GROW IN ABUNDANCE: The Magic Of Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

k-england
May 1
3 min read

By Sommer Cartier, for Let’s Talk Plants! May 2025.

Photo credit: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.

The Magic of Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

There’s something magical about heirloom tomatoes. Their vivid colors, oddball shapes, and complex flavors set them apart from anything you’ll find at the grocery store. Heirlooms are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations, valued not for perfect looks or long shelf life, but for their incredible taste, beauty, and the stories they carry.

Growing heirlooms isn’t just about harvesting delicious tomatoes, it’s about keeping history alive, celebrating diversity, and finding joy in the hands-on experience of gardening. Sure, they can be a little fussier than modern hybrids, but the payoff is well worth it: fruit packed with character, flavor, and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, understanding what makes heirlooms unique can help you grow your best tomatoes yet.

What Makes Heirloom Tomatoes Different?

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning they rely on natural pollination, and their seeds produce plants true to the parent. Unlike modern hybrids, bred mostly for shelf life, toughness, and yield, heirlooms are grown for flavor, texture, and variety.

Expect a wild variety of colors, shapes, and sizes: deep purples, bright yellows, rich pinks, even striped patterns. Their delicate skins and bold flavors are a big part of their charm, but also why you don’t see them piled high in the produce section of the supermarket.

Challenges of Growing Heirlooms -

Heirlooms are a labor of love, and they come with a few challenges:

More Disease Prone:
Without modern breeding for resistance, heirlooms are more vulnerable to issues like blight and mildew. Good airflow and garden hygiene make a big difference.
Delicate Skins:
Their thin skins make them prone to cracking after heavy rains or inconsistent watering, but they also make for unbeatable flavor
Lower Yields:
You might not get as many tomatoes as you would from hybrids, but every bite is worth it.
Longer Growing Season:
Many varieties take 80–90 days to ripen, so patience is part of the deal.
Vigorous Plants:
These plants love to sprawl, so sturdy support, such as a trellis or cage, are a must to keep them thriving.

Tips for Heirloom Tomato Success -

If you're willing to put in the effort, growing heirlooms can be one of the most rewarding parts of your garden. Here’s few smart strategies that can help you get the most out of your heirloom crop:

· Choose Hardy Varieties:

Some heirloom varieties are naturally more resilient than others. It’s a good idea to choose types that thrive in your local growing conditions. In San Diego’s warm, sunny weather, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Pineapple varieties tend to do especially well.

· Start with Great Soil:

Rich, healthy soil sets the foundation. Add compost or organic matter and rotate crops each year to keep the soil fresh and disease free.

· Water Deeply and Consistently:

Consistent watering is key to preventing cracks. Aim for deep soaks at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves dry.

· Support Early:

Set up cages or trellises when the plants are young. This keeps vines off the ground and helps with air circulation.

· Be Proactive About Disease:

Give your plants plenty of space to breathe. Prune suckers (the little shoots that grow between the stem and branches) and remove any lower leaves that touch the soil. Mulch around the base of the plant to reduce splash-up from the soil.

Growing heirloom tomatoes takes more care and attention, but they reward you with incredible flavor, stunning colors, and the kind of pride that only comes from growing something truly special. A little extra love is all it takes to enjoy a harvest you'll be proud of, season after season.