Heritage Album

Have you ever grown heirloom tomatoes?

Why do you like them? How much do they differ in taste from "regular" tomatoes? What species do you prefer? Please mention sweetness, time it takes to grow, size, what dishes it can be used in, etc. All details are appreciated! I want to buy some heirloom tomato seeds for my mom for Mother's Day; it will be totally unexpected and she loves tomatoes! :) Sadly, she's only tried the hybrids at the grocery store and so have I. Where can I get seeds from, other than online sources? Are they sold at greenhouses? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. my neighbor grew some, they were wonderful. they grow like any other tomato, I haven't seen them at Wal Mart just in catalog they are mis shaped and irregular but they have a sweet real tomato flavor. I have grown a couple of regular type and the flavor didn't compare in there.
2. I love pink belgiums they are sweet and meaty less juicy and in my opinion heirlooms don't differ that much but if your mom likes them then you better stick with them..i would check online for heirloom tomatos i would think it would just be your best bet because in stores you never know what your getting.. but i don't know of anyone who dosn't like pink belguims they are fantastic and i hope this helps
3. Heirloom tomatoes are good, growing times about the same for most....you will have to order online more than likely, the best thing is you can save seeds out of the tomatoes and replant them from year to year, and use as any other tomato in recipes. Try several varieties.