Tomato Season

It’s not quite tomato season but it’s definately time to start those tomato seeds. Last year, I grew Roma tomatoes and they were delicious not to mention prolific. This year I’ve gone a little tomato crazy and I am growing several varieties of tomatoes.

2008 Tomatoes

Mystery Tomatoes– Last year I was introduced to heirloom tomatoes. I had bought various ones at the farmers market and saved their seeds. However, I never caught the names of the different ones. What I did do was save the seeds from my favorite ones. It should be a nice surprise once they start to mature.

Green Zebra Tomatoes: This was the most unique and distinct of the heirloom tomatoes. It’s the one heirloom I was able to retain it’s name. It is so different both in it’s taste and color. It is green with yellow stripes and it has a crisp, distinct taste alsmost like an apple. It’s great with salads.

Speckled Roma Tomatoes: My boyfriend saw these in one of my seed catalogs and thought it would be great one to try. I have never tried them but the Berkeley Horticulture Society says, “Late season paste. Large red fruits with jagged orange and yellow stripes. Very meaty with great tomato taste.” All of this sounds good to me.

Brandy Wine: A popular heirloom tomato which apprently can be tricky to grow. My research also states that it’s one of slowest maturing tomato varieties. But they are delicous and are considered the most popular heirloom at famers markets.

Purple Cherokee: I am very excited about these. Quite a few sites have been raving about these large heirloom tomatoes. Jenny from Seeded generously sent me some from her own collection. I’ve never tried these per Seed Saver exchange they are, “Unique dusty rose color. Flavor rivals Brandywine, extremely sweet. Productive plants produce large crops of 12 oz. fruits. Indeterminate, 80 days from transplant.” As I’ve been doing research I’m finding that this variety is extremely popular with gardeners.

I intentionally started too many plants with the hopes to share with friends and family so I’m not the only tomato growing addict.