If you're searching for a dependable tomato variety that delivers exceptional flavor without demanding expert gardening skills, the Ace tomato deserves your attention. This comprehensive guide reveals why Ace consistently ranks among the top choices for home gardeners seeking disease resistance, abundant harvests, and that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that defines great tomatoes.
What Makes Ace Tomatoes Special
Ace tomatoes stand out in the garden with their distinctive combination of reliability and flavor. Unlike many heirloom varieties that sacrifice disease resistance for taste, Ace maintains excellent flavor while offering crucial protection against common soil-borne pathogens. The fruits typically reach 8-12 ounces with smooth, deep red skin and meaty interiors containing fewer seeds than many commercial varieties.
Developed through careful cross-breeding in the 1950s, Ace tomatoes represent an important milestone in tomato breeding history. According to agricultural records from the USDA National Agricultural Library, the original Ace variety emerged during a period when plant breeders were prioritizing disease resistance without compromising flavor—a challenge that continues to drive tomato breeding programs today.
Growing Ace Tomatoes Successfully
Whether you're a beginner gardener or seasoned grower, Ace tomatoes adapt well to various growing conditions. These determinate varieties reach 3-4 feet in height, making them suitable for containers or garden beds. For optimal results:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
- Transplant outdoors when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C)
- Provide full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil
- Maintain consistent moisture—avoid both drought and waterlogging
- Apply balanced fertilizer when first flowers appear
Gardeners in cooler climates particularly appreciate Ace's relatively short growing season. University extension programs note that Ace typically matures in 55-60 days from transplanting, making it suitable for regions with shorter summers. The University of Minnesota Extension confirms Ace performs well in USDA zones 3-9, with gardeners in northern regions often achieving success with season extension techniques.
Comparing Popular Tomato Varieties
| Variety | Maturity (Days) | Disease Resistance | Best Uses | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace 55 | 55-60 | VFN | Slicing, fresh eating | Balanced sweet-acidic |
| Better Boy | 70-75 | VFNT | General purpose | Mild, less complex |
| Celebrity | 70 | VFNTA | Slicing, salads | Sweet with low acidity |
| Brandywine | 80-100 | None | Fresh eating | Rich, complex |
Culinary Applications and Storage
Chefs and home cooks value Ace tomatoes for their firm texture and balanced flavor that works across multiple applications. The dense flesh holds its shape well when sliced, making Ace ideal for:
- Capsicum sandwiches with fresh basil and mozzarella
- Classic tomato salads with balsamic reduction
- Sauces where you want tomato flavor to shine through
- Grilled preparations that benefit from structural integrity
For best flavor development, store harvested Ace tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration diminishes flavor compounds and alters texture. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources confirms that tomatoes maintain optimal flavor when stored at 55-70°F (13-21°C) with moderate humidity.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While Ace tomatoes offer excellent disease resistance, gardeners may still encounter these common issues:
- Blossom end rot: Caused by calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. Maintain even soil moisture and consider calcium-rich amendments.
- Cracking: Often occurs after heavy rain following dry periods. Mulch around plants to maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Early blight: Though resistant to VFN diseases, Ace remains susceptible to fungal issues. Practice crop rotation and remove affected leaves promptly.
When properly cared for, Ace plants typically produce abundant harvests throughout the summer. Gardeners report average yields of 10-15 pounds per plant under optimal conditions, with production continuing until first frost.
Why Ace Remains a Garden Favorite
Despite newer varieties entering the market, Ace tomatoes maintain their popularity for good reason. Their balanced combination of disease resistance, reliable production, and exceptional flavor creates a tomato that satisfies both practical gardeners and flavor-focused cooks. Unlike many modern hybrids bred primarily for shipping durability, Ace delivers the rich, complex flavor that home gardeners expect from their harvest.
For gardeners seeking a dependable variety that performs well across diverse climates while delivering outstanding flavor, Ace tomatoes represent an excellent choice that continues to earn its place in gardens more than 70 years after its introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ace tomato an heirloom or hybrid variety?
Ace tomatoes are hybrid varieties, specifically F1 hybrids developed through controlled cross-pollination. The original Ace 55 was introduced in 1956, and Ace 5573 followed as an improved version with better disease resistance.
How does Ace tomato compare to Better Boy for home gardening?
Ace matures significantly faster than Better Boy (55-60 days vs 70-75 days), making it better for shorter growing seasons. While Better Boy offers slightly broader disease resistance, Ace delivers superior flavor complexity preferred by home gardeners.
Can I save seeds from Ace tomatoes for next year's planting?
While you can save seeds from Ace tomatoes, they won't produce identical plants the following year because Ace is a hybrid variety. For true-to-type plants, purchase fresh seeds each season or choose an heirloom variety for seed saving.
What does VFN resistance mean for Ace tomatoes?
VFN resistance indicates protection against three common tomato diseases: Verticillium wilt (V), Fusarium wilt (F), and Nematodes (N). This triple resistance makes Ace particularly valuable in gardens with soil-borne disease history.
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