How Many Varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes Exist?

It’s difficult to provide an exact number of varieties of heirloom tomatoes because there are countless cultivars that have been passed down through generations, each with its own unique characteristics. Estimates suggest there are thousands of heirloom tomato varieties, with new ones being developed and discovered regularly by gardeners, seed savers, and farmers around the world. These varieties come in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.

Several tomato varieties grow well in Georgia due to its warm climate and long growing season. Some popular varieties that are known to perform well in Georgia include:

1. Cherokee Purple: This heirloom variety is known for its rich, sweet flavor and deep purple-red color.
2. Better Boy: A widely grown hybrid tomato, Better Boy produces large, flavorful fruits and is known for its disease resistance.
3. Early Girl: As the name suggests, Early Girl is an early-maturing variety that produces medium-sized, flavorful tomatoes, making it a favorite for gardeners who want an early harvest.
4. Mortgage Lifter: Another heirloom variety, Mortgage Lifter, produces large, meaty fruits with a sweet, rich flavor.
5. Celebrity: Celebrity is a popular hybrid tomato that produces uniform, medium-sized fruits with excellent flavor and disease resistance.
6. Sweet 100: This cherry tomato variety is known for its prolific production of sweet, bite-sized fruits, making it perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
7. Roma: Roma tomatoes are known for their firm flesh and low moisture content, making them ideal for sauces, canning, and processing.
8. Rutgers: Rutgers is a popular tomato variety that is well-suited to Georgia’s climate. It produces medium-sized, round fruits with excellent flavor and is resistant to many common tomato diseases.
9. Brandywine: Brandywine is a classic heirloom tomato variety known for its exceptional flavor and large, beefsteak-type fruits. While it may require some extra care, it can thrive in Georgia’s climate with proper attention.
10. Homestead 24: Homestead 24 is a determinate tomato variety that is well-adapted to hot, humid climates like Georgia’s. It produces medium-sized, flavorful fruits and is resistant to many common tomato diseases.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other tomato varieties that can thrive in Georgia’s climate. It’s essential to consider factors such as disease resistance, flavor, and intended use when choosing which varieties to grow. Additionally, local gardening centers and agricultural extension offices can provide valuable guidance on tomato varieties that are well-suited to specific regions within Georgia.