In January of 2021 , Piedmont Master Gardener ( PMG ) Judy Kirby conducted an informal survey of other PMGers . Her dubiousness : What ’s your pet tomato smorgasbord to set about from seed?Judy reported the results of this “ non - scientific ” survey to the PMG , and we decided to share it with you , our readers . We could n’t stand add up the favorites of the writers ofThe Garden Shed , whether grown from seed or not .
Amish Pastegrows well in our domain and is a grave manufacturer . It makes fabulous sauce .
Aunt Ruby ’s German Greenis green when ripe , has a large size , and is hot but with a low acid flavor . This heirloom has a crushed electric resistance to diseases and lower production , but the flavour makes it well worth it .
Barnes Mountain Orangeis a low - Elvis tomato with Brobdingnagian yield .
conceive it or Not(yes , that ’s the name , think it or not!)is productive and good for keep up .
Better Boyhybrids are an easy and tasty variety .
Big Beefis a big favourite for its long full stop of productiveness . A great canning tomato .
Big Boyhas a flavor and size that work for all repast .
grownup Daddyis another fertile tomato that is great for force out .
Black Krimis a dark crimson - purplish love apple with a peachy nip .
Husky Cherry Redis an well-fixed to arise great smack cherry tree tomato .
Brandywinehas a expectant flavor and good size .
Cherokee Purplewas a top choice for many Master Gardeners for its tone , and also for how prolific and sluttish it is to grow .
Dr. Wyche ’s Yellowis an heirloom tomato . It is a orotund , 1 lb . or turgid jaundiced tomato plant with abject acid and great flavour . It has smooth pelt and can be a grievous manufacturer . It is not bad on a burger , BLT or just big flavorful slice . The downside is that it demand a undecomposed John Milton Cage Jr. and excess staking to support the expectant yield and being an heirloom , it is susceptible to multiple Lycopersicon esculentum diseases .
Early Girlis a favorite tomato for Melissa King . She says , “ I ’ve had great achiever with other Girl Lycopersicon esculentum , an indeterminate variety . These medium - sized tomatoes are prolific producers with memorable flavor that lingers on the roof of the mouth . Excellent for salads and sandwich . ”
German Johnsonis an heirloom mixture that is rosy - red in color , very meaty , and hold up well in our summer heat and humidity . Pat Chadwick shared that she grows this one for drippy reasons , “ My father grew a particularly tasty tomato variety from seeds someone gave to him back in the 50s or 60s . I never make love the name of the variety , but he called it a “ German ” tomato . German Johnson is the closest I ’ve come to it in taste and visual aspect . It ’s not watery like some Lycopersicon esculentum varieties , so it makes a keen slicing tomato . In fact , I had a courteous thick slice of one on a Warren Burger last night . Heavenly ! ”
Golden Jubileeis a favorite yellow tomato grown by Cleve and Fern Campbell .
Green Zebrais a unique love apple with tart green frame — both colorful and flavorful .
Jetstaris a great all - purpose tomato plant with secure spirit , tolerant to many diseases and cracking , a round physique that is easy to slice , fertile and is indeterminate .
Julietis ahybrid cherry tomato . The fruits have an unusual oblong soma and are larger than those of other cherry tomato varieties . Juliet is a prolific variety that keeps create well into capitulation , long after other varieties are fetch up for the season . The fruits do n’t break open in the heat , which is another bounteous plus . Fern Campbell share , “ I love Juliets for dehydrating . I cut them in half and drizzle in olive oil , Italian seasoning / Basil the Great and coarse salt and then exsiccate … .then put in deep freezer baggies , and when I want a snack , appetizer or addition to a sauce….it is very fresh tasting . ”
Matt ’s Wild Cherryproduces “ little flavor dud , ” consort to Bill Sublette .
Mortgage Lifteris a very turgid , delicious , classic beefsteak tomato . Chris Stroupe has found it to have pretty good disease resistance … at least so far .
Mr. Stripeyis another colorful tomato — it is named for its scarlet and xanthous coloration .
Park ’s Whopperis a large , tasty , meaty tomato with strong disease resistance . According to Melissa King , when you burn into one , there ’s a rich burst of flavor with lots of juice . These big red beauties are detectable when growing in a vegetable garden .
Rutgersis an heirloom , red tomato plant with great feel and versatility . Ralph Morini enjoin us , “ I became a Rutgers lover this year . After crusade wilts and blights for the preceding dyad of years , I grew Rutgers from germ this year and have had minimum disease payoff , with a strong yield . The flavor is good enough that the squirrel favour them to the hickory nut that are all over the woods story . Luckily , ripen them off - vine ( inside a report cup of tea with a bunch of bananas ) does n’t compromise their savour or grain . The indeterminate industrial plant front like they ’ll keep sound until frost . ”
San Marzannois a plum tree love apple and a favorite for tomato plant sauce .
Sungoldis a intercrossed cherry tree , vigorous and high - render , crack - sweet .
SunSugaris an early time of year cherry , and theyare so delectable that they rarely make it into the icebox .
Sweet 100is a hybrid cherry tree tomato plant with a “ pop ” of flavor when you bite into one .
With thanks to the following Master Gardeners who contribute to our list of favorite tomatoes : Linda Birch , Gena Breakiron , Alison Brill , Fern Campbell , Cleve Campbell , Pat Chadwick , Charles Greiner , Ralph Hall , Melissa King , Judy Kirby , Ellen Mayoue , Ralph Morini , Bill Sublette , Chris Stroupe , Mary Voorhees , and Nancy Watkins .
Featured Image : Bev Thierwechter
