Best Tomatoes for Planting?

Question

What type of tomatoes produce the large, kind-a sweet tasting, red red tomatoes??? We planted two different kinds this year, and one kind harldy produces (the plants are huge, but only put forth about one or two tomatoes per plant) and then cherry tomatoes, which are very acidic to the taste. I need to know what type to plant to get lots of produce and the sweet yummy taste of home grown tomatoes. Also is it better to plant from seedlings or seeds?

Answer 1

Here's a chart that gives a description of the heirloom tomato varieties...their size, flavor & productivity which include the Beefsteaks which have the flavors we remember
http://www.heirloomtomatoes.bizland.com/varieties.htm
These are large, red & sweet tasting:
'Giant Colossal' up to 1 1/2 lbs good flavor, heavy producer
'Red Brandywine' This large beefsteak variety tomato is legendary for it's "exceptionally rich, succulent flavor" and "old-fashioned tomato taste." Superb flavor...An Amish heirloom
'Giant Belgium' 12-24 oz fruit very sweet
'Black Krim' Sweet tasty dark-red
'Costralee' Large Beefsteak with great flavor
'Delicious' Large 1-2 lb Beefsteak

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Type is mostly your preference, I like Beefmaster, Big Boy, Brandywine as my main choices, I also like to plant Romo, they are tasty, and good for salsas, stews, and sauces.
I am going to give you some tips from my many years of growing and learning to grow tomatoes.
1. It's too late to pick the suckers (#2) and if your plants are huge and beautiful but do not produce fruit do this even though it sounds crazy (what have you got to loose the season is almost over)
get a plastic hose or PVC pipe and whip the plant knocking off some of the smaller branches, do not break the main trunk of the plant.
I had this happen a couple years ago and a person in a check out line gave me this advice, and it worked

#2 As the plant grows you will notice at branch points and leave points small offshoots begin to grow between these areas. These are called suckers, pick them and discard. If you miss some and they get to big to pick before you finally notice them you can cut them with scissors.
I have known about suckers with other crops but never included it with tomatoes until this past winter when talking with a friend. I decided to go for it this year, and I have had one of the best crops of tomatoes ever. My plants are only about 8 or 9 ft tall where they usually get 10-12 ft tall by now, but I have had a lot of huge tomatoes (more than in the past)
Try it next year!

Answer 3

We planted 5 different varietals this year. So far our favorites have been the Cherokee Purple (The biggest and most delicious) and the Pineapple tomato (equally tasty and beautiful on the vine). So far we have the best luck with just buying the plants. Some day we will try from seeds. We just don't know how yet. Another huge tip a botanist gave us . . . plant the tomato plant about 2/3 of the way up the stalk. It will grow roots from the stalk and create a stronger plant. So far she was exactly right. Happy gardening !!

Answer 4

This is the time of year you will start seeing tomato tasting events. Check your area and attend one to find out what you like. County fairs are a good source as well as garden clubs.

Brandywines are large and very sweet; however, they do not produce as well as other types. For truly sweet tomatoes, try some of the black heirloom tomatoes, Black, Black Krim, Black Cherokee, etc. Search for Millennium Farms, Ridgefield, Washington, and you will find a list of heirlooms they sell with brief descriptions. That is where I purchase most of my tomato plants; you might have someone similar in your area. I've recently begun starting some from seed as well. With heirlooms, save seed for the next year. Also, for the best plants, don't buy from a big-box store; go to a local greenhouse where they truly care for their plants, often starting them from seed.

Answer 5

I buy seedlings, and have had great luck with "Ultra Girl" (I think an Early Girl hybrid). Manitoba and Big Beef varieties are also very good. I would caution against any of the collosal varieties, as they are usually very prone to splitting open (then the cracks get all yucky and insects may get in -- and I definitely do not over water, as I don't water at all).

Answer 6

1. beefsteak. big and juicy

2. plant from seedlings

Answer 7

I always use Fantastic and Big Beef. Celebrity is not bad either.