Types of Tomatoes

Do you know it gives many different sizes, shapes, and colors of tomatoes? What are the differences and how do you know which tomato to buy?

Bush red tomatoes: these tomatoes can be grown in containers, the ground, or in raised beds. They are perfect for tomato sandwiches and any other dishes that call for sliced tomatoes. It's your classic red tomato!

Heirloom tomatoes: these tomatoes are the fun tomatoes! They come in a wider array of colors and sizes and they have amazing flavor and tend to be sweeter than hybrid tomatoes. The plants almost all get tall and huge. The downside to heirloom tomatoes is they aren't disease resistance and keeping the plants healthy can be a challenge. Johnny Seeds has a really good article on growing heirloom tomatoes.

Roma/paste: these tomatoes are perfect for salads and for canning. They are a meaty tomato, with low moisture levels, and fewer seeds. If you love making tomato sauce or salsa these are the perfect tomatoes.

Cocktail tomatoes: these tomatoes are slightly bigger than cherry tomatoes. These are ping ball sized and perfect for fresh eating, roasting, and salads. LP Farm Store sells a few in very interesting colors: green and black/maroon.

Cherry tomatoes: these tomatoes are the perfect snacking tomato. They are marble sized and super sweet! I also love using these tomatoes in salads. They come in a wide array of colors: black/maroon, brown, red, yellow, orange, and green.

Patio tomatoes: these are tomatoes that can be grown in containers. A lot of tomatoes get really tall and wide, these will stay compact and are perfect for patio gardening. I grow a couple of different varieties of patio tomatoes: a yellow cherry that tumbles over the container, a cute tiny red cherry tomato, and a red slicing tomato.

Pear tomatoes: these tomatoes are the size of cherry tomatoes, but they are pear shaped! I grow four varieties: chocolate, red, yellow, and green. They are a fun addition to salads or are perfect for snacking!. The plants all get crazy tall and are very prolific.