Details
This distinguished heirloom tomato, highly respected in commercial circles, dates back to before 1930 and was introduced by H.W. Buckbee. The Buckbee 1930 catalog praised it as "the largest fruited, the smoothest, the finest in quality of all early scarlet tomatoes." This variety, developed in the 1930s, was notably recognized for its fruitiness, sweetness, and exceptional quality among early red tomatoes. In 1962, this tomato was donated to the USDA, and approximately 33 years later, around 1995, Craig LeHoullier obtained seeds from the National Seed Storage Lab, ensuring its continued cultivation and availability. Originating from Rockford, Illinois, and introduced by H.W. Buckbee, this pre-1930 variety still stands out for its old-fashioned tomato taste. Although not as early as 50 days in terms of maturation, it's recognized as a good producer. The tomatoes are red, medium-sized, and embody the characteristics of early scarlet tomatoes with their smooth texture and substantial size. This heirloom variety's enduring legacy and exceptional qualities make it a cherished choice for both commercial growers and home gardeners.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Lycopersicon lycopersicum |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 5 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 10 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/4 in. |
When to Sow | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
Growing Height | 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
Plant Spacing | 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Danger | Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
Growth Habit | Indeterminate |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
Days to Harvest | 60-70 |
Propagation Methods | From herbaceous stem cuttings, From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
Seed Collecting | Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds, Ferment seeds before storing |
Open Pollinated (OP) | Yes |
Usage | Canning, Fresh, salad, Fresh, slicing |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Medium (under one pound) |
Seeds Per Pack | 25 |