Pair of Abe Lincoln Original tomatoes on a white background.
Two Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes stacked on a white background.
Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes stacked and sliced with Lincoln pennies on a white background.
Top view of an enormous Abe Lincoln Original Tomato on a bed of green foliage.
Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes covered with water droplets in a red trimmed bowl on white.
A sliced giant Abe Lincoln Original Tomato on a plate sitting on green foliage.
Sliced and whole Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes with Lincoln pennies on a white background.
Side view of en enormous Abe Lincoln Original Tomato.
Pair of Abe Lincoln Original tomatoes on a white background.
Two Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes stacked on a white background.
Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes stacked and sliced with Lincoln pennies on a white background.
Top view of an enormous Abe Lincoln Original Tomato on a bed of green foliage.
Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes covered with water droplets in a red trimmed bowl on white.
A sliced giant Abe Lincoln Original Tomato on a plate sitting on green foliage.
Sliced and whole Abe Lincoln Original Tomatoes with Lincoln pennies on a white background.
Side view of en enormous Abe Lincoln Original Tomato.

Tomato Seeds,
Abe Lincoln Original

455 Reviews#TM260 · 25 seeds
Price
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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). This old red beefsteak comes wrapped in one mighty good story. Shared with Baker Creek by Diann Dirks, who got seed from an elderly gentleman she met at a gas pump, it traces back to the original Abe Lincoln tomato released by H.W. Buckbee’s in 1923. The fruit is classic beefsteak stuff—meaty, rich, and deeply satisfying, the kind of flavor that takes a person right back to Grandpa’s tomato patch. Rare today, but very much worth growing. A down-home red heirloom with heart and history. A tomato is good and is honest as mr. Lincoln himself.

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

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F. Check your local region’s frost dates for a specific planting time. 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 trays. Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing plants 24 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before transplanting.

How to Grow

Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune by removing suckers to promote better airflow and focus the plant's energy on fruit production.

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

Is the Abe Lincoln Original tomato determinate or indeterminate?

It is an indeterminate variety, producing fruit continuously until frost, with a vining growth habit.

Can the Abe Lincoln Original tomato be grown in containers?

Yes, but choose a large container (at least 5 gallons) with good drainage and provide sturdy support for the plant.

How does the Abe Lincoln Original tomato taste?

It has a rich, slightly acidic flavor, making it ideal for slicing and fresh consumption.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 55 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Old-fashioned tomato flavor: Sweet, rich and meaty with few seeds; a top sandwich slicer.

  • Huge fruit: Most weigh a pound or more; some pass two pounds.

  • Vigorous vines: Plants top 8 feet; give them tall, heavy-duty support.

  • A garden keeper: Growers come back to it year after year for the flavor.

  • Heads up: Ripens late and may drop blossoms in high heat; low yield for some.

More to grow!

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