What Makes the Old German Tomato Special
Gardeners and tomato enthusiasts consistently praise the Old German variety for its exceptional flavor profile and impressive size. Unlike many commercial tomatoes bred for shipping durability, this heirloom focuses on taste and character. The fruits typically develop a beautiful pinkish-red hue when ripe, with a slightly flattened shape and distinctive ribbing near the stem.
When you slice into a fully ripe Old German tomato, you'll discover a meaty texture with minimal seed cavities—making it perfect for sandwiches where you want substantial tomato presence without excess moisture. The flavor delivers a sophisticated balance of sweetness and tangy acidity that many describe as "old-fashioned" tomato perfection.
| Variety | Average Weight | Days to Maturity | Flavor Profile | Disease Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old German | 1-2 lbs | 75-80 days | Balanced sweet-tart | Low |
| Brandywine | 12-16 oz | 80-100 days | Sweet, complex | Low |
| Cherokee Purple | 10-14 oz | 75-85 days | Earthy, smoky | Low |
| Roma | 2-4 oz | 70-80 days | Mild, less acidic | Moderate |
Historical Journey of the Old German Tomato
This heirloom variety traces its origins to Germany before the turn of the 20th century, though documentation from that era remains scarce. Historical records from the Seed Savers Exchange indicate the variety appeared in American seed catalogs by the 1940s, suggesting it likely arrived with German immigrants.
Old German Tomato Historical Timeline
- Pre-1900: Developed in Germany through traditional breeding practices
- Early 1900s: Brought to America by German immigrants
- 1940s: First documented appearance in American seed catalogs
- 1980s: Nearly lost to commercial agriculture's focus on uniform varieties
- 1990s: Rediscovered by heirloom seed preservationists
- 2000s-Present: Regained popularity among home gardeners and specialty growers
According to research from the USDA National Agricultural Library's historical seed catalog collection, the Old German tomato represents one of many European heirloom varieties that nearly disappeared during the mid-20th century shift toward standardized commercial production. Its survival owes much to dedicated home gardeners who continued growing and sharing seeds through informal networks.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Success
While the Old German tomato delivers exceptional flavor, it requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Unlike modern hybrid varieties bred for disease resistance, this heirloom needs careful attention to produce its best.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Old German tomatoes perform best in regions with warm summers and moderate humidity. They struggle in consistently hot, dry climates above 90°F (32°C) where fruit set becomes problematic. The ideal temperature range for fruit development is 70-85°F (21-29°C).
For soil, these plants prefer:
- Well-draining loam with pH between 6.2-6.8
- Ample organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure)
- Consistent moisture without waterlogging
Planting and Care Schedule
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
Key care practices include:
- Provide 18-24 inches between plants with 3-4 feet between rows
- Install sturdy supports at planting time (cages or stakes)
- Apply mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture
- Water deeply 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent shallow watering
- Prune to 2-3 main stems for better air circulation
Culinary Applications and Flavor Pairings
The Old German tomato's complex flavor profile makes it exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Its balanced sweetness and acidity work well in both raw and cooked preparations.
Professional chefs at the Culinary Institute of America note that this variety's dense flesh and lower water content compared to standard beefsteaks make it particularly valuable for dishes where excess moisture would be problematic. When sliced for sandwiches or burgers, it maintains structural integrity without creating a soggy mess.
Best Culinary Uses
- Fresh preparations: Caprese salad, tomato sandwiches, bruschetta
- Cooked dishes: Tomato sauces, soups, roasted vegetable medleys
- Preservation: Excellent for canning whole or in chunks
For optimal flavor development, allow tomatoes to ripen fully on the vine until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to 5 days. Refrigeration diminishes flavor compounds, so only refrigerate if necessary for longer storage.
Finding Authentic Old German Tomato Seeds
Due to its heirloom status, the Old German tomato isn't typically available at mainstream garden centers. However, several reputable seed companies specializing in heirloom varieties offer authentic, non-hybrid seeds:
- Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org) - verified heritage stock
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (rareseeds.com) - open-pollinated variety
- Tomato Growers Supply Company (tomatogrowers.com) - reliable germination rates
When purchasing seeds, look for descriptions specifying "open-pollinated" rather than hybrid. True heirloom varieties like Old German will produce plants with consistent characteristics year after year when seeds are properly saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about growing and using Old German tomatoes:
How large do Old German tomatoes typically grow?
Old German tomatoes typically produce fruits weighing between 1-2 pounds each, though exceptional specimens can reach 3 pounds under ideal growing conditions. The fruits develop a distinctive flattened shape with noticeable ribbing near the stem.
Are Old German tomatoes disease resistant?
Old German tomatoes have low disease resistance compared to modern hybrids. They're particularly susceptible to common tomato diseases like fusarium wilt and blight. Proper spacing, crop rotation, and preventative organic treatments help mitigate these issues in home gardens.
What makes Old German tomatoes different from Brandywine?
While both are pink heirloom varieties, Old German tomatoes typically mature earlier (75-80 days vs 80-100 for Brandywine) and produce slightly larger fruits. Old German has a more balanced sweet-tart flavor profile, while Brandywine offers more complex, almost fruity notes. Old German also tends to be more productive in shorter growing seasons.
Can I save seeds from Old German tomatoes for next year?
Yes, Old German is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, making seed saving straightforward. Select fully ripe fruits, scoop out the seeds with gel, ferment for 3-5 days, then rinse and dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 5-7 years.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4