Growing Heirloom Tomato

Overview

Heirloom tomatoes haven't been subjected to the hybridization of many of the newer tomato varieties. They often offer superior taste and you can also save the seeds, as they will grow true to the parent plant unlike hybrids. Many, but not all, heirloom tomato varieties also offer disease resistance new hybrids don't. Heirlooms do require more care than the newer hybrids, and many have sprawling vines that require more careful staking. When growing heirloom tomatoes, don't be afraid of experimenting with several varieties to find the one most suited to your tastes and gardening style.

Step 1

Fill individual seed pots with a quality seed starting soil mix. Fill each pot to within 1 inch of the pot's rim and moisten the soil throughout before planting.

Step 2

Sow two seeds per pot directly on the soil surface. Cover with ¾ inch of soil and mist the soil surface with water to moisten.

Step 3

Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm room to germinate. Check pots daily for germination and remove plastic wrap once seedlings appear. Heirloom varieties germinate in approximately 7 to 14 days but some varieties may take a bit longer; check the seed envelope for exact germination time.

Step 4

Move the tomatoes seedlings to a warm, sunny window or place under grow lights that are hanging 3 inches above the top of the seedlings. Keep the soil moist at all times.

Step 5

Transplant the tomatoes outside once all danger of frost has passed in your area. Harden-off the seedlings first by placing them outside for 2 hours the first day. Gradually increase the time outside each day until they spend the entire day outside at the end of 7 days.

Step 6

Plant tomato seedlings in a well-drained garden bed in full sun. Space each plant 4 feet apart in rows that are 6 feet apart, as heirloom varieties grow larger than many hybrids.

Step 7

Place a 6 foot tall stake behind each seedling or place a 6 foot tall cage over the plant after transplanting to the garden bed. As the plant grows, tie it to the stake with garden ties or pull the branches through the mesh in the cage.

Step 8

Keep the soil moist at all times, provide 1 to 2 inches of water a week. Avoid over-watering, as many heirlooms are susceptible to fruit cracking due to too much moisture.