Top 3 Tomatoes I’m Growing Now : Homestead 2023-2024

I purchased 16 interesting varietals of unique tomatoes, some heirloom varieties are also included. When I moved to Japan (Motherland #1),  the one thing I missed were the ribbed heirloom tomatoes. I finally met a farmer at the Omotesando Farmers Market that I went to for years but I became more intrigued. That’s more when my urge to start to grow things became a serious theme in my life. Then when I came to Ghana, (Motherland # 2), I swear I only see like 2 types of tomatoes. So now, I feel like I have a business already. However, I’m not the only one in the tomato business in Ghana BUT not many people are doing other varieties on a local level. That’s where I expect to change the scene myself.

I started growing a few varieties never seen here. I can’t wait to show the results.  

It’s been a few months going strong and the Oaxaca Jewel Tomato, Indigo Rose Tomato and the Zapotec Heirloom Tomato are growing well.

Indigo Apple Tomato Photo Taken From https://www.sowseeds.co.uk

Indigo Apple Tomatoes are quite eye-catching in color. They range in bright red to brick red base color to an upwards gradient to deep purple at the crown. They are an early maturing indeterminate variety that produces pendant clusters of about 3-4 oz. of tomatoes. The flavour profile is typically sweet and aromatic. This varietal is rich in anthocyanin. 

FYI – Anthocyanin are colored water-soluble pigments belonging to the phenolic group. Scientific researchers say it improves visual and neurological health, and protects against various non-communicable diseases. 

Since it is an indeterminate variety, (which means it will  bear fruit over a long period of time) it will typically require trellising or staking. 

This variety is perfect for culinary aesthetics, it’s also a wonderful healthy  snack.

Oaxacan Jewel Tomato Photo Taken From https://tomatogrowers.com

As the name suggests, it is a varietal native to Oaxaca, Mexico. This tasty beauty is an indeterminate variety that produces tall stalks and typically produces 8-12 oz. fruits. The interior and exterior has an orange, flamingo gradient style color when ripe. I’ve read that this variety is pest resistant. While I don’t think pests are my issue, the initial seedling process has given me failures at the moment. I find this particular variety to be very difficult to navigate in the seedling process. I’ve done an ER procedure on one remaining seedling, I will do everything I can to nurse it to produce fruit. Follow, like and subscribe to see my updates.

Zapotec Heirloom Tomato Photo Taken From https://migardener.com

The Zapotec is a very old variety also from the origin of Oaxaca, Mexico by the Zapotec Indians. This one can range from a pinkish red to bright red color and has an interesting rounded triangular, ribbed-looking appearance. This produces sweet and juicy fruit. Its unique shape is eye-alluring for culinary purposes. 

Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85°F; seeds in colder situations will germinate very slowly. It’s best to start planting indoors or in a controlled environment. For those in west Africa, please keep in mind the seasons. If you plant during the rainy season, start the plants indoors. During harmattan, it’s highly suggested to water the tomatoes early in the morning, (preferably before 7 am) and in the night when it’s cool.

Black plastic is recommended in cool climates especially to help warm the soil, keep moisture even and cut down on weed pressure and soil borne diseases.

Raised beds or planting in gallons can be beneficial to a successful tomato plant, especially if you do not have time to regularly spray your natural organic pest solution. Bugs will travel but it can eliminate or reduce the opportunity for pest infestations on your plants. 

For varieties requiring staking, place stake in row every two or three plants, tie string or twine to end stake and walk down one side of the row, looping the string around each stake until the end. Return down the other side of row, again looping string around each stake, so that plants are sandwiched between two sides of twine.

When you see fruit, you may want to consider a mesh cover over every plant or you may want to create a small canopy to keep the mice friends and other creature friends away. Humans aren’t the only one’s who love tomatoes. It’s also ok to start the tomato plants in the mesh container from the beginning as that may ensure healthy fruiting.

Harvest tomatoes fully ripe for best flavor. Tomatoes can also be harvested green or at first blush and ripened off the vine at temperatures above 70°F.

There are many seed companies popping up these days. They all have interesting fun tomato varieties to try to grow.

While there’s no harm in experimentation, you may want to make sure you find the right tomato seeds for your climate. Some have claimed that heirloom varieties don’t fare well in their particular environment even if they tried preventative growing procedures.

It’s important to grow organic seeds. These seeds are produced by strict guidelines according to each country. The guidelines are also there to ensure a germination rate so that you know that most of your seeds will grow. You also want to make sure seeds in general are non-GMO. Or free of any lab work, as I like to say. All websites are supposed to have a clear statement about the nature of their seeds.

I will share some top seed companies but it’s important to support and purchase your seeds from a local nursery. Not only is it good practice to support the locals but most likely they have the variety that suits your climate area. However, for example starting out you will want to consider purchasing your seeds from a reputable seed store or nursery.

If you’re abroad there are a few things to consider. Many countries require that you have a phytosanitary certificate in order to receive the seeds in your country. It confirms that the seeds were check for diseases and are safe to bring into the country. Please always check your countries customs and the rules of the vendor you are purchasing from.

Most places charge between $2- $4 for about 10-20 seeds. Do some research as sometimes you can find companies selling the same varietal but one company may offer more seeds for the same price.

Here are few companies below that I have purchased tomato seeds from.

Reimer seeds has been established since 2000. They are located in Maryland,USA and now have a repertoire of over 5,000 quality vegetable, flower, and herb seeds for the home gardener and market growers. I have purchased all of my 16 different varieties of tomato seeds here. I have not been disappointed. Reimer seeds also has a nice selection of tree seeds varying in nuts, fruits and others.

True Leaf Market was established in 1974, and it has a long history in the seed industry. The company began as a seed catalog business and has since grown to become a reputable source for quality seeds. True Leaf Market offers a broad range of seeds, including heirloom, organic, non-GMO, and hybrid varieties. Their catalog includes seeds for vegetables, herbs, flowers, microgreens, cover crops, and more. True Leaf Market is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. They offer many non-GMO and organic seed options, catering to gardeners who prioritize these qualities in their planting choices.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, was founded by Jere and Emilee Gettle in 1998 and is based in Mansfield, Missouri, USA.
Baker Creek focuses on heirloom varieties, which are traditional, non-hybrid, and open-pollinated seeds. They are committed to preserving these old-fashioned, non-GMO seed varieties, many of which have unique flavors, colors, and historical significance. The company is renowned for its dedication to preserving and promoting heirloom and rare vegetable, herb, and flower varieties. Their catalog features a wide range of rare and exotic plant varieties from around the world. The company is dedicated to the preservation of genetic diversity in plants. They actively work with farmers and gardeners to ensure the continued availability of heirloom seeds. Baker Creek also organizes events, such as the National Heirloom Exposition, to promote seed diversity and sustainable agriculture.

Growing tomatoes can be tedious but can be really fun once you take the recommended steps to growing them. I must say in my experience getting the right soil mixture is really important and also having enough space/depth of an area so that the roots have space to grow is very key. If you’re a tomato enthusiast you will sure find the bliss in growing different varieties that suits your palate and is a great addition to your food forest family.