Top 15 Heirloom Tomatoes for Your Home Garden

There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly picked, sun-warmed heirloom tomato from your own garden. With their rich flavors, unique appearances, and fascinating histories, heirloom tomatoes offer home gardeners an experience that modern hybrid varieties simply can’t match.

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations of gardeners, each with its own story and distinctive characteristics. Unlike mass-produced hybrid tomatoes bred primarily for uniformity, disease resistance, and shipping durability, heirlooms are treasured for their exceptional taste and diversity.

In this guide, we’ll explore 15 outstanding heirloom tomato varieties that deserve a place in your garden. From rainbow-colored slicers to tiny treasures bursting with flavor, these time-tested cultivars will transform your homegrown harvests and might just make you swear off grocery store tomatoes forever.

Brandywine

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Brandywine’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-7′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Often considered the gold standard of heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine has earned its legendary status through generations of devoted gardeners. These beefsteak-type fruits can weigh up to 1.5 pounds, with a distinctive pinkish-red color and slightly flattened, ribbed shape.

But it’s the flavor that makes Brandywine truly special—perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy with complex, wine-like undertones that modern hybrids simply can’t replicate. The plants are indeterminate with distinctive potato-leaf foliage, producing their treasured fruits throughout the growing season.

Dating back to the 1880s and believed to have Amish origins, Brandywine does require a longer growing season (80-100 days to maturity) and may not be as productive as some varieties. However, most gardeners agree that the incomparable taste is worth the wait and extra garden space.

Cherokee Purple

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Cherokee Purple’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-6′
	hardiness zones 3-11

With their distinctive dusky purple-pink color and green shoulders, Cherokee Purple tomatoes stand out both in the garden and on the plate. These medium to large beefsteak tomatoes (10-12 oz) offer an extraordinary sweet, smoky depth of flavor that has earned them a devoted following among tomato enthusiasts.

According to seed-saving lore, Cherokee Purple was preserved by the Cherokee Nation and later passed to tomato grower Craig LeHoullier in 1990 by John Green of Tennessee, who claimed the seeds had been in his family for over 100 years. The variety matures in about 80 days on indeterminate plants that benefit from sturdy support.

While not the most productive heirloom, the unforgettable rich flavor more than compensates for the modest yields. The fruits are also relatively crack-resistant compared to many heirlooms, making Cherokee Purple as practical as it is delicious.

Green Zebra

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Green Zebra’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Though technically a more recent creation (developed in the 1980s by tomato breeder Tom Wagner), Green Zebra has earned honorary heirloom status for its distinctive appearance and exceptional taste. These striking 2-3 inch fruits feature chartreuse green skin with dark green vertical stripes, making them a visual standout in any garden.

Don’t let the color fool you—these tomatoes are perfectly ripe when they display their characteristic striping and develop a slight yellow blush. The emerald green flesh offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity with bright, almost citrusy notes that add incredible dimension to salads and salsas.

The indeterminate plants are relatively compact and notably productive, churning out these jewel-like fruits from mid-season until frost. With a shorter maturity time of about 75 days, Green Zebra is also more accommodating for gardeners in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.

Black Krim

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Black Krim’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-6′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Originally from the Isle of Krim (now part of Ukraine) on the Black Sea, these distinctive dark-colored tomatoes offer an intriguing flavor profile that has made them a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts. The medium to large fruits (10-12 oz) develop a deep mahogany-purple color with green shoulders when ripe, becoming even darker with heat and sun exposure.

Black Krim delivers a bold, sophisticated flavor often described as smoky, slightly salty, and richly sweet—reminiscent of the complex notes found in fine wine. The indeterminate plants produce well throughout the season, maturing in approximately 75-80 days and performing surprisingly well even during hot summer stretches when other varieties might struggle.

These tomatoes are particularly beautiful when sliced, revealing their gorgeous crimson flesh with darker shoulders. Their tendency to soften quickly after harvest makes them best suited for immediate enjoyment rather than storage—but with flavor this compelling, they rarely last long anyway.

Mortgage Lifter

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Mortgage Lifter’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-9′
	hardiness zones 3-11

With both an impressive size and a captivating backstory, Mortgage Lifter has remained a beloved heirloom variety since the 1930s. Developed by “Radiator Charlie” Byles in West Virginia, these massive beefsteak tomatoes regularly reach 1-2 pounds each. Legend has it that Byles sold enough seedlings of his creation to pay off his $6,000 mortgage during the Great Depression—hence the memorable name.

These pink-red tomatoes offer meaty flesh with few seeds and a sweet, rich flavor that stands up beautifully to their substantial size. Despite producing such enormous fruits, the indeterminate vines are surprisingly productive over their long season, though they do require robust support systems to bear the weight of their heavy crop.

Mortgage Lifter plants show good disease resistance for an heirloom variety and adapt well to various growing conditions. With a maturity period of about 80-85 days, these gentle giants reward patient gardeners with their exceptional size, flavor, and the satisfaction of growing a piece of American gardening history.

Aunt Ruby’s German Green

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-7′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Don’t let the green color fool you—these beefsteak tomatoes are perfectly ripe when they reach their mature chartreuse green hue with a slight amber blush. Named for Ruby Arnold of Greeneville, Tennessee, who preserved this German family heirloom, these substantial 1-pound fruits offer one of the most distinctive flavor experiences in the tomato world.

Aunt Ruby’s delivers a sweet, spicy, fruity flavor with a gentle tang that surprises many first-time tasters who might expect a green tomato to be tart or unripe. The bright green flesh makes for spectacular slices that add unexpected color to sandwiches and salads, while the complex flavor holds its own in any culinary application.

The indeterminate plants require about 85 days to maturity and benefit from sturdy staking or caging. While not the most productive heirloom variety, the exceptional taste and conversation-starting appearance make Aunt Ruby’s German Green well worth the garden space for adventurous tomato lovers.

Stupice

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Stupice’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Pronounced “stoo-PEECH-ka,” this Czech heirloom has gained a devoted following among gardeners in cooler climates for its early ripening and cold tolerance. While many heirlooms require long, warm growing seasons, Stupice reliably produces crops even in challenging conditions, often becoming the first tomato to ripen in the garden at just 55-60 days from transplanting.

The small to medium-sized red fruits (2-3 inches) may not impress with their size, but they deliver excellent balanced flavor with a perfect sweet-acid balance that outshines most other early varieties. The indeterminate plants continue producing their tasty fruits throughout the season, making Stupice both practical and delicious.

With naturally compact growth and good disease resistance, Stupice is ideal for smaller gardens or container growing. For gardeners in short-season areas who have been disappointed by bland early hybrids, this exceptional Czech heirloom demonstrates that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for reliability.

Sun Gold Cherry

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Sun Gold’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-8′
	hardiness zones 3-11

While technically a hybrid rather than a true heirloom, Sun Gold has earned an honorary place in this collection by becoming the gold standard (literally and figuratively) of cherry tomatoes. These brilliant tangerine-orange fruits grow in generous clusters and deliver an exceptional tropical sweetness that makes them famously addictive straight from the vine.

The vigorous indeterminate plants are incredibly productive from mid-season until frost, often growing to ambitious heights and requiring substantial support. With a relatively early maturity of about 65 days, Sun Gold gives gardeners an extended harvest period of these irresistible little flavor bombs.

Many gardeners report that Sun Golds rarely make it from garden to kitchen, as their perfect balance of sweetness and bright acidity makes them impossible to resist while harvesting. For maximum enjoyment, allow them to ripen fully to deep orange on the vine for their distinctive tropical flavor notes of pineapple and apricot.

Black Cherry

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Black Cherry’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-7′
	hardiness zones 3-11

For gardeners looking to add drama and sophisticated flavor to their cherry tomato harvest, Black Cherry delivers on both counts. These 1-inch fruits ripen to a gorgeous mahogany-purple color that stands out dramatically in the garden and on the plate, making them particularly striking in multicolored tomato salads.

The flavor is everything you’d expect from a black tomato variety—complex, rich, and sweet with smoky undertones that elevate these cherries far beyond ordinary snacking tomatoes. The indeterminate vines are notably vigorous and productive, offering a continuous harvest from mid-season until frost.

With a maturity time of approximately 65-75 days, Black Cherry provides an excellent option for gardeners who appreciate the complex flavors of larger black varieties like Cherokee Purple but want the convenience and abundance of cherry tomatoes. The plants benefit from sturdy support to manage their substantial growth and heavy fruit production throughout the season.

Amish Paste

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Amish Paste’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-7′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Originally from Wisconsin Amish communities, this exceptional paste tomato has become a garden staple for canners and sauce makers who refuse to sacrifice flavor for functionality. Unlike many paste tomatoes that emphasize meatiness over taste, Amish Paste offers the perfect balance of rich, sweet tomato flavor and practical processing characteristics.

The large, slightly irregular plum-shaped fruits (6-8 oz) have juicy yet meaty flesh with few seeds, making them versatile enough for fresh eating while still excelling in sauces, pastes, and canned applications. Their natural balance of sweetness and acidity creates depth of flavor in cooked preparations without requiring additional sweeteners.

Amish Paste plants are indeterminate and quite productive, ripening in about 85 days and continuing to bear their ruby treasures until frost. For gardeners who process tomatoes but have been disappointed by the bland flavor of commercial paste varieties, Amish Paste offers a delicious revelation of what tomato sauce should taste like.

Paul Robeson

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Paul Robeson’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Named in honor of the renowned American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, this Russian heirloom produces medium-sized fruits (8-12 oz) with a distinctive appearance—deep maroon to brick-red color with dark green shoulders. But it’s the flavor that has earned Paul Robeson its devoted following: a perfect sweet-acid balance with complex earthy, smoky notes that many consider the ultimate tomato experience.

Particularly well-suited to cooler growing regions, these indeterminate plants show surprising productivity for a black tomato variety, reaching maturity in about 80-90 days. The fruits are notably crack-resistant with an attractive flattened globe shape that makes them perfect for sandwiches and burgers.

Paul Robeson exemplifies the rich diversity of international heirloom varieties, connecting gardeners not only to outstanding flavor but also to global food heritage. For tomato enthusiasts seeking the perfect combination of visual appeal, fascinating history, and extraordinary taste, this Russian treasure delivers on all fronts.

Yellow Pear

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Yellow Pear’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-8′
	hardiness zones 3-11

Dating back to the early 1800s, Yellow Pear has remained popular through generations for good reason. These charming, bite-sized yellow fruits are shaped exactly like miniature pears, growing in abundant clusters on vigorous indeterminate vines that seem determined to produce until the first frost.

While their mild, sweet flavor may not match the complexity of larger heirlooms, their prolific nature and decorative appearance make them garden favorites, particularly with children. The bright sunshine-yellow color and distinctive shape add visual interest to salads and preserve beautifully as pickled tomatoes.

With a relatively quick maturity of 70-75 days and exceptional productivity, Yellow Pear offers reliable performance even in challenging growing seasons. The vigorous plants benefit from sturdy staking or caging and may require occasional pruning to keep their enthusiastic growth in check. For a colorful twist, pair with Red Pear tomatoes, their equally prolific crimson counterparts.

Costoluto Genovese

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Costoluto Genovese’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-6′
	hardiness zones 3-11

This stunning Italian heirloom immediately catches the eye with its deeply ribbed, almost scalloped appearance reminiscent of an heirloom pumpkin. Dating back to the early 19th century, Costoluto Genovese has long been prized in Italy for both fresh eating and preserving, particularly for creating intensely flavored tomato pastes and sauces.

The medium to large red fruits (8-12 oz) offer exceptional rich, acidic tomato flavor that intensifies beautifully when cooked. Their high acid content and relatively low moisture make them particularly well-suited for preservation, while their distinctive fluted shape creates spectacular slices for summer platters and sandwiches.

The indeterminate plants produce steadily throughout the growing season once they reach maturity at around 80 days. For gardeners seeking a variety that combines Old World charm, culinary versatility, and a direct connection to Italian cooking traditions, Costoluto Genovese represents the perfect heritage addition to the garden.

San Marzano

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘San Marzano’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-6′
	hardiness zones 4-9

No collection of heirloom tomatoes would be complete without the legendary San Marzano, the aristocrat of sauce tomatoes from Italy’s Campania region. These elongated, rectangular fruits with pointed ends have been the gold standard for Italian cooking since the 18th century, particularly for authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce.

What makes San Marzano special goes beyond their convenient shape and meaty flesh with few seeds. Their perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, combined with a distinctive complex flavor and lower water content, creates sauces with remarkable depth and richness without hours of reduction cooking.

The semi-determinate to indeterminate plants produce abundant harvests of these 3-4 inch fruits over a long season, beginning around 80 days from transplanting. Though requiring a bit more growing time than some modern paste tomatoes, the superior flavor makes them worth the wait for serious sauce makers and canners seeking authentic Italian results.

Chocolate Stripes

	botanical name Solanum lycopersicum ‘Chocolate Stripes’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 5-7′
	hardiness zones 3-11

With their striking appearance and exceptional flavor, Chocolate Stripes tomatoes have quickly become garden favorites despite being relatively new to the heirloom scene. These medium to large fruits (8-12 oz) feature a mahogany base color with dramatic olive-green striping, creating one of the most visually stunning tomatoes available to home gardeners.

Slice one open to reveal gorgeous red flesh with darker streaking, but the real star is the flavor—rich, complex, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity with distinctive smoky chocolate undertones that live up to their name. The indeterminate plants are notably productive for an heirloom variety, reaching maturity in about 75-80 days.

Their excellent disease resistance (for an heirloom) and crack-resistant nature make Chocolate Stripes more forgiving than many heritage varieties. For gardeners seeking showstopping appearance paired with gourmet flavor, these distinctive beauties deliver on both promises while providing reliable harvests throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Heirloom Tomatoes

While heirlooms reward gardeners with superior flavor and unique characteristics, they can sometimes be more finicky than modern hybrids. Here are some tips for success:

1. Start with healthy soil: Heirlooms thrive with abundant organic matter. Amend garden beds with compost before planting.
   
2. Provide support early: Most heirlooms are indeterminate, with vigorous growth. Install sturdy cages, stakes, or trellises at planting time.
   
3. Practice crop rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same location year after year to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
   
4. Mulch well: A thick layer of organic mulch helps maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature, crucial for preventing issues like blossom end rot.
   
5. Consider grafting: For particularly disease-prone varieties, consider grafting heirloom tops onto resistant rootstock for the best of both worlds.
   

Save your seeds: One of the joys of growing heirlooms is the ability to save seeds from your best performers, adapting them to your specific growing conditions over time.