Tomatoes are hands-down one of the most popular veggies to grow, but if you really want to level up your garden, you’ve got to try heirloom varieties. These “old-school” tomatoes offer incredible flavor profiles that you just won’t find at the grocery store. Trust me, they are well worth the effort!
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++Humboldt Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum “Humboldtii”)
The Humboldt tomato is an absolute classic among heirloom varieties. Legend has it that this is the exact variety the famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt brought back to Europe from his travels through the Americas. Luckily, you don’t need to go on a world tour to get your hands on them today! Planting these in your garden gives you a delicious harvest along with a pretty cool history lesson.
++Rote Murmel / Red Marble (Lycopersicum pimpinellifloium)
The “Rote Murmel” (which translates to Red Marble) is a wild tomato variety known for ripening nice and early. Like many of our favorites, it originally hails from Latin America. As the name suggests, these are tiny tomatoes—what we usually call currant or cherry tomatoes today. Don’t let their size fool you, though; they pack a serious punch of concentrated, sweet flavor. The plants are pretty manageable, too, usually topping out around five feet.
++Black Plum (Solanum lycopersicum “Black Plum”)
The “Black Plum” is a stunning heirloom variety from Russia. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, it was saved by Marina Danilenko, a dedicated seed saver who worked to preserve traditional plants. It made its way to North America in the 1990s and has been a favorite among home gardeners here ever since. It’s also become quite popular across Europe for its deep color and rich taste.
++San Marzano (Solanum lycopersicum “San Marzano”)
If you love Italian food, you need the San Marzano. This heirloom comes from the Campania region of Italy, named after a small town near Salerno. These tomatoes have a meaty, firm texture and very few seeds, making them the gold standard for authentic pasta sauces. Gardeners all over the world grow these today because nothing else quite compares when it comes to cooking.
++Beefsteak / Oxheart Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum “Cuore di Bue”)
The Oxheart (or *Cuore di Bue*) is a traditional favorite that is a staple in French kitchens. Its distinctive, heavy-bottomed shape looks just like a large heart, which is where it gets its name. These are massive tomatoes—a single fruit can weigh over a pound! They are heavy producers, making them a go-to for anyone who wants a big, juicy harvest.
++Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)
Classic cherry tomatoes produce small fruits with a bright, slightly tangy flavor. That acidity makes them a perfect match for balsamic vinegar in a fresh salad or roasted in the oven. One of the best things about these is their versatility; you don’t even need a big backyard. They grow perfectly well in pots on a sunny balcony or patio.
++Blueberry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum “Blue Berry”)
If you want a real showstopper, look no further than the Blueberry tomato. As they ripen, the tops of the fruit turn a deep, dark blue that looks just like a blueberry. You’ll know they’re ready to eat when the bottom half turns a vibrant red. This unique look is a total conversation starter in the garden, and luckily, they taste just as good as they look!
++Pear Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. pyriforme)
Looking for a unique shape but don’t want the massive size of an Oxheart? Give the Pear tomato a try. This heirloom is an indeterminate (vining) variety that produces adorable, pear-shaped fruits. They are super aromatic and add a beautiful, whimsical touch to any salad bowl or snack plate.