| 4 Tomato cultivars Most of the F1 Tomato cultivars are sold in Australia as seedlings
in punnets, so you may not be able to buy their seed from the packet range of retail seed
merchants. It's worth noting that many Tomato cultivars are known by different names in
different states/territories and where there is not likely to be any controversy over
those names, they are listed as synonyms. However where there is a synonym in use in say
the UK or USA, but it is not known in Australia by that name, the local preferred or
locally registered name has been used. The registered names used overseas are not always
licensed for use locally by the Australian distributor which is another reason that
different names are used. Sometimes the names are changed for nothing more than a
marketing advantage, with the same cultivar being sold even in the same state, under
several different names and possibly even by the same distributing merchant so that
several different wholesale growers or nursery chains of growers can claim they have an
'exclusive' line. Of course a reseller of Tomato seedlings would hotly deny this, but caveat
emptor . Where a seed supplier is not mentioned you can assume that the cultivar is
probably only sold by the seed wholesaler to market gardeners and production nurseries,
rather than as packet seed to the retail market.
Fruit shapes described as globular, cherry shaped, egg
shaped are pretty self evident, but oblate or deeply oblate means a flat fruit often with
ridges on the fruit, such as is common on the fruit of Rouge de Marmande.
The disease resistance or tolerance is mentioned only as
guide to the home gardener, because commercial producers would be aware that there are
several races of some of the diseases and identification of the specific fungi cannot be
adequately dealt with in a text of this type. For the backyard grower however it may be
reassuring to know that a particular cultivar has resistance from a group of fungal,
bacterial or viral disorders. Modern plant breeders are taking a lot of care to breed
disease resistance into their selection programs. Some of the cultivars that follow have
disappeared from local shelves recently due to litigation on the Merchants who handled the
seed ranges of Defender and Thompson & Morgan. It is expected that most of those
cultivars will re-appear, when proceedings are settled.
On the 19th May 1994 a benchmark in plant genetics in the
USA was reached when Calgene Inc. of Davis California, secured the US Food and Drug
Administration approval to market their Flavr Savr™ genetically engineered
Tomato. While a genetically engineered Tomato, Red Back has been on the Australian
grocery shelves for two years, the FDA decision was a real first for America. The American
acceptance will now see many vegetables bred world-wide to increase shelf life and disease
resistance, while at the same time retaining the characteristics of our favourite
culivars.
The Flavr Savr™ Tomato is a Tomato with
considerable flavour that has been engineered to stay firm both on the vine and in storage
for at least 10 days longer than any other cultivar. In a nation that grows over 10
billion Tomatoes a year, that creates a huge market advantage. Calgene Inc. explained
quite simply in the New York Times, the process of how they genetically engineered the
first Tomato to be approved for consumption from US grocery shelves;
1) Tomatoes naturally produce an enzyme Polygalacturonase
or PG which assists in the breakdown of Pectin in the Tomato cell walls as they ripen so
that the decaying fruit can naturally spread its next generation of seeds.
2) Calgene has isolated the gene that produces the PG
enzyme.
3) Scientists have cloned the gene and produced a mirror
image that cancels the PG enzyme effect on a Tomato decaying.
4) The reversed gene has been cultured into media with
meristem sections or tiny Tomato cuttings of the favoured F1 cultivar, which are then left
to absorb the altered gene from the culture.
5) When the leaf cuttings sprout roots and are transplanted
into potting media, they set seed as a normal part of their growth cycle. The resultant
seeds from the genetically engineered stock are now producing one generation of viable F1 Flavr
Savr™ seed with an altered genetic structure.
Flavr Savr™ Tomato seed is already available to
commercial growers and is expected to be available to home garden growers in the US in
early 1995. With a Tomato industry worth between US$3 to $5 billion in the USA annually
you can imagine the industry enthusiasm! The Flavr Savr™ Tomato is being
compared to the best Israeli hydroponically grown winter Tomatoes for flavour, but
Americans still use their mid summer Beefsteak Tomato as the benchmark for flavour, just
as we use Grosse Lisse, but they could both be changing.
An alphabetical list of
locally available cultivars
Amish Paste is an open pollinated indeterminate mid
season variety which needs staking and grows 1 metre to 1.5 m, with quite variable
egg-shaped fruits 4-5cm wide and in the range 5-12cm long. It has solid very tasty flesh,
ideal for making preserves, stews and for drying. Seed is in the Diggers catalogue.
Apollo is an F1 hybrid and an indeterminate early
variety which needs staking or else the strong bushes will collapse. They usually make 2
to 2.5 metres in height, with globular fruit about 5-6cm in diameter. The best fruit set
is early season, which is just as well because it doesn't have much disease resistance.
There are however several new generation "Apollo Improved" strains
released in 1994. Seed for 'Apollo' from New Gippsland and Kings.
Apollo Improved is an F1 on an indeterminate bush as
in early variety so that it needs staking and it still has the mild flavoured low acid
taste of the old Apollo but with improved disease resistance to bacterial Wilt and Root
Knot Nematode. It also has firmer fruit and sets fruit at temperatures as low as 10oC.
Seed in the Yates range and available from South Pacific Seeds for commercial growers.
Arcadia is a determinate that only grows to 0.5
metres and produces oblate fruits of 5-7cm in diameter. It has an early to mid season
fruit set but if planted late provides a most valuable mid-late season crop. The firm skin
has long keeping characteristics and ripens well on the bush in full sun. Seed from New
Gippsland and Kings.
Aurora is an open pollinated determinate hybrid
between Floridale and a seventh generation of Arcadia that grows to about 0.75 metres with
deep oblate fruits of 5-7cm in diameter. An early to mid season fruiting variety.
Ballerina is an open pollinated determinate bush to
1.3 metres in height, with Roma-style egg shaped fruits, from 5-6cm in diameter by 8-10cm
long, mid season with very solid fruit, well suited to drying and cooking. Seed from
Diggers.
Beefmaster is an F1 hybrid mid season indeterminate
that grows to 2.5 metres, with 10-12cm semi deep oblate fruits that rival the huge
beefsteak cultivars. It needs a sturdy trellis, rather than a stake. Has disease
resistance to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. Seed from Mr
Fothergill's, Yates and Grower's Pride by Hortico.
Beefstake TA822 is new F1 hybrid still under trial,
that shows promise as a mid season indeterminate to 1.75 metres with even oblate fruits
8-10cm in diameter. When released it will be through Sandoz Seeds.
Beefsteak is an open pollinated mid season
indeterminate of 1-1.5 metres in height, with 10-12cm solid deep oblate fruits on very
sturdy bushes.
Beefsteak Brookway No.3 is a new F1 hybrid (syn.
SPS 695) only due for release this year after having been under trial at the Brookway
Park BPA trials in SA for several years. There is also an SPS 695 Early for
Victorian and Tasmanian growers.
Bellstar is an open pollinated determinate variety
with a bush to 1 metre, the fruits are used for juicing and making sauces or extracting
tomato paste Available from Phoenix Seeds.
Bite Size is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that grows
from 2.2 to 2.7 metres in height, so that it needs a sturdy stake and is best trained to
three leaders to capitalise on maximum fruit set. The cherry type fruits are up to 3cm in
diameter and mature in 77-84 days from seed. Has disease resistance from Verticillium
Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Bacterial Speck and Late Blight. Seed available in the Yates range.
Black Russian is an open pollinated variety with an
almost black exterior to its deep oblate 4-6cm diameter fruits. The inner flesh is a deep
chocolate colour. Seed is available from the Diggers catalogue and they also offer a Russian
Collection of recently introduced 'heirloom' varieties of many colours and shapes from
Russia, which I have yet to taste or grow.
Bon Gusto is an open pollinated semi determinate
with a bush from 0.5 to 1 metre in height, that really needs staking because of the huge
fruit set on a fairly small bush. The oblate 10-12cm fruits are set in the mid-late season
in southern climates. Seed from Potager Seeds.
Brandywine Pink is an open pollinated indeterminate
that grows from 2.2 to 2.8 metres high, with a prolific mid to late season set of tasty
scarlet egg shaped 2 x 5cm fruits, that set very well in cool climates. The fruits start
out bicoloured green and flush through pink to a rich red. Seed from Diggers.
Broad Ripple Yellow Currant is an open pollinated
indeterminate on a 1 to 1.5 metre bush with a prolific set of yellow cherry type fruits
1.5 to 2.5cm diameter, from early to late in the season.
Broersen's Table, see Moneymaker., see Moneymaker.
Brookway Zolla, see Zolla see Zolla
Buccaneer is an F1 hybrid on a determinate bush to 1
metre with a heavy fruit set of globular 6-8cm fruits in the mid season. Available as
punnet seedlings, with seed for wholesalers from Sandoz Seeds.
Bullseye (SPS 538) is a tiny determinate on
procumbent bush of only 0.2 to 0.3 metres (under a foot) in height, with a huge fruit set
of 2-4cm cherry type fruit in the mid to late season, that needs a full sunny position to
thrive. Available as punnet seedlings to the public, with seed for nurseries from South
Pacific Seeds.
Burbank is an open pollinated determinate on a bush
1 to 1.5 metres in height with very tasty globular 6-8cm fruit of even size, for mid-late
season crops according to Hunter Valley growers. Seed Savers' Network in Byron Bay NSW
have the seed.
Burnley Bounty is an open pollinated indeterminate
on a 1.5 to 2 metre bush with a good crop of 8-10cm deep oblate fruits that set very late
in Victoria. Seed has been known to retain some viability for 15 years! Probably not as
popular as it has been in the past, due to its susceptibility to disease, but grows well
hydroponically. Available as seedlings in punnets.
Burnley Gem is an open pollinated determinate with a
bush to 1 metre that produces early globular fruit 4-7cm in diameter and sets well in hot
dry areas. Seed from Kings and New Gippsland.
Burnley Metro is an open pollinated determinate on a
1 metre bush that produced 8-10cm deep oblate fruits in the mid to late season. Available
as punnet seedlings.
Burnley Surecrop is an open pollinated
semi-determinate cultivar with a robust 2 to 2.5 metre bush that yields 5-6cm globular
fruits in early to mid season and reputedly sets fruit two weeks earlier than Grosse
Lisse. Has disease resistance form Verticillium Wilt, unlike Grosse Lisse. Seed from
Kings, New Gippsland and Broersen's.
Burwood Prize is an open pollinated determinate with
a bush to 0.75 metres, that produces very tasty scarlet flat oblate fruits 5-7cm in
diameter in early to mid season in the Northern Rivers area of NSW where it is very
popular. Seed from the Seed Savers' Network.
Camelo, see Mighty Red., see Mighty Red.
Cherokee is a determinate to 1 metre high with a
prolific set of tasty globular fruits of the deepest red. Well suited to patio culture,
with best results in 300mm pots. Available as punnet seedlings.
Cherry Cocktail is an F1 hybrid collection of three
cherry type fruits that set red, orange and yellow 2-3cm fruits with a tasty mild flavour.
They are indeterminate cultivars, each climbing vine needing a strong 2 metre stake or a
weld mesh ring to contain the huge trusses of fruit set all summer and autumn. Resistant
to Verticillium and Fusarium Wilts. Available as seedlings in punnets, or seed from Sandoz
Seeds for wholesale producers.
Cherry Gold is an indeterminate to 2 metres with
1.5cm cherry type golden fruits that set a hundred or more per truss. The trusses are
often over half a metre long and set in mid to late season. Available as seedlings in
punnets.
Cherry Time is an F1 hybrid determinate that grows
to 1 metre and yields 2-3cm tasty cherry red fruits on a compact bush. Seed for wholesale
producers from Sandoz Seeds, but it's starting to be seen as seedlings in punnets for home
gardeners.
Cherub is an F1 hybrid determinate to 1 metre with
2cm cherry type fruit. Seed for bedding plants nurseries from Sandoz Seeds.
Cocktail Supreme is an F1 hybrid indeterminate
that's synonymous with S900 and grows to a vigorous 2 metre climbing vine. A very
tasty thick skinned 2-3cm cherry type fruit for mid to late season that sets 20-50 fruits
per truss, which are best picked as they ripen. Available as seedlings in punnets or for
production nurseries from Sandoz Seeds.
College Challenger is an open pollinated
indeterminate cultivar that makes a sturdy 2 metre bush and sets trusses of 6-10cm oblate
fruit in mid season, two weeks earlier than Grosse Lisse. Seed from New Gippsland and
Kings.
Colossal Yellow is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that
needs staking to hold the 1.5 to 2 metre bush upright. The huge pale yellow 10-18cm solid
deep oblate fruits set in mid season and are low in acid. Seed from Diggers.
Combo is a collection of three F1 hybrids, Prism
Gold, Prism Red and Prism Pink. All determinates that make a bush to 0.7
metres with thick Potato like foliage, resembling the F1 Tomato First Prize. The mid to
late set of 4-6cm globular fruits are colourful and tasty, with disease resistance to
Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. The Combo collection has been designated Bedding
Plants Australia (BPA) 1994 Vegetable of the year.
Continental is an F1 hybrid semi-determinate that
forms a bush 1 to 1.3 metres high and sets huge 10-14cm globular fruit in mid season.
Resistance to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilts of both races, Alternaria, Stemphyllium
and Root Knot Nematode. Available as seedlings in punnets or for production nurseries from
South Pacific Seeds.
Crimson Vee is a determinate with a stocky bush 0.5
to 0.7 metres tall and 8-10cm deep oblate fruits rather sparingly in mid season. They have
Verticillium Wilt resistance. Seed in the Digger's heirloom collection.
Cuatomate is an open pollinated wild indeterminate
Tomato that will grow to 2.5 metres and produces trusses of the tiniest but sweet
Tomatoes. They need to be picked regularly when showing a blush or either the birds get
them or they become acidic as they age on the vine. Seed is in the Diggers catalogue.
Cutlass is an F1 hybrid determinate to 0.75 metres,
that can benefit from staking, due to its heavy set of oblate 8-12cm fruits in the mid
season. seed for commercial growers from Sandoz Seeds, but available in punnets from BPA
outlets.
Daydream is an open pollinated indeterminate with a
bush 1.5 to 2 metres tall that sets late fruit and is best in hot areas with low humidity.
Each truss sets lots of tasty large flat deep oblate fruit. Seed from Phoenix.
Duke is an F1 hybrid determinate to 1.5 metres in
height, with 5cm globular fruit that set early. Disease resistance to Verticillium and
Fusarium Wilts (race 2) is a feature as is their heavy fruit set. Seed from South Pacific
Seeds for commercial nurseries and available as seedlings in punnets.
Dynamo is an F1 hybrid, known as the popular
commercial variety Riverdale Red in WA. It is an indeterminate that grows to 2.5
metres, so you'll need to trellis them and it produces masses of 8-10cm globular fruit
with a good shelf life. An a mid to late season variety with resistance to the
Verticillium and Fusarium Wilts. Noted for its uniform set of fruit from the bottom all
the way to the top. Seed for commercial growers from Sandoz Seeds, but seen as seedlings
in punnets at you local nursery or hardware store.
Earliest of All is a determinate that only grows to
0.4 metres in height. A very popular early Tomato in Britain, but Pixie Hybrid II beats it
by two weeks even in southern states of Australia. I guess it's the stronger sunshine! The
prolific fruit set of globular 4-6cm fruits that set well in cool areas is its feature.
Seed from Kings and New Gippsland.
Earlypeel Improved is an open pollinated determinate
with a full cover of robust leaves to protect fruit. Thrives as a ground cover to 40cm, on
low mounds. Fruits are 6-8cm long of the typical Roma type, suitable for paste, cooking or
fresh in salads. Most notable feature is that it's resistant to Bacterial Speck, but also
has resistance to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilts of both races. Seed for commercial
growers from South Pacific Seeds, but found in various punnet seedling ranges.
Elberta Girl, see Schimmeig Creg, see Schimmeig Creg
ES 58 is an open pollinated determinate that makes a
0.5 metre bush which sets 6-8cm deep oblate fruits in mid to late season. A reliable late
Tomato with tasty firm fruit. Seed from Broersen's.
Firefox is an Australian-bred F1 hybrid, synonymous
with Haru 83-131, a semi determinate to 1.5 metres with 8-10cm oblate fruits in mid
season. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt, Root-Knot Nematode and Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus,
which is fortunately not a problem in most of Australia. Seeds from the Erica Vale range.
First Prize is an F1 hybrid determinate, recently
marketed as Patio Prize, that makes a 0.5 metre bush and grows into a sturdy
container specimen that sets prolific trusses of globular 2-4cm fruits in the mid to late
season. In a well watered garden they are prone to fungal diseases, which is why the Super
Prize has been bred to overcome that short fall. Available to home gardeners as
seedlings in punnets.
Floradade or Flora Dade is an indeterminate
to 1 metre with 6-8cm oblate fruits in mid season, grown commercially in Queensland for
the southern winter markets. A solid fruit, with little flavour to merit it to my taste
buds, even when ripened in a paper bag on the window sill. It does however have
Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt (race 2) resistance, for sub tropical gardeners or
those in humid areas.
Gardener's Delight is an indeterminate climbing vine
that grows 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall and is very popular in taste tests in Britain. The very
sweet 2-4cm cherry type bright red fruit set in our early to mid season on long trusses
over a long time. Matures in 65 days from seed that is available from Erica Vale.
Golden Gourmet Filler is an indeterminate that grows
to 1.5 metres tall and produces mid season large deep oblate hollow yellow fruits of
8-10cm diameter that are ideal for stuffing in the Mediterranean style. Seed from the
Yates range.
Golden Jubilee is an indeterminate that grows to 1.5
metres and in mid season sets trusses of 4-6cm oblate non acid golden fruits. They mature
in 80 days from seed.
Golden Sunrise is an early season indeterminate to 2
metres in height with 3-4cm globular very sweet golden fruit of low acid content.
Resistant to Target Spot disease and the seed available from Kings and New Gippsland.
Goldilocks is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that
thrives on a 2 metre stake or frame, producing masses of globular 4-5cm sweet yellow
fruits in mid season. The fruits tend to split if left on the vine too long, so regular
picking is a must. Seed in the Yates range.
Green Streaked, see Green Zebra. see Green Zebra.
Greenwich is an open pollinated indeterminate cultivar
to 1.5 metres with deep oblate pale green fruits in mid to late season that have a dark
green flesh. Just the shot to add colour to a jaded salad! Seed in the Digger's catalogue.
Green Zebra is an open pollinated indeterminate that
grows to 1m and is also known as Green Streaked. The globular 5-7cm green striped
fruits have a creamy texture to their flesh, with an outstanding flavour and yields of 13
kgs per bush are common. They take 96 days to mature from seed available from Digger's.
Grosse Lisse is an open pollinated indeterminate
that will grow to 2 metres. I've even seen it over 3.5 metres high up a trellis! It has
been the standard by which most Australian home gardeners in southern states have measured
their Tomato growing prowess for the past 50 years. It sets fruit in very hot conditions
for mid to late season, after 100 days from seed or 80 days from seedlings. The fruits are
tasty 6-10cm oblate and smooth, best picked with a hint of pink and ripened indoors or the
acid levels rise, however if you like the wild taste, then you leave them to sun ripen.
While the original Grosse Lisse had little disease resistance there are recently developed
improved selections, being passed off as 'old' Grosse Lisse, which have considerable
resistance to some fungal diseases. Seed is available from Grower's Pride, Mr
Fothergill's, Yates, Attunga and just about every gardener's tool shed!
Grosse Sal is an open pollinated indeterminate
selected from Grosse Lisse strains, which has more cool weather tolerance for Victorian
growers. Its habit and fruit are indistinguishable from Grosse Lisse.
Harbinger is an indeterminate that grows to 2 metres
and sets 6-8cm oblate fruits in mid season. It's an old favourite grown for its thin skin
and rich flavour. Seeds from Phoenix.
Hardy Tom is a determinate vine that might get to 1
metre, but tends to trail or spill over the ground. The 2-4cm oblate fruits set from mid
to very late in the season and will continue setting trusses right up to the first frosts.
It is claimed they are resistant to Fruit Fly and seed is available from Eden Seeds.
Haru 83-131, see Firefox. see
Firefox.
Hawk is a determinate to 1.5 metres or it can be
allowed to spill from a bank. The 5-7cm oblate fruits set in mid to late season. The
bushes are resistant to Bacterial Wilt. Occasionally available as a seedling in punnets.
Hires Special Improved is only used as a rootstock
for grafting cultivars known to have low disease resistance in areas with fungal and soil
borne nematode vectors. Hires' has reliable resistance to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium
Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus and Corky Root. Seed is available to
commercial growers from Sandoz Seeds.
Improved Apollo, see Apollo, see Apollo
Joy, see Vivian.
Jubilee is an indeterminate 1.7 to 2 metres with 6-8cm
golden orange deep oblate fruits, with a mild flavour for mid season crops. Sets fruit in
72 days from seed which is available from New Gippsland and Kings.
Kelstar is an open pollinated indeterminate that
grows to 2 metres and was once widely grown by southern market gardeners. The tasty 6-7cm
oblate fruits set very late. Seed is available from Kings and New Gippsland.
Kotlas is an open pollinated determinate that grows
to 1.2 metres and sets trusses with 7-9 egg-shaped fruits of 2 by 3 cms which makes tasty
Tomato paste. It is a very early variety for an egg Tomato, with seed available from
Phoenix Seeds.
KY1 is a determinate cultivar with a bush to 1 metre
for early to mid season fruit which has excellent flavour in the 6-8cm oblate fruits,
noted for making great sauce. Seed from Kings and New Gippsland.
La Rossa™ (TA 329) is an F1 hybrid determinate
which makes a dense bush to 1 metre and produces a heavy mid season crop of solid fleshed
egg shape fruits 6-8cm long, which are ideal for drying, bottling or to eat fresh. They
have Verticillium and Fusarium Wilt resistance and the seed is available for commercial
growers from Sandoz Seeds or as seedlings from your BPA punnet supplier.
Longkeeper is an open pollinated indeterminate which
when staked will grow to 2 metres and produce a late crop of globular 6cm fruits, that
continue to ripen on the bush when the cold weather sets in. Seed is available from Kings
and New Gippsland.
McGarity, see Mortgage Lifter., see Mortgage Lifter.
Mama Mia is an F1 hybrid determinate that grows to
1.5 metres and sets 6x4cm egg shaped fruits in both the early and late seasons, but
usually stops producing in the heat of the mid season in Jan-Feb. The fruit is
thick-skinned and is best for processing and sauces. They have disease resistance to
Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, as well as Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Available as
punnet seedlings only to home gardeners.
Mama's Delight is an F1 hybrid determinate that will
grow to 1.5 metres and set its globular 6-8cm fruit in both the early and late seasons,
tapering off in mid season. Disease resistance is claimed to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium
Wilt, as well as Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Available as seedlings only.
Mande is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that will grow
1.7 to 2 metres and sets globular 7-9cm fruits in the mid-late season. It's a popular
glasshouse Tomato in Murray Bridge SA, but produces a very tasty fruit when grown in
Adelaide and Whyalla home gardens. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt and
Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Available as seedlings only to home garden gardeners, but in
the Sandoz Seeds range for commercial growers.
Marko is an indeterminate vine generally sold as
grafted onto Hires Special Improved rootstock. They will easily cover a 3 metre by 5 metre
trellis and an Italian gardener in inner suburban Norwood SA, has picked 50 kgs of fruit
from a single plant on more than one occasion! I've never seen the seed offered for sale,
but only offered as grafted plants.
Marmande VF, see Super Marmande. , see Super Marmande.
Micro-Tom is a tiny F1 hybrid determinate that only
grows to 0.2m, that's right only 9 inches tall and it sets 1.5-2cm cherry style fruits in
the mid to late season. They can be planted three to a large hanging basket and they trail
delightfully. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt, Grey Leaf Spot, Blossom End Rot, Radial Cracking
and Burst. Probably our smallest Tomato with good flavour.
Seed from Lefroy Valley Seed Co.
Mighty Red is an F1 hybrid also known as Carmelo in
California. It is a very strong indeterminate bush that will easily make 3.5 metres, but
is best pruned hard when it is young to induce a more manageable habit. The tasty globular
8-10cm fruits literally push each other off the massive trusses. Well suited to a wide
range of soil types. Resistant to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt,
Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus and yet it sets fruit in the heat and tastes just like Grosse
Lisse! Mostly available as seedlings, but available to commercial growers from Sandoz
Seeds.
Milano is an open pollinated determinate that only
makes a bush of up to 0.5 metres and produces a heavy set of Roma style egg shaped fruits
3cm by 8cm long. I've only seen this variety in Italian gardeners' back yards, no idea
where the seed comes from!
Minibel (syn Mini Belle) is a tiny F1
determinate to 0.3 metres or one foot in height, with a very dense foliage. The 1.5cm
cherry type fruit set in the mid to late season. They make good pot plants providing the
container is at least 300mm in diameter, because although they are small they still have a
fairly extensive root-run. Seed from Lefroy Valley Seed Co.
Mini Red Pear is an indeterminate that will grow 1.2
to 2.2 metres in height and set a prolific crop of tasty 2 x 3cm red pear shaped fruits in
mid season. Mostly available as seedlings, but available to commercial growers from Sandoz
Seeds.
Mini Yellow Pear is also known as Yellow Baby
and it's an indeterminate vine that will grow 1.2 to 2.2 metres in height and set trusses
of 5-15 tasty yellow pear shaped fruits with low acid of about 2 x 3cm in size in the hot
mid season. Available to home gardeners only as seedlings, but is available as seed to
commercial growers from Sandoz Seeds.
Moneymaker is also known as Broersen's Table
and it's vigorous indeterminate to 1.5 metres tall with fine flavoured globular fruit of
3-4cm diameter in the early part of the season. Resistant to Blossom End Rot. Seed from
Broersen's.
Moonshot is an F1 hybrid with an indeterminate habit
to 3.5 metres in height, so it needs some early pruning. It has a prolific mid season set
of 7-9cm globular fruit, with a very pale colour and low food acid. Resistant to Root-Knot
Nematode, Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt and Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Seed for
commercial growers from Sandoz Seeds and available to home gardeners in punnets.
Mortgage Lifter is also known as McGarity, an
open pollinated indeterminate that will grow to 3 metres and sets huge trusses of pale
pink mid season fruits, 12-15cm in diameter with a mild flavour. Bushes recently averaged
some 17kgs of fruit in trials at Seymour Vic. Seed is available from Digger's.
Nepal is the "Golbheda" of the Kathmandu
markets, it's an open pollinated selection, indeterminate to 2.5 metres in height and
produces a very tasty full flavoured 8-10cm oblate fruit in mid to late season. Sets well
in humid climates. Seed from Digger's.
Orange Sunrise is an open pollinated indeterminate
that makes a bush 1.7 to 2.3 metres high and sets a heavy crop of mid to late season tasty
cherry type bright orange coloured fruits 1.5-2.5cm in diameter. Available to home
gardeners in punnets only, but seed from Sandoz Seeds for commercial growers.
Oxheart is synonymous with Ox Heart is an
open pollinated indeterminate that will reach 2 metres and produce solid deep oblate or
heart-shaped 10-15cm fruit of a pale pink colour with very few seeds in them and low acid.
A single fruit can exceed 500 grams. They grow well in cool climates and yield best in the
mid to late season. Seed from Yates, Kings and New Gippsland.
Patio Prize is an F1 hybrid also known as First
Prize, a compact determinate to 0.5 metres, it produces 2-4cm globular fruits in the
mid to late season. Available as seed in the Attunga range.
Patriot is an F1 hybrid of semi determinate habit,
which will grow to 0.5 metres on a trellis or be left to trail on the ground. It sets
10-12cm deep oblate fruit in mid season and is suited to humid areas such as northern NSW
and SE Queensland. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. Mostly available as
seedlings, but Yates may release it this year in their seed range.
PerfecTom is the result of a four year selection
project by Big Fresh, a subsidiary of Woolworths (NZ) Ltd. to find a Tomato with good
shelf life and the best taste in winter. It can be grown hydroponically. It was only
launched in July 1994, but is already very popular in New Zealand, so we can probably
expect to see it soon, as seedlings on our side of the Tasman!
Peruvian Sugarlump (possibly syn Peruvian Bush)
is an open pollinated indeterminate climbing vine which really needs a 2 metre high
cylinder of weld mesh to climb over. The 2-5cm cherry type fruits are very sweet and
similar in taste to Gardener's Delight but they set a bit later in the early season.
Digger's for the seed.
Peruvian Currant is an open pollinated indeterminate
vine that will climb from 2.2 to 2.7 metres and sets its tiny full flavour 1cm fruits in
clusters like grapes. A mid to late variety that you would probably find in the Seed
Savers' Network.
Pineapple is an open pollinated sturdy indeterminate
bush that grows to 2.5 metres and produces a monster fruit 15-20cm across, which I found
to have little taste of any merit, when I sampled it. But if a 500 gram flat deeply oblate
yellow and green striped fruit is your aim then look no further. The seed is bound to be
available from Digger's.
Pink Ponderosa is an open pollinated indeterminate
selection, that is possibly a sport of Rouge de Marmande, with huge deep oblate
pink fruits of 6-8cm with some that weigh as much as 250 grams. Seed from Seed Savers'
Network.
Pirate is an F1 hybrid determinate to 1 metre in
height. It sets excellent uniform fruit on the first truss of 8-10cm diameter oblate
fruits in mid season and goes on bearing for 6-8 weeks. Seed for commercial growers from
Sandoz Seeds and available as seedlings in punnets from BPA outlets.
Pixie is an F1 hybrid indeterminate to 0.6 metres
with a very early set of globular-oblate fruit in the range 4-5cm diameter. It makes an
ideal container plant, sets heavy and ripens very fast with a flavoursome crop.
Pixie Hybrid II is an F1 hybrid determinate bush of
0.4 to 0.6 metres in height with the earliest set of cherry type fruits which are 4-5cm
diameter. It matures in 52 days from transplanted seedlings and makes a good container
plant. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt and Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Seed
from Erica Vale, Kings and New Gippsland.
Plumfryer is an open pollinated determinate that
makes a 0.5 to 0.7 metre bush. It produces mid season egg shaped fruits 4cm by 7cm long,
that make ideal bottling fruit. Seed from Digger's.
Principe Borghese is an open pollinated
indeterminate that forms a bush to 1.75 metres. The mid season ovoid-cherry type fruits
are 2-3cm in diameter are carried on huge trusses. The variety is noted as a good drying
Tomato with lots of seed. Seed is available from Digger's.
Purple Calabash is an open pollinated indeterminate
from 1.5 to 2.2 metres in height, that fruits in mid season with 6-10cm deep oblate purple
brown fruits, that are dark red to maroon inside when cut. A conversational piece in any
salad. Seed is available to members from the Digger's catalogue.
Quick Pick is a determinate to 1 metre with mid
season deep red egg shaped fruits 4cm by 6cm long, that are low in acid, ideal in salads
as well as cooking. Seed available in the Yates range.
Red Back (SPS 40) is an F1 hybrid determinate to 1.5
metres, with mid season tasty globular fruits 8-12cm in diameter. It has been genetically
engineered to have the brightest red inside of any Tomato and also has a lovely flavour!
Resistant to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt of both races. Available to commercial
growers from South Pacific Seed and as seedlings from your BPA nursery outlet.
Red Centre is a semi determinate to 1.3 metres with
mid to late crops of 6-8cm globular fruit, similar to Floridade, it has a six weeks shelf
life, but needs to be picked with a yellow flush and not picked green. Resistant to
Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. This was the first F1 hybrid bred in Australia. Seed
available from New World Seeds.
Red Cherry is an indeterminate to 1 metre in height
with a high yield of mid season cherry style fruits of 2cm diameter, that mature in 65
days from seed.
Red Peach is an indeterminate bush from 1.6 to 2.0
metres in height with an early set of globular 4-5cm fruits with very soft skin.
Definitely a fruit a nibble in the garden. Seed from Digger's.
Regency is an F1 hybrid determinate to 0.5 metres
with a very early season set of 6-8cm oblate fruits. Planted as the earliest spring crop
in Florida USA. Disease resistance to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. Seed from South
Pacific Seeds for commercial growers.
Riverdale Red, see Dynamo., see Dynamo.
Roma is an open pollinated determinate with a bushy
habit to 1 metre and mid season egg shaped fruits of 4cm by 6 cm long, that are used for
bottling and cooking as well as drying. Seed from Mr Fothergill's, Kings, New Gippsland
and Grower's Pride. The modern Roma VF Plum as it is called in USA, is disease
resistant to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt and is the cultivar widely sold in
Australia as Roma.
Rouge de Marmande is an open pollinated
indeterminate bush to 2.5 metres. An old favourite for the early to mid season crop with
excellent flavour and an exceptional fruit set in cool areas such as Tasmania. The almost
flat deep oblate fruits are usually 6-8cm in diameter, but show considerable variation in
size when compared to some of the modern cultivars. They are very versatile in the
kitchen. Seed readily available from Yates, Kings, New Gippsland and Grower's Pride.
Rutgers is an open pollinated indeterminate that
will grow 1 to 1.5 metres in height, needs a stake and produces mid season non acid
globular fruits of 4-6cm in diameter, with a dense solid flesh and very few seeds. They
mature in 80 days from seed.
S900, see Cocktail Supreme., see Cocktail Supreme.
San Marzano is an open pollinated determinate that
grows 1 to 1.5 metres and produces a mid season crop of deep red egg shaped fruits of
3-4cm thick by 5-8cm long. They mature in 85 days and make lovely Tomato paste with a mild
flavour. Seed from Coopers.
Schimmeig Creg is an open pollinated indeterminate
also known as Elberta Girl, that grows 1.5 to 2.0 metres with a stake or trellis. A
mid season set of 5-8cm deep oblate fruits that are handsomely striped in red, pink and
green, make this a memorable Tomato. Seed from Digger's.
Schimmeig Stoo is an open pollinated indeterminate
that grows to 1.3 metres and sets a mid season crop of deep oblate fruits with curious
shaped red fruits that have yellow stripes and a wild taste. Seed from Digger's.
Scoresby Dwarf is an open pollinated determinate
that grows to 1 metre and sets a mid season crop of globular fruit 4-6cm in diameter,
which is great for preserves. It matures from seed in 85-140 days depending on the site.
Seed from Coopers.
Scorpio is an open pollinated indeterminate bush to
1.5 metres in height, widely grown in the tropics of Queensland and WA as a winter crop
for the southern markets. The 6-8cm globular fruits develop flavour when ripened outside
of the 'fridge. Resistant to Bacterial Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. Seed from Yates but only
for the tropics of Western Australia and Queensland.
Scotland Yellow is an open pollinated indeterminate
bush to 1.3 metres, with a mid season set of lovely yellow oblate fruit about 5cm across,
low acid and low flavour. Digger's for the seed.
Shady Lady is an open pollinated indeterminate bush
of 1.5 to 2.0 metres in height with a mid season set of 10-14cm deep oblate fruits that
will set in semi shade. They will however set much more fruit in full sun, but if you have
little sun, they are worth a try. Seed from Digger's heirloom range.
Solar Set is an open pollinated determinate to 0.6
metres in height, that sets a good very late season crop of solid fleshy and tasty 6-8cm
oblate fruits. Available only as seedlings to home gardeners.
SPS 695, see Beefsteak Brookway No.3 see Beefsteak Brookway No.3
SPS 695 Early, see Beefsteak Brookway No.3 see Beefsteak Brookway No.3
SPS 729 has yet to be released to the public under a
cultivar name, but it's such an outstanding Tomato I'm sure it soon will be. I've been
watching it in the Brookway Park BPA Trials for several years now. It is a tall
indeterminate that definitely needs staking and has very distinctive 'Roma' tear shaped
fruits that set in long trusses, of up to 20 fruits of 5-7cm in length. Unusual in that it
has flavour and yet dries well. Tolerant to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt of both
races, Nematodes and Bacterial Speck. Seed for commercial growers from South Pacific
Seeds.
Striped Cavern is an open pollinated indeterminate
that makes a bush to 2 metres, with 6-10cm deep oblate striped fruits with a large cavity,
ideal for cooking. Resistant to Blossom End Rot. Seed from Digger's.
Stripey is an open pollinated indeterminate bush
Tomato that grows from 1.2 to 1.5 metres in height and also known as Tigerella.
They produce an early crop of globular striped red and yellow fruits to 7cm diameter, with
a rich tangy flavour. Seed available from Digger's and Erica Vale.
Sugar Lump, see Gardener's Delight. see Gardener's Delight.
Summertaste is an F1 hybrid indeterminate with a bush
to 1.5 metres and a mid season crop of globular fruits 8-11cm wide in 70 to 84 days from
seed. Does particularly well in the tropics. They should be picked at the first sign of a
blush and allowed to ripen indoors. Resistant to Bacterial Wilt. Seed in the Yates range,
but not available in Tasmania or Victoria.
Sunray is an indeterminate to 2 metres with 6-8cm
golden orange deep oblate fruits, with a mild flavour for mid season crops. It has
Fusarium Wilt resistance and sets fruit in 80 days from seed which is available from Erica
Vale in their 'Salad Pack' range.
Sungold is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that grows
from 1.5 to 2.2 metres tall. An early to mid season variety, its 3-4cm cherry type rich
golden yellow fruits are set on large trusses and are reputed to be the sweetest Tomato
grown in Britain. Available in the Erica Vale seed range.
Super Beefsteak is an open pollinated robust
indeterminate that grows in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 metres tall. A mid to late season
variety with massive 10-12cm globular fruits. It matures in 85 days from seed and is
resistant to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. Seed is available in
the Erica Vale, New Gippsland and Kings selections.
Super Marmande is an open pollinated indeterminate,
synonymous with Marmande VF, Marmalade Super and Supermarmande, which differ
from Rouge de Marmande in that they have resistance to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium
Wilt, while retaining the superb Rouge de Marmande flavour and ability to set fruit in
cool regions. Super Marmande matures in 62 days from seedlings with an early set of
delicious deep oblate fruit 7-10cm across. Seed is sold in the 'Salad Pack' range by Erica
Vale.
Super Prize is an F1 hybrid of determinate parents
that grows to 0.5 metres. It is an improved version of First Prize, showing disease
resistance to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt. It's a mid to late crop with 2-5cm
globular fruits. An ideal balcony crop for container vegetable gardening. Available as
seedlings only.
Super Roma is an open pollinated determinate that
grows to 1 metre and in the mid to late season sets a bumper crop of almost seedless egg
shaped fruits, 6cm long by about 4cm thick, that are perfect for bottling, juicing or
fresh. They mature in 76 days from seedlings and are resistant to Verticillium Wilt and
Fusarium Wilt. Seed is available from Erica Vale.
Sweet 100 is an F1 hybrid indeterminate that grows
to 2 metres and is also known as Sweet Bite. A vigorous mid to late season variety
it produces copious tasty fruits on long trusses of a 2.5cm red cherry type of fruit, that
set in the most symmetrical order. Because the fruits can split with over watering, they
are best picked regularly. Available from Mr Fothergill's, Kings, New Gippsland and
Grower's Pride. Sold as Sweet Bite by Attunga.
Sweet Bite, see Sweet 100., see Sweet 100.
Sweet Million is an F1 hybrid with indeterminate growth
to 2 metres. An outstanding producer of enormous early season grape-like trusses of tasty
2cm cherry type fruits. Resistance to Fusarium Wilt and Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus.
Available as seedlings in punnets from BPA outlets.
Taurus is an F1 hybrid tall indeterminate to 2.3
metres, that yields tasty 10-12cm flattened oblate fruits in large trusses over quite a
long season from quite early to late. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt and
Root Knot Nematodes. Seed for wholesale growers from South Pacific Seeds.
Thompson's Seedless Grape is an open pollinated
indeterminate bush to 2 metres in height. It's a mid season variety with 2-3cm globular
green fruits that make a colourful addition to a salad. Seed available from Digger's.
Tigerella, see Stripey, see Stripey
Tiny Tim is an open pollinated determinate that makes a
bush 1.5 high. An early season variety it sets huge trusses of 2-3cm cherry type red
fruits. Matures in 80 days from seed and makes a sturdy container plant given support.
Seed from Kings, New Gippsland and Broersen's.
Tom Boy Series is a collection of determinate
cultivars that grow to 1.2 metres and mostly have deep oblate fruit 6-10cm in diameter.
They are released with different cultivars in the various seasons, so that no matter when
you buy the seedlings they will mature in the right season. The BPA growers have
customised them for each region of Australia.
Tommy Toe is an open pollinated indeterminate that
creates a bush 2.2 to 2.7 metres tall when given support. A mid to late season variety the
2-3cm cherry type fruits are one of the tastiest Tomatoes I've eaten. They have a very
heavy fruit set of at least 10kgs per bush. Seed is available in the Digger's heirloom
range.
Trident is an open pollinated determinate of only
0.5 to 1.1 metres in height. A mid season cultivar they set large trusses of tasty 8-10cm
globular fruits. Seed in the Yates range.
Tropic is an open pollinated indeterminate bush of
vigorous habit that grows to 2.5 metres and due to its disease resistance is well suited
to tropical horticulture, although it has been grown as a mid-late season variety quite
well down south. In the tropics it's a mid season variety with 8-10cm deep oblate fruits
of a rich flavour. Resistance to two strains of Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus, Verticillium
Wilt, Fusarium Wilt and bacterial Wilt. Seed available from Grower's Pride and Mr
Fothergill's.
Ultra-Boy is an F1 hybrid with indeterminate growth
of 1.5 to 2.0 metres in height. A very high yielding crop with huge 10-15cm deep oblate
fruits that are very solid and tasty. Resistance to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt
and Fusarium Wilt.
Vemone is an F1 hybrid of determinate
characteristics, recommended for hydroponic culture. It is a very early season variety
that yields exceptionally well under controlled conditions and given that so many home
gardeners grow their produce hydroponically, it cannot be considered as a commercial
variety exclusively.
Verna Orange is an open pollinated indeterminate
that makes a 1.5 to 2.0 metre bush. A late season variety with huge orange oxheart-shaped
fruits of 10-12cm diameter that have firm flesh, but little taste to my taste buds. Seed
is available from Digger's in their heirloom range.
Vivian is an F1 hybrid of indeterminate habit that
grows from 1.5 to 2.0 metres in height and is also sold in Australia as Joy. It's
an early and late season variety, with a huge set of 6-10cm globular fruits that have a
mild flavour. It thrives in both glasshouses and outdoors but needs heavy pruning or the
fruit set diminishes as the foliage runs away. Has resistance to Root-Knot Nematode,
Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt.
Walter is an open pollinated determinate that will
make 2.3 metres if staked, but is just as happy to trail over the ground. It grows best in
the tropics and has resistance to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt (race 2). Its
10-12cm rich red deep oblate fruits set very early and have a fairly mild flavour. Seed
from Phoenix.
White Beauty is an open pollinated indeterminate
that grows 1.5 to 2.0 metres. It sets its 6-8cm deep oblate pale cream to white fruits
late in the season. At best it's a cook's novelty, with low acid and flavour. Seed from
Digger's.
Yellow Baby, see Mini Yellow Pear see Mini Yellow Pear
Yellowboy is an open pollinated indeterminate that will
climb from 2 to 4.5 metres and produce lemon yellow fruits on a most vigorous vine for
both early and late seasons. The fruits are 2-4cm and egg shaped with low acid but fine
flavour. It is also known as Yellow Egg Climbing in the Broersen's catalogue.
Yellow Egg Climbing, see Yellowboy, see Yellowboy
Yellow Plum is an open pollinated determinate that will
make between a 1.0 and 1.5 metre bush. It produces a prolific mid season yellow fruit of
about the same size and shape of an egg. The fruit has low acid. Available from New
Gippsland and Kings.
Zolla is an F1 hybrid determinate that grows 1.0 to
1.3 metres and has been bred in South Africa. Synonymous to Brookway Zolla. In the
mid season it sets huge quantities of 7-9cm fruits of up to 170 grams each, with an
exciting wild flavour. It sets well in the sub humid areas similar to Durban RSA, which
should mean that it becomes popular in northern NSW as it becomes better known. Resistant
to Verticillium Wilt, Root-Knot Nematode and Tobacco Leaf Mosaic Virus. Seed soon to be
released by Yates.
Tomato cultivars listed by season,
from very early to very late.
The terms early and late are relative to your local
region and no attempt is made here to qualify the dates, suffice to say that first frost
day in southern climates usually spells the end of the Tomato season.
Pixie Hybrid II very early, 2 weeks earlier than Earliest
of All
Pixie very early
Regency very early
Vemone very early
Scorpio very early, planted March-August in tropical Qld
Earliest of All very early
Kotlas very early
Walter very early
Apollo Improved early
Apollo early
Peruvian Sugarlump early
Super Marmande early
Quickcrop early
Tiny Tim early
Stripey early
Burnley Gem early
Moneymaker early
Red Peach early
Sweet Million early
Duke early
Golden Sunrise early
Regency early
Green Zebra early
Rouge de Marmande early-mid
Burnley Surecrop early-mid, sets two weeks earlier than
Gross Lisse
KY1 early-mid
Sungold early-mid
Arcadia early-mid
Gardener's Delight early-mid
Red Back early-mid
Patriot mid
Red Cherry mid
Jubilee mid
Plumfryer mid
Amish Paste mid
Moonshot mid
Summertaste mid
Zolla mid
Ballerina mid
Firefox mid
Continental mid
Mighty Red mid
Principe Borghese mid
Roma mid
Black Russian mid
Earlypeel Improved mid
Sunny mid
Floridade mid
Crimson Vee mid
La Rossa mid
Mortgage Lifter mid
Golden Jubilee mid
Purple Calabash mid
Tropic mid
Ultra Boy mid
Trident mid
Beefmaster mid
Beefsteak mid
Golden Gourmet Filler mid
Sunray mid
College Challenger mid
Quick Pick mid
Mini Red Pear mid
Mini Yellow Pear mid
Yellow Plum mid
Yellow Baby mid
Buccaneer mid
Schimmeig Creg mid
Goldilocks mid
Pirate mid
Thompson's Seedless Grape mid
Shady Lady mid
Colossal Yellow mid
Scotland Yellow mid
San Marzano mid
Grosse Lisse mid-late
Super Beefsteak mid-late
Oxheart mid-late
Beefsteak Brookway No.3 mid-late
SPS 729 mid-late
Greenwich mid-late
Super Roma mid-late
Sweet 100 mid-late
Tommy Toe mid-late
Bullseye mid-late
Red Centre mid-late
Super Prize mid-late
Patio Prize mid-late
First Prize mid-late
Hawk mid-late
Cocktail Supreme mid-late
Bite Size mid-late
Peruvian Currant mid-late
Brandywine Pink mid-late
Burnley Metro mid-late
Mande mid-late
Dynamo mid-late
Pineapple mid-late
Longkeeper late
Verna Orange late
White Beauty late
Burnley Bounty very late
Kelstar very late
Solar Set very late
Cherry Cocktail early & late
Vivian early & late
Cuatomate early & late
Mama Mia early & late
Mama's Delight early & late
Broad Ripple Yellow Currant early to late
Taurus early to late
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