We include this article early in the year so that those who grow tomatoes from seed have time to receive their order before it is time to start their transplants.
Variety |
Lbs/Plant |
Type |
Anna Russian |
21 |
Open-pollinated |
Cherokee Purple |
17.6 |
Open-pollinated |
German Johnson |
17.2 |
Open-pollinated |
Beef Master |
16.7 |
Hybrid |
Early Girl |
16.5 |
Hybrid |
Big Boy |
16.1 |
Hybrid |
Brandywine Black |
16.1 |
Open-pollinated |
Jet Star |
15.3 |
Hybrid |
Celebrity |
15 |
Hybrid |
Big Beef |
15 |
Hybrid |
Variety |
Oz/Fruit |
Type |
Amana Orange |
12.11 |
Open-pollinated |
Beef Master |
11.62 |
Hybrid |
Brimmer Pink |
11.20 |
Open-pollinated |
Brandy Boy |
10.34 |
Hybrid |
German Pink |
10.24 |
Open-pollinated |
Green Giant |
9.78 |
Open-pollinated |
Mortgage Lifter |
9.60 |
Open-pollinated |
Black Krim |
8.83 |
Open-pollinated |
Box Car Willie |
8.62 |
Open-pollinated |
German Johnson |
8.60 |
Open-pollinated |
- hybrids often have much better disease resistance
- open-pollinated fruit are often tender-skinned and do not ship well
- open-pollinated fruit are often fluted with a recessed stem attachment that consumers may not like
- hybrids often have smaller vines so that more tomatoes can be planted per acre resulting in higher per acre yields
We would suggest you continue to grow varieties that have done well for you in the past but consider including one or more of these on a trial basis. (Ward Upham)