I'm in my 70s and have cultivated a huge variety of heirloom and open-pollinated tomatoes over the years. This year, I'm eager to grow some classic varieties like Big Boy and Better Boy, which my dad used to grow with me when I was learning to garden. I'm curious if there are any other varieties that would fit this nostalgic theme. I was thinking about adding Rutgers to my list. Are there any other tomato varieties from the 50s or 60s that are still available today?
5 Answers
Choosing what tomato to grow is like picking a favorite color—so many choices! Both Big Boy and Better Boy are reliable hybrids, known for their disease resistance and high yield. If you're looking for something classic, innovative flavors, I recommend trying Cherokee Purple or Black Krim. They both bring a smoky taste that’s hard to beat. And if you like cherry tomatoes, try Sun Gold; they’re incredibly sweet and productive! For sauces, Amish Paste is my go-to. San Marzano is alright but can have issues like blossom end rot.
Ferris Wheel is another long-standing variety, worth considering if you're looking at history! It’s been around for a while.
You might want to check out the Seed Savers Exchange; they have a fun catalog that details when many varieties were first introduced. It’s a great resource for finding classic seeds!
Mortgage Lifter is an old-school variety, although it qualifies as an heirloom. But it's a classic worth mentioning! If you’re interested specifically in old varieties, it could be useful to check out others, but you may already have them in your stash! By the way, I just remembered that I might have some seeds from the original Mortgage Lifter—William Estler's granddaughter had some seeds I keep meaning to try!
Definitely try Cherokee Purple if you're open to hybrids! It has an amazing flavor and has stood the test of time.