Giant Crimson (87 y/o) Tomato Update - Seeds, Ripe Tomatoes, & Fake Knockoffs!

[@jamesprigioni]

This is so awesome! I love they you brought this heirloom back to life for everyone!

[@RisingFromTheAshes97]

Love your food forest!

[@valeriebryant1695]

It refreshing to see someone really caring for the purity of history and not trying to exploit it for profit.

[@SirCracker]

This is such a rare breed. It's such a fantastic opportunity. I completely concur with you, you have to take this slow and do it right. This is definitely worth waiting another four to five years for. It's already been 87 years what's another five or more. Luke I am extremely proud of you.

[@inimitableminimalist]

Things not to say on a first date: "I'm in it for the genetics."

[@jelatinosa]

inimitableminimalist lol

[@dechinta]

I have a friend whose husband asked her, on their first date, what her debt to income ratio was. And she married him! I would have been out of there before the first date ended. That was funny, inimitableminimalist!

[@adventureguy4119]

Would prolly work out when speaking to a ethnic Serb or Bosnian

[@adventureguy4119]

@@dechinta dude was planning for retirement and get away homes at 22 lol

[@Thorn99855]

Depends who you're dating. If your dating a geneticist this is probably a slam dunk 😄

[@elizabethbramley5001]

I have many old seed packets from the 1940's and your video has given me the courage to try and germinate and sprout these seeds. THANKS it was SO hard to find information on this topic. (If you would like some of these old seeds from Ferry's Seeds let me know.

[@caleb1413]

Anu updates on them?

[@reneejmj]

ADid you get any of them to grow?

[@elizabethbramley]

@@caleb1413 I never got the courage to try and do it with the old seeds that I have, maybe will do this coming spring.

[@elizabethbramley]

@@reneejmj I never got the time to try and germinate the old seeds. I did however buy some of his seeds from the giant crimson and all 5 seeds germinated and grew into plants.

[@reneejmj]

@@elizabethbramley Just this morning I went to look at buying some of these seeds. They were sold out. I was curious how many came in a packet since it wasn't listed, so you answered 2 if my questions. Thank you!

[@richarddavid1735]

Just wanted to say Luke rather new to your channel but have already watched many hours of video. Learned a ton from them that is going to translate into a better first "large garden" I have ever done. Your information probably saved me hundreds of dollars as well as most likely way better production then previous garden attempts. Also absolutely loved this 87 year old tomato series. Appreciate the time you take in educating a gardening neophyte like me.

[@frankm3560]

This is not the same as 87 years ago. This was impossible without YOU. This plant was GONE. Revived by you, it’s now a plant with a story that few share. I’ve bought many seeds from you and 100s of pounds of trifecta, and now these. I’m just a gardener, and you’ll probably never see my comment as your viewers have more than quintupled since I found your channel, but just in case: This is not the same as 87 years ago. This plant took you over 4 years to turn stable enough to share. I bought my 2 packets today, and I’ll clone and share all I can because it’s what you’d want. Some credit must be taken (or given if you refuse to take)for this enormous undertaking and therefore this plant will be known as the MIant crimson around here. The plant that died, and was loved back to life by a person refusing to give up. Thank you

[@dcaswual]

I love that you are so protective of your Crimson seeds. When you're ready, I promise to love and care for your Crimson seeds in the same way you do.

[@paulabeattie8565]

It is such a testament to your integrity that you have chosen to do things your way, no need to apologise or ask people to understand. :)

[@carbonz3739]

Get them in the svalbard seed vault.

[@JohnDoe_88]

Well done luke, don't stress one bit after 87 years there is no rush. Do what's easy for you, your efforts are appreciated and have been interesting to watch.

[@kristinsterling2175]

I'm glad that you are takeing the time to destribute the seeds correctly, you are showing great respect to the plant and your viewers. Thankyou!! and keep up the good work!!!

[@lyndsayhenderson]

Thank you for staying true to your beliefs. You are amazing and you are an inspiration!!!

[@audreywy1743]

I love the update on them and I appreciate your integrity, it's part of why I follow you! Keep up the good work. :-)

[@shadowlink3339]

Thank you for protecting this rare variety. I'm proud of you for being responsible for these amazing genetics. So excited you were able to grow these babies!

[@gregorov14]

An interesting idea, if not somewhat impractical, but you could totally grow an entire crop up at the cottage next year. In any case, I think it's really cool you have revived a tomato from that long ago.

[@50shadesofgreen]

awesome update luke !! im with Graham on this one 87 year since this rare tomato was around so what a few years more to perfect the seeds !! thanks for sharing

[@RebeccaLynnWoods]

Thank you Luke for protecting such a rare variety. Thank God for people like you. I 100% agree with you and I would love to see this tomato thrive but when the time is right and only then.

[@denaetak1147]

Man...I am so glad I'm not in your spot for that decision but I totally agree with your answer on that. The shady and greedy people are the ones ruining it for all of us and not just for our food. Great job...these are my favorite videos! I would love to eat some and grow them in my raised garden in Mesa AZ but if not just keep showing videos on them please. That are super pretty tomatoes!

[@paulettemayfield8171]

I love the way you care for these rare varieties! Good for you Luke. I hope to get this rare tomato but even if I don't I'm very happy you are the one who has control over them. Thanks for caring!

[@rosepenneybrisebois9348]

Good for you for sticking to your convictions and good luck with your project, Luke.

[@RobBackyardGardenerr]

Beautiful Tomato Luke. I really admire your passion to preserve the genetics of the Giant Crimson Tomato. It'd be great to grow them, of course, but I'm with you whatever you decide. Thanks again for sharing its journey from seed start to harvest. How does it compare to taste and texture of similar sized heirloom tomatoes?

[@purplethumb7887]

Don't blame you for being protective of the seeds. Good for you. Very exciting!

[@fatboysfarm3607]

You stick to your standards and don't let anyone change that about you. Looking forward to helping you keep it going into the future.

[@theokieconey-elliecameron5321]

I would wait at least 3 - 5 years before you start giving/selling seeds. Make sure it is consistently the same over those years. I would gladly wait for those seeds since I've watched you grow them from the beginning. Awesome video, thanks Luke!!

[@kinremnant4616]

I'd say wait a year or 2. It's not going to kill people to wait until enough is ready. Might want to be a tiny bit cautious about them as well just on the safe side.

[@jelatinosa]

Kenneth Harris you dont know whats going to happen in 2 yrs. We might all be dead in 2 yrs. Haha im joking dont take this seriously... though its possible... 😁

[@heikesiegl2640]

@@jelatinosa huh.. now 2 years later we have a plague..well we really COULD have died during that time

[@Sniffl3s-fl]

Here we are 2 years later still no crimson seeds and just a fun fact the crimson tomato most likely cures covid

[@audreyabdo7719]

Oh yes you must grow inside and enjoy. It’s a beauty. I have some old seeds was going to throw away, but not now. Oh I could enjoy a few for lunch.

[@PenneyNile]

So glad to hear that the Giant Crimson is doing so well for you, and I for one, will certainly be waiting for you to have enough seed production to be able to put them up for sale... in 2019, maybe? I can hardly wait! Keep up the good work, Luke!

[@francisgraf6393]

Good for you man, keep it up. This strategy encourages folks to save and care for heirloom varieties.

[@eWarriorDLC]

So excited for you guys. Let us know how the next generation goes! Hopefully, you get enough successful grown next year so you have enough to save and distribute! Even if we never get to try them, it's awesome just to see your work!

[@bwayne40004]

The continuing saga of the Giant Crimson. I have enjoyed this from shadow box to 1 oz and hope someday there will be a general distribution.

[@beverleysimmons7885]

Integrity is everything. Enjoying all your wonderful information and schooling from Southern Ontario, Canada.

[@gaylelucas5909]

This is so exciting! I look forward to the day I can buy some seed from you and get to taste this rare tomato for myself! Don't stress - you're doing it right, for years to come.

[@StreetMachine18]

Stick to your guns luke!!! They are your seeds! Keep em sell em you decide. We’re behind you 100%

[@thelittlegardenthatcouldok9130]

It's just amazing that you got this little guy going.... I can be patient..... thanks for doing this Luke😃

[@dreyhawk]

I honestly wouldn't expect you to be distributing seeds until next year. It's not a process to be rushed no matter how eager we are to try them. I am looking forward to seeing how they do in South Carolina with our longer growing season, but I also know that "patience is a virtue"....

[@lesleyhoban6559]

At what point r u now ... I have old seeds from grandma that I have just hung on to ... ur work has encouraged it's time to chk them out .. they r no even labelled .. I love surprises

[@ChattyKat]

So crazy! Who knew that seeds were such a big thing to use deceptively! I'm a little blown away.

[@fetusenchilada]

im gonna see this through to the end with you im a big fan of plants and dosent matter if its rare or not i would want to see this genetics preserved for centuries thank you for saving a plant that wouldent have a chance otherwise.

[@willmac5642]

That's the most beautiful tomato. I just started out growing veg in my 50s and have 4 heirloom varieties growing surprisingly well in Bangkok. I'm working out how to create a tunnel trellis system to deal with the heat of April and monsoon conditions. So will have a solar fan to keep the tunnel cool, and plastic sheet to shield plants from the crazy rain here.

[@MsKingPring]

I totally agree and will wait until you can make the seeds available. Love your channel and the wealth of knowledge you provide.

[@jamienicholson4856]

Follow your heart! You know what your doing. Don't let the haters and trolls influence you.

[@j.mcneese2930]

👏👏Stand your ground, it your seed to do whatever you want with it!👏👏 I can see the passion you have in wanting to protect the authentic nature of the seed but once it get out there it's all going to be about greed, because someone will sell it and mass produces it to get it on the market to make a profit!

[@dechinta]

Yes, stand your ground! If I were in your situation, I would wait for 3-4 seasons until I knew for sure that its genetics were good and strong and ready to go out into the world. I have 4 kernels of corn in a little jewelry box in my china cabinet that I found when my Daddy died, at 95. My sister saw it and told, "What on earth? Throw that away!" but I inherited his "farming" gene, so I knew...it had to have been a really tasty crop....whatever year it was. I have though of trying to plant one or two, but I don't like corn, and I just like that little box with Daddy's "treasure" in it. Those tomato seeds stayed in an envelope for 87 years waiting and never dreaming they would get to see the light of day again. You brought them back to life. They're YOUR seeds, your tomato plant. NOBODY has a right to demand you do ANYTHING with them. You could just sit down and eat the whole crop if you want to!

[@tara_a_santiago]

I appreciate that you are in it for the right reasons, you could have made a quick buck and chose not to, that's respectable

[@karenk7157]

Bravo! Stick to your guns. We'll be waiting patiently, or maybe a little anxiously for you to get to the point where you are comfortable to sell/ give these seeds to us. Just don't forget to keep us updated on this fantastic journey!

[@Zeldabug24]

I am working on germinating carrot seeds from the 1940s. I really hope they germinate so I can start to save seeds from it.

[@tiarranelson8252]

I'm relived to see this. It took me a while to find this so I was worried something happened! I'm proud of your accomplishment!

[@MichaelLarson512]

I can't wait to get some of these seeds! I totally understand though why you are making this decision. It would be cool if you did a giveaway where 10 or 20 people got like 5 seeds each.

[@anthonywegleitner7809]

I recently helped a company change their doing business as name to include the word integrity so people would understand what the business was truly about. I appreciate your ethics of keeping the variety safe and wanting to grow a new strong variety again with it. I know it can be tempting when money is involved, but in the end where does that get you from one person or company obtaining the seed and paying a person once... Not far. Keep up the amazing work and consitant tips for us gardeners. In about your age and in your same climate here in Minnesota and can relate to your videos in where my garden is at in production. Your channel is the best channel I have come across that has kept me addicted and always excited to see what you are going to cover next. Until you decide to share your amazing finds to the world, please keep those plants safe. I truly hope I can be lucky enough to purchase some of your seeds when they are available. Thank you Luke.

[@hazardousheart6266]

Good job again :) I'm very impressed that the birds have not destroyed this plant! Just last week when I entered my garden to harvest a tomato for lunch I realized why the crows were going crazy in the morning XD they had destroyed my Phoenix Tomato plant and taken all the ripe red tomatoes.... left NOTHING for me T^T

[@TracyR4]

Totally looking forward to the day you offer them in your store. I would love the opportunity to grow them for my family and take a taste. I agree with you that you have to be very careful and it's such a shame that there are such shady people out there. I like to buy my seeds from reputable seed sellers like Baker's Creek, Seed Saver's Exchange, and Johnny' seed. Thanks for chronicling this too. What an adventure!

[@vickiolson1198]

Whenever you are ready to sell, or do a limited see giveaway, is soon enough for me. The preservation of the variety, in the right, ethical way, is what counts.

[@kathybrochu1057]

Your doing a great job honey just let us know when you are ready to sell some and I will get some and grow them in my Organic garden ! it is so hard to find real rare seeds to grow . just love you guys keep up all the good work so proud of you !!!!!

[@audreyabdo7719]

Take your time and do it right and please do whatever you can to protect this precious food. God bless you.

[@rederik1317]

this whole venture has been very exciting to watch unfold. This project is YOUR baby and you are very passionate about it. Keep up the good work and dont bend to pressure. I look forward to seeing those seeds in your store someday but you are right to be so careful. It is always the same way of being protective when bringing a species back from the brink and you're doing well. If seeds arent here next year then maybe the year after !! I can hardly wait but I would rather wait and know the genetics have been properly revived than to see it die out due to mismanagement.

[@donaldwood1493]

It's your plant so you have full control of what happens to it, the fruit, and the seeds so no worries. Anyone crying otherwise is probably the type that you are worried about to begin with! But hearing you talk about the scammers and phishing expeditions got me thinking...are you worried about one of them showing up in the dead of night and taking a fruit or worse a whole plant?

[@MIgardener]

Not worried. We have security monitors and we have also a neighborhood watch, and live just 300 feet from the police headquarters. They would be about as dumb as a rock to try anything.

[@PenneyNile]

You know that we have plenty of rocks in the world, Luke. I can just picture you sitting on your porch with a shotgun, guarding those tomatoes the same way you will be doing when Geneva gets old enough to date! LOL!

[@MIgardener]

two barrels. One for Geneva, one for my tomatoes.

[@PenneyNile]

LOL!

[@dechinta]

My big dog would be the first one to dig up the tomato plant.

[@AnnaMooreBASpED]

Try using an Olla, aka an Oya as a watering mechanism. My tomatoes are going crazy, loving the simple, on demand water. I'm happy to see all your hard work with this variety!

[@zombiebychoice]

I was really hoping to grow these next year but its understandable. I see the position you're in so try not to stress over it too much I think we can wait another year

[@angelalowe5987]

This is so awesome and excited to see the outcome. I love gardening.

[@suebar5177]

Good for you Luke...stay true to your beliefs...you're doing the right thing🌞

[@dufung3980]

I bet the next time you grow this variety is far more vibrant after the rebirth. It's a beauty. Nice scaling up of seed production.

[@Jacophilia]

Hi! I'm a beginner gardener and your videos are extremely helpful for me, those tomatoes look great : D

[@sammijoywilson1068]

I agree with several of the other commenters in that you should wait a couple of years if that is what you want to do. Protecting the variety is a great idea and you need a lot of seeds to be safe. There is always a possibility of you have a hard growing season in the future--God forbid--and have a decreased yield that year. That is what I learned this year, nature does not always cooperate with my plans or my garden.

[@redpelt8880]

That's a good looking tomato. I hope everything goes good and maybe in a couple growing seasons you will have enough to share and still have a well preserved stock for genetics. If not it is still cool to see a seed that old producing good fruit. Curiouse to see how it grows in winter under the lights. Keep up the good work in the garden.

[@daynaandsteve]

Now I have to look back through your past videos and find out the story behind this tomato. Super cool! And frankly, if its your tomato you can do what you want. :)

[@isabellaabruzzi9611]

I admire your conviction! Keep doing what you do and be true to you! 😊

[@mio.giardino]

Totally understand you wanting to be careful with a precious seed. Hope to get some up here in Canada when you're ready.

[@71160000]

I have a couple of hydro beds in my greenhouse and whenever my tomato plants get a bit leggy I cut off the branches and plant them in the hydro beds. It's rare for a cutting to not root and grow there in a couple of weeks. I would suggest cloning the plant you have that way to get the maximum amount of fruit bearing plants without having to worry about will I have enough viable seeds for next time from a single plant. It's a fast way to get mature plants that still have time to fruit.

[@josephgagliardi438]

Yeah, just stay the course Luke. We will wait; it's not worth rushing, you never know what might happen to the plants you have, and if they are affected, not enough viable seed, et cetera, it's safest in your hands for now. Yes, I want seeds now, but it's worth the wait, however long that may be.

[@erinjames377]

Love MIGardener, so passionate!

[@magsserrano2926]

Excited to get some seeds! I say keep doing what you're doing and wait out a few years ❤️

[@markn2904]

Luke, stay the course! Thanks for the update.

[@rmjames83]

Thankyou Luke! I'm so excited about this variety! Whenever you determine the time is right for them to be available, I know you will make them available to as many as you can-I know you are a man of your word, and do all you can to be fair. I would just like to put it out there that we all need to be patient! This is luke and Sunday's baby, and whatever they say goes! It's not fair to be giving them a hard time about this, in any way, shape or form! I'm sure it won't be the case, but if I need to wait 5+ years (or longer) to buy these seeds, I'm ok with that! I know that luke has his priorities in the right place! I also know where I will be buying them from, and it ain't anywhere else other than from luke and Sindy!

[@ethics1017]

If you don't have a greenhouse, You should get one. I built my wife one with real glass and its awesome. The fertilization of tomatos comes from a fan or flicking the blooms.

[@OldIronShops]

Good luck Luke keep them safe

[@TheBicycleLadyThings]

Thank you for the update on the giant crimson

[@heathernelson5624]

I would love for you to find another local farmer in your area that you know and trust and the both of you can work together to harvest seeds for the Giant Crimson. This is something my Uncle would love to have when it comes available. He went to school for Horticulture and has a lilac nursery on his 10 acres along with a garden of vegetables and fruit trees.

[@dpneisess]

Is this the most recent video regarding this awesome tomato plant? I love your channel and all your tips! I’ve been starting up my own garden because of how inspiring your videos are. And I’ve been on pins and needles following what happened with your vintage seeds! Hope it’s still thriving!!

[@Aelanna]

I love the deck in the video behind you. I'd love some more pictures of it, I want to build one like it for my house!

[@ScallopHolden]

Haha I almost bought seeds from Amazon and I saw Luke left a 1 star review and said it was a scam. Thanks for the save

[@heidirivera8134]

Thank you for sharing this with us, and for all of your hard work with the seeds in General. Great Work!!!

[@dreyhawk]

I was shocked, but not too surprised to hear what you are already encountering over this plant and it's seeds. All I could think when you said some were offering such a huge amount was they want to make a hybrid. 😔 I hope not, but there are so many out there that don't understand the value and desirability of heirloom breeds.

[@shashakeeleh5468]

Thanks Luke!

[@BJo4230]

I respect what you doing. Wonderful ♥️♥️

[@razzjfmf534]

Im looking forward to the day you put them out here. Cant wait to see they do down here in Florida.

[@Linda-nanny]

Very excited and you are doing great job!!!

[@debbiekostiuk8825]

Proud of you Luke💪stay strong

[@roddysalazar358]

that's pretty awesome great job I'm so excited to see the plant doing well

[@debbie2663]

Wish I could taste it! Congratulations Luke.

[@SistaSarah]

i totally understand!!! you'll do the right thing and just so you know patience is a virtue!!!

[@cindyclavette4457]

Hi, i first wanted to say thanks for taking such good care of this rare and wonderful plant. I share your ideas on keeping the seeds in good hands!!! You said that you have a seed store... Where can I find it? Is it online? Im really interested in rare heirloom seeds, do you sell any in your store? Again good job with the giant Crimson, im glade their are people like you that really understand the importance of keeping alive old variety of plant versus only growing commercial plant! Cindy

[@jaynemar1]

Keep up your standards and principles!

[@AtwoodKnives]

Excellent, best wishes for this project!

[@thalfis]

Keep up the good work MIgardener, you guys kick butt. :)

[@janpenland3686]

Thanks for the update Luke. Stick to your guns you know what you're doing. Much Love!

[@PinkChucky15]

Thanks for the update, I think your plan for the seeds is very smart :-)

[@theastrobotanist3361]

I love your videos keep em coming

[@icarus901]

Maybe a collab with Seed Savers Exchange? They're certainly a unique standout in the seed world in the US. They definitely have isolation and storage down pat in their seed vaults.

[@patrecereed5276]

You bought the seeds, you managed to save ONE, and you are doing all of the work. You don't need to justify yourself. This is your baby! I think those trying to push you, are being exceptionally greedy and truly have no right to make such demands.

[@elrichoward4193]

Luke, I asked the lady on ebay that is selling the giant crimson tomato where she got the seed from.Said she got them from the Amish years ago.