Trio of Bread and Salt Tomatoes on a white background.
Bread and Salt Tomatoes whole and sliced on bread on teal background with a salt shaker.
Four whole Bread and Salt Tomatoes with a round loaf of bread and salt shaker on a teal background.
Bread and Salt Tomatoes with bread and salt shaker on a bright white background.
Overhead view of Bread and Salt Tomatoes with bread slices and salt on a high key background.
Farmer holding freshly picked Bread and Salt Tomatoes at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
Trio of Bread and Salt Tomatoes on a white background.
Bread and Salt Tomatoes whole and sliced on bread on teal background with a salt shaker.
Four whole Bread and Salt Tomatoes with a round loaf of bread and salt shaker on a teal background.
Bread and Salt Tomatoes with bread and salt shaker on a bright white background.
Overhead view of Bread and Salt Tomatoes with bread slices and salt on a high key background.
Farmer holding freshly picked Bread and Salt Tomatoes at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.

Tomato Seeds,
Bread and Salt

4.541 ReviewsSKU: #TK149Min. seed count: 10
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Regular price $3.00
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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). This delectable, meaty, oxheart type is an heirloom from Russia. The name refers to the traditional custom of offering special guests bread and salt, a symbol of health and fortune. The fruit is a large with dense, meaty flesh. It is exquisite for slicing, sauce making, and everything in between. The leaves are naturally wispy, so be sure to provide a strong support for this plant to help it carry the weight of these delicious tomatoes.

Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. The leaves are naturally wispy, so be sure to provide strong support for this plant to help it carry the weight of these delicious tomatoes.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors only after the last frost, when the soil temperature is above 60 F. Check your local frost dates to plan your seed starting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting mix indoors at temperatures of 70-80 F for optimal germination. Provide 6-8 hours of light daily. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors, spacing plants about 24 inches apart with rows 3-4 feet apart.

How to Grow

Water deeply 1-2 times weekly, adjusting for weather conditions, and mulch to retain soil moisture. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer as fruiting begins. Provide sturdy supports to accommodate the plant’s vigorous growth and heavy fruit. Regularly prune suckers and lower leaves to improve airflow and prevent disease.

How to Save Seeds

  • Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
  • On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
  • For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
  • Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How large do Bread and Salt tomatoes grow?

They are large oxheart-type tomatoes with dense, meaty flesh - excellent for slicing and for sauce.

What pests or diseases can affect Bread and Salt tomatoes?

Watch for aphids, hornworms, and fungal issues like blight or wilt. Maintain proper airflow and watering to reduce the risk of disease.

Are Bread and Salt tomatoes better for fresh eating or cooking?

They are best for fresh eating, especially sliced for sandwiches or served with bread and salt.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 41 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Giant oxheart fruit: Meaty, heart-shaped fruit that often tops a pound.

  • Sweet, low-acid flavor: Rich sandwich tomato that also makes a sweet sauce.

  • Early for its size: Often the first big tomato to ripen in the garden.

  • Strong producer: Tall, hardy vines that keep setting big fruit all season.

  • Growing tips: Heavy fruit needs stout stakes; a few find the flesh mealy.

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