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Tomato Seeds, Spear's Tennessee Green
Description
(Solanum lycopersicum). A wonderful heirloom that has been grown by the Spear family of Tennessee since the 1950s and brought to us by a local customer who has been preserving it in his garden. The round fruits weigh 8-10 ounces and have the taste of tomatoes from Grandma’s garden. They make your mouth water just thinking about them. This rare and historic variety deserves a place in every garden and certainly a place on our table in the future.
- Indeterminate
- 80-90 days to maturity
- 6-8 hours of full sun
- Sprouts in 7-14 days
- Seed Depth: 1/8"
- Plant Spacing: 24"
- Ideal Temperature: 75-95 F
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
To get the best results, make sure Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter to support robust growth. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering at the base to prevent fungal diseases. Given their indeterminate growth habit, these tomatoes might need staking or caging to support the vines and keep fruits off the ground.
When to Grow
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. Under ideal conditions, Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes typically mature in about 80-90 days from transplanting, continuing a steady harvest all throughout the growing season.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in a nutrient-rich seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperatures between 70-80 F during germination. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Before moving them outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Plant about 24 inches apart in the garden to give them enough space for growth and air circulation.
How to Grow
Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress during the growing season as needed. Prune suckers to encourage larger fruit production and improve air circulation. Look out for common tomato pests and diseases. Harvest fruits when they develop a deep olive color and feel slightly soft to the touch.
How to Save
- 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, and good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.
FAQ
How can I tell when Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes are ripe?
The fruits develop a deep olive color and feel slightly soft when fully ripe.
How do Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes taste?
The tomatoes have a rich, satisfying flavor with a balance of sweetness and tartness, and some aftertaste reminiscent of tropical fruits.
How large do Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes typically grow?
The fruits typically weigh between 8 and 10 ounces.
More Questions?
Check out our "Tomatoes 101" blog post by staff horticulturist John Lenz.
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