been making me caprese for lunch quite a bit. Since I grow avocados...that is our "Somis twist" on our caprese. Another cool way to enjoy our hobby. haha
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
Original Author
8 years ago
As the season progresses, the goats and the sheep are being separated.

So after CP, Ananas Noire, my next best (producing) heirlum is AZOYCHKA, followed by WILLAMETTE and BLACK FROM TULA.

& Willamette

& BFT

Well, the picture only shows the ones blushing. There are a lot more green ones further up.

Sey
reginald_317
8 years ago
lindalana

Have only managed to taste 3 varieties so far- Kimberley, Indische Fleisch and VB Russia. All are fantastic, sweet and moderately juicy.

How would you rate Indische Fleisch compared to other "b;ack" tomato varieties ? I have yet to try it but almost sprung for some IF seeds this season.
lindalana 5b Chicago
8 years ago
IF was the earliest and fantastic by taste. Real delight for true lover of black tomatoes. Another very impressive this year and it is bad year of gardening for me... is Noire Charbonneuse. Later than IF but steady and pumping out, keeping clean from disease pressure and great taste.
Labradors
8 years ago
Lindalana,

Is it called IF or does I.F. stand for something? I LOVE black tomatoes and it sounds like just the one for me!

Thanks for the recommendations.

Linda
lindalana 5b Chicago
8 years ago
Indische Fleisch that is. Oh yeah, forgot another winner from darks Black Magic- super!!! Large beefs, taste, good disease tolerance, all there.
Labradors
8 years ago
Thanks Lindalana!

More varieties for me to try next year!

Linda
jasper1949
8 years ago
This year I am trying 3 new heritage tomatoes in my central Ontario garden far north of Toronto. I was not sure if they would grow in our zone but they are ripening at about the same time as my "ordinary" tomatoes. 3 new to me are: Black Prince, Sandul Moldovan and Cherokee Purple. All 3 varieties are doing very well and I have vines covered in green tomatoes as of Aug 11. I have picked several ripe ones off all 3 and recommend them all for superb tomato flavour. The Black Prince are lovely dark spheres and very sweet. The Sandul Moldovan are large and a lighter red with a few green stripes and very flavourful. The Cherokee Purple are huge and irregular shaped and so heavy that I had to double stake the plants. They more closely resemble the Brandywines I have grown for several years. I am very pleased with this addition to my garden.
mathewgg
8 years ago
Cherokee Purple - every year - since I first grew them in 2011. This year has been particularly great.
david_in_mass
8 years ago
#1 Brandywine Glicks

#2 Bearclaw