Tomato Seeds (25) 1884

Tomato Seeds 1884 (Solanum lycopersicum) 25 seeds

An heirloom variety originating in the USA, which was reportedly found among debris during a flood on the banks of the Ohio River by James Lyde in 1884.
Very large, dark pink fruit weighing over 400 grams, beefsteak type, round and flattened at the poles, with subtle ribbing on the upper part and rounded shoulders, which sometimes remain green even at full maturity. Significant depression at the stem attachment.
Dense and meaty beefsteak flesh. Rich flavor of heirloom tomatoes, not based on sweetness but on character.
Slight tendency to crack in case of prolonged rain.
Large plant, regular foliage, indeterminate growth.
Generous production in the second half of the season.

Sow in pots, at a temperature between 16 and 20°C, under a well-lit shelter, 5 weeks before planting. Transplant the entire root ball into the ground, after the last frosts, at least 50 cm apart, burying the stem up to the first leaves. Water thoroughly when planting.

Nightshades require light and warmth to produce. In cooler climates, they are best grown indoors and, depending on the soil, require regular watering.


There are different views on how to approach the famous pruning of tomatoes, and every gardener has arguments to support their theory. To the question "what to do?" the answer is simple: whatever you want!
Pruning tomatoes by de-suckering is not mandatory; it is intended to increase the size of the fruits, their precocity and to facilitate harvesting work.
This method, however, has two drawbacks: it requires time and discernment. Indeed, the head of the tomato plant is not always easy to distinguish from a secondary branch. Furthermore, removing suckers causes wounds for your plant. It is therefore strongly recommended to consider aiding healing with a dusting of maerl or a green clay wash.
Another option is to not prune at all and allow the plant to fully develop. It will therefore need more space in the garden, i.e. 1 m between each plant. The fruits will be smaller but more numerous.
A third solution is to train on two branches. After pinching the plant 20 cm from the ground, only the two branches that form laterally are kept. Then all the suckers are removed.

You can harvest tomatoes 4 to 5 months after sowing.

Open-pollinated seeds harvested exclusively from the Pot'à'Jo garden, a 1500m² market garden combining horticulture and permaculture. Everything is cultivated there with deep respect for nature and its inhabitants. I have been cultivating my own seeds, from seed to seed, for years.