My Top 5 Best Tasting Tomatoes.

[@modhatter113]

2,222 Comments and 4 years later, and your still answering posts. Now thats a testament to a great channel and it's poster!!!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate that! I figure if a person is kind enough to watch my video and leave a comment, I can be kind enough to respond to it.

[@willowjohnson8553]

Arin from Game Grumps pointed me to this video, and I’ve gotta say, your tomato opinions are excellent. My current favorite is the Pink Mortgage Lifter. The absolute best BLT tomato, especially with Kewpie mayo! Glad I made my way here.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for stopping by! Mortgage Lister is a pretty good tomato. A BLT sounds really good. We might just use some of our last tomatoes to make some BLTs this weekend.

[@nathanshrader3953]

One of my favorites is the German pink. My Dad started saving seeds from these in 1953. I’m still saving the seeds but I found an old medicine bottle of his that had some old seeds that he had saved so I thought I would give them a try. I now have 4 beautiful plants from those seeds.

[@MidwestGardener]

I think that is awesome that you have some seeds that your dad saved! I wish I had some of my dad's seeds. I did get some flower seeds from my mom though. The nice thing about saving seeds in a family for that long is that you sometimes great a slightly different strain from the original. You might have something unique there.

[@beebop9808]

That is a great tomato! I didn't do them this year and wish now that I had. I've got a pink brandywine that's making me giggle tho. I'll make it till next year. :)

[@johnjude2685]

My mom's marigolds I've replanting for about 15 years and planning to keep them running on my watch ⌚

[@audrey2658]

i wish my parents could give me heirloom veg seeds... all they give me is weed seeds

[@SoundQuestROB]

Hi Nathan I would love to buy some of those seeds from you if I could please?

[@mattsson-o6n]

Covid got me watching Top 5 tomatoes

[@MidwestGardener]

I'm not sure if you mean you caught covid. If so, I hope you get well soon.

[@NugGet-xh7oh]

@@MidwestGardener I think he mean the covid lockdown got him so bored that he watched top 5 tomatoes

[@MidwestGardener]

@@NugGet-xh7oh Thanks! That makes sense now that I read it again.

[@NugGet-xh7oh]

@@corbinachilles789 I think u are a bot

[@christinelyyy]

Hahaha, you got your time worthy

[@cmsbeth]

5. Aunt Ruby's German Green 4. Carbon 3. White Tomesol 2. Cherokee Purple 1. Black Krim

[@blauer2551]

I discovered Cherokee a few years ago and it instantly became my favorite.

[@GardensAndGames]

One time I purchased some heirloom tomatoes. One was bright orange, meaty, and had almost a pumpkiny taste. Later that day I realized it was a persimmon.

[@MidwestGardener]

I guess they do look a little like a tomato.

[@seanleith5312]

For people, I prefer lighter skin, for tomato, I prefer darker ones. It is political incorrect, and I just said it.

[@px2824]

😂

[@bristonknight9315]

😀😀😀

[@ExistNNature]

🤣

[@monicaw978]

I could listen to his voice all day. It is so soothing.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you!

[@tinamb5178]

@@MidwestGardener You should consider reading bedtime stories to all of us. :)

[@MidwestGardener]

@@tinamb5178 Lol, I've actually heard that before....several times.

[@billbuckner22]

1. Cherokee Purple - only grew well for me one year out of several in the Chicagoland area, but the taste is amazing 2. Brandywine - same as above lol 3. Amana Orange - grows large - not quite as balanced as the two above (more sweet than those), thin skin can be peeled by hand if you like. Wonderful flavor 4. White Tomesol - not much more to say than what you already mentioned - a pleasant surprise for all who try it 5. Black Krim - Dark tomatoes are so rich, and this one grows large fruit in a determinate fashion

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a really nice list, Bill! Thanks for sharing it with us along with the additional information on each. I don't think you can go wrong with that list. Since we seem to have similar taste in tomatoes, you might try Rosella Purple and Boronia dwarf tomatoes. If I had to do this list again, I think Rosella Purple would make my top 5 for sure now.

[@billbuckner22]

@@MidwestGardener Wow, never even heard of those 2 tomatoes. I will look them up

[@MidwestGardener]

@@billbuckner22 They are definitely worth a try. I got my seeds at Victory seeds.

[@laurafrey5244]

Cherokee Purple did grow well for me in Chicagoland either.

[@bluejay3945]

Thank you Bill. Where were you when we planted our early girls 😢

[@renegadewolfhound8786]

Thank you, old-timer! This is what youtube needs more of! I plan on starting a youtube channel when I retire. I want to share the knowledge and life lessons I've learned in my life. I think it's the responsible thing to do for future generations. Thank you again! I love tomatoes!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! You could always start one now. It's hard to beat home grown tomatoes.

[@toddruss100]

Got to try this, big slab of cherokee purple, slice of Vidalia, onion over thick cut bacon, mayo, little salt, lots of black pepper on toasted bread, absolutely delicious

[@MidwestGardener]

Oh man, that sure sounds good!

[@paulglowaky5473]

This man's voice is relaxing as hell

[@glennsepelak5113]

I know, right? I could listen to him talk about gardening for hours.

[@marvettejohnson5029]

I was just thinking the same thing.

[@LYoung-et2sg]

Here is my list for this year: 5.Valencia, 4. Prudens Purple, 3. Cherokee Purple, 2. Brandywine Red, 1. Paul Robeson. My favorite cherry tomato is Sun Sugar.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your top 5. Nothing wrong with that list.

[@jblglw]

Prudens purple has been a favorite of mine for almost 30 years. You're the first person other than me that 've ever heard mention it.

[@LYoung-et2sg]

@@jblglw it’s definitely underrated! Makes a spectacular tomato sandwich 🙂

[@davruck1]

Grew Sun sugar and cherokee last year. Growing them again this year and I added Brandywine. I think I'll pick up some german green seeds today. I passed on them, but after this video I'll go back and get them.

[@stevegillette3129]

I have really enjoyed the Brandywine Reds. I think I need to add the Cherokee Purples to the rotation as I keep hearing them mentioned among peoples favorites. Thanks for posting.

[@TheBatGuano]

I came here to scoff at your top tomato choice. Then I was surprised to find it was also my top choice. Congratulations on having the right opinion!I'm growing White Tomesol for the first time this year, so I'm glad to hear that someone with such good taste has endorsed it.

[@MidwestGardener]

Lol, thanks :) The White Tomesol was amazing for us one year, and not so much the next. I hope yours does great for you, because the amazing taste coming from a white tomato kind of blew our minds.

[@brianbassett4379]

Until I had tasted heirloom tomatoes I never realized how bad the store-bought crap really is. When you design your food product to be sold rather than eaten all the emphases goes into finding the best way to make a profit off it rather than what it tastes like... getting it to ripen at the same time, something that is similar in size and shape for packaging, something that won't sustain damage (loss) in transport. My favorites are Lucky Cross, Sun Gold, Mexico Midget, and Cherokee Chocolate. Stay safe.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites with us, Brian! Yes, those store bought ones are nothing like a tomato should taste. All valid points you made!

[@dracoarawn4002]

Until I had tasted heirloom tomatoes I never realized how bad the store-bought crap really is

[@brianbassett4379]

@@dracoarawn4002Nice sunrise/sunset clips man. Start shooting for more than 30 seconds. Stay safe.

[@honeybee2356]

Interesting. Where do heirloom come from? I don't want any gmo. This video was awesome though. I like beefsteak and Roma.

[@brianbassett4379]

@@honeybee2356 Ask the real expert Miss. I believe they are mother nature's unblemished gems passed down through time. Stay safe.

[@carbar9752]

I went my entire life only eating Walmart tomatoes and was sworn I didn't like tomatoes. But then I met my current partner whose family is very into gardening so I got to try home grown tomatoes and I haven't had a full 5 year but my top two are the sun golden and tiny Tim.

[@MidwestGardener]

It's great that your partner introduced you to homegrown tomatoes. There's nothing like them. I love sungold. I have one growing right now.

[@4wheelliving132]

I've tried Tiny Tim, but my favorite cherry tomato is a variety called Cherry Fountain. I grew it in a railing pot and it only got about 2' (just let it drape over the side), and had heavy yields of golf ball sized tomatoes

[@southernbelle8920]

Black Krim.Aunt Ruby's German green.Cherokee Purple. Arkansas Traveler. We love the heirlooms. Sweet 100.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list! I'm with you. Those heirlooms are hard to beat for flavor.

[@SilverSergeant]

Try a Bradley.

[@viewtube6512]

Nice list!

[@kikstartmyx3]

Love this video and reading through the comments! My favorite tomatoes by taste: 1. Big Rainbow 2. Cherokee Purple 3. Black Krim 4. Pineapple 5. Cherokee Pink

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites! That's a really nice list. It makes me want a ripe tomato. Yes, a lot can be learned in the comment section of this video.

[@trevorfichtner3539]

This is like, tomato ASMR. Lol!

[@MidwestGardener]

Lol, thanks I guess :)

[@noomwa]

@@MidwestGardener it's a compliment for sure! Ha

[@MidwestGardener]

@@noomwa Thanks :)

[@BeeMusic2024]

@@MidwestGardener it's a good thing lol

[@MidwestGardener]

@@BeeMusic2024 :)

[@j0nrages]

Thanks for the discussion!! My wife and I just got into gardening and have been blown away by the flavor of home grown tomatoes and are looking for more varieties!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're in for a very amazing journey, Jonathan. It might be late for this year, but I've really become interested in dwarfs from the dwarf tomato project. You and your wife might check those out. Two I really like are Boronia and Rosella Purple.

[@j0nrages]

@@MidwestGardener we'll check it out, thank you!

[@MidwestGardener]

@@j0nrages You're welcome!

[@razorsharpbt7666]

My absolute favorite thus far is the Cherokee Purple. I grew one a few years ago and when I tasted it, it blew me away! They have just been a little temperamental and don't seem to produce as much as I would like.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, I agree. That is the main problem I had with them....they just weren't productive enough for me.

[@antondavidoff150]

Mine were very productive last year but i used organic liquid fertilizer with mostly phosphor and cutting all the succkers before they were inch long... this year i was not so attentive doing that and of course no yelds

[@adamdille6031]

Yes best tasting by far love them

[@deepwaters2334]

Mushroom compost and minimizing fresh wood mulch (that can lock up nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil, making them inaccessible to the plants) is the key. Potassium (from Kelp, Algae, and Fish Emulsion) and Calcium (Bone and Fish meal) are also essential nutrients.

[@margaret2222]

My best tasting tomato ever is the Black Krim. I grow it every year. Nothing compares to it. I am in Ohio and I have talked to some who have problems growing it but I put it in my raised garden beds and they grow great. Nothing compares to the Black Krim.

[@MidwestGardener]

I'm glad it works so great for you. It's a great tasting tomato for sure.

[@hitchyourwagon4720]

Missouri grower… 1. Sungold cherry tomato was my best tasting last year and there really was not a close second for flavor. Also prolific and no disease. Did tend to split after a hard rain. 2. Brandywine Pink was second. Fairly low yield and late disease pressure. 3. Cherokee Purple was ok but not real productive and lost to late blight. 4. Sugar Rush red cherry. Prolific, disease free and nice taste. 5. Japanese Black Trifle. Good production, disease tolerant, and produced late into season. A milder version of Cherokee purple but still good flavor.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice list. Thanks for sharing it. I tried Sungold for the first time last year. That is a good one.

[@kenbrown5217]

I noticed also that Cherokee purple has a hard time setting fruit, possibly because the flowers are diploid or doubled. I started using the electronic toothbrush trick and quadrupled the fruit set. Very satisfying to see the puff of pollen and know it is producing a fruit.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! Thanks for the tip, Ken. I've seen lots of folks do that, but I actually haven't tried it yet. I do tap and shake the blooms.

[@glenbaird5304]

May I ask, what is the old electronic toothbrush trick ?.

[@kenbrown5217]

@@glenbaird5304 I think I saw it on the rusted Gardner vlog. Just lightly touch the electric tooth brush to the blossom stems and watch a puff of pollen escape. Almost guaranteed to produce a fruit. Heirloom varieties often have double and triple blooms producing odd shaped tomatoes. This trick works on all types.

[@elizabethblane201]

I always pinch off or snip off the the megablooms because they turn out to be oversized, deformed fruit.

[@sandiemyers2463]

Where did you get the seed for the white one? I have not heard of that one before. My favorite is Giant Belgium.

[@MidwestGardener]

I think I got the seeds for White Tomesol from Baker Creek.

[@russelltheone6969]

I'm in sw mo near joplin. Right now I have a dozen or so varieties in, that many to go. I usually settle around 200 plants with extremely high yields. My 2 year old daughter fell asleep on my lap watching this with me. She happens to be the biggest tomato fan I've even known. Soil construction will effect tomatoes as it does a good wine. Good well water and lots of conversations "mostly one way" with the plants lol; makes them grow well! Great vid..

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch, Russell. Awesome that your daughter was watching the video with you! That's a lot of tomatoes you grow. If I had that many, I wouldn't get anything else done, just looking at them, lol. Yep, those one way conversations don't hurt. I'm familiar with sw mo. I spent a bunch of summers south of you.....down the corner of the state. I still have some pretty special memories of the area.

[@bristonknight9315]

@ Russell the Muscle - One of the best! 👋❤️

[@bfowvdysn]

His voice is so calming

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks, Joshua.

[@prestin6798]

I’m growing black Krim for the fist time this year and was really excited that you made it number one.

[@MidwestGardener]

Awesome! Be sure to drop back in later and let us know what you think.

[@annaraven]

@@MidwestGardener I'm trying Black Krim this year too

[@leahness3588]

Me also...cant wait to my taste test.🍅❤👍

[@justsayin5106]

My dad had always grown brandywine tomatoes, he always kept his seeds, when he past I made damn sure to keep the seeds from some of his tomatoes he had growing. I know I could just go buy brandywine plants but then they wouldn't be "DADS" TOMATOES.

[@justsayin5106]

Oh and I'm also growing black prince this year, it's supposed to be a taste test winner, we'll see.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! Having some of your dad's seeds makes them pretty special.

[@MidwestGardener]

Let us know how that black prince works out for you.

[@morrisdomke8920]

Do you know there are near 60 different Brandywine to got with.. Look" 45 Seeds " Earl has all of them.

[@freddeblugar9576]

My Dad has been gone 28 years and I have often felt sick because I could not find his tomato seeds. This year I found it! It was in a jar in a box of things from the house after Mom passed. I'll bet they aren't good but I'll keep them anyway.

[@lolodee3528]

I’m new to tomato & pepper growing. I experimented this year with hydroponics. So I started most everything in it. Then planted out. 1)Yellow pear-3 growing & fruiting. 2)lemon drop-3 growing & fruiting 3)Sunsugar 4)Pink Brandywine 4)Purple Cherokee 5)Black Krim 6)Red Cherry I’ve eaten lots of lemon drops n yellow pear and love them. Have red, yellow, purple & green bell plants out. Jalapeños too. I’m growing in-ground/upside down in bottles & in soil/containers. Just assuming failures or disease. Cucumbers have been good. Also zucchini. The heat is intense this year.

[@MidwestGardener]

Looks like you have plenty going on for someone who is new to growing them. You picked some pretty good ones to grow!

[@imafan2610]

My favorite tomatoes so far: Brandywine, Pruden's purple, Matt's Wild Cherry, Sungold, Carbon, Virginia Sweet, Suncherry, Red currant, New Big Dwarf, Big Beef, Dr. Wychee's Yellow

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a nice list of tomatoes! Thanks for sharing them with us!

[@timgleason2527]

I’ve never had anything quite like Sungold. They’re so sweet and rich.

[@alanm5056]

Like you, we have too many favorites, and the annual variations in weather conditions has an affect on the production. Our top five have to be Cherokee Purple, Mortgage Lifter, German Pink, Black Krim and Yellow Pear (salad variety). This year we are getting some incredible Bradley’s and Rutgers, and we planted a non-heirloom called simply “Slicing” from Bonnie Plants. Almost every tomato from that fine is 120z to just over a pound. With a purplish red center, very tender but full “meat” with fairly low jelly and seed content, and with a nice thin skin, they are this years favorite sandwich tomato. I finally read up on pruning, proper soil care and amendments this year off season and spent the time to double dig in February and again in March before planting. I’m amending with a classic 5/1 browns to greens compost, with some ash and charcoal from our oyster pit, some coffee grounds and eggshell. Also adding some organic fertilizer to the soil mix before planting and adding about a 3tbls per plant during the initial fruiting cycle. And adding dried eggshell thats been ground in a mortar and pestle or a blender to the base of each plant around the drip line several times during the season. I prune aggressively to eliminate the suckers, and the bottom 14 inches of sun leaves. We did not mulch this year but will mulch with straw next year. We have been abundantly blessed with tons of tomatoes, sometimes 20 or more a day that are ripe or ripening. We have put up six big batches of marinara, several of meat sauce, and the best part, given so many bags away to friends. My wife loves to put three really nice tomatoes, a big bunch of fresh basil and a ball of mozzarella in a bag and take it to neighbors and friends for a “Caprese kit”. I could not find any Cherokee Purple starter sets until June, so we are watching that fruit grow and prepare to ripen now in early August. Can’t wait for the first slice, but we have not suffered while waiting. I love getting my hands in our nice soil, offering prayers of thanks and praise to our gracious Father in Heaven for his grace and providence and for each beautiful day, even while the world seems intent on tearing itself apart.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list of favorites and how you care for them. Some sound care tips there. We love sharing our tomatoes too. It's always interesting to hear back from folks who have never tried heirlooms before. It can be an eye opening experience. I'm glad that you are thankful for your many blessing also :) Feeling pretty blessed here too.

[@WisGuy4]

Both my sister and I grew yellow pear tomatoes last year and our experiences were identical. We had extremely vigorously growing vines and plants that wanted to take over the whole tomato bed, with copious, extremely large productions of a fruit about an inch and a half long and the taste and texture were terrible. All of the fruit had almost no taste and were dry and pithy inside. I let most of mine rot on the vine because they weren’t even very good in pasta sauces since they didn’t break down at all and we’re just odd, flavorless chunks. It was a shame because multiple seed vendors describe the yellow pear as being insanely productive, and that was the only thing they got right about the variety. Sadly, I got almost no production out of two different Black Krims that I grew from seeds from two different suppliers, my Cherokee Purple, and both pink and regular Berkeley Tie-Dye varieties. I still have some black Krim and Cherokee purple seeds and I I am trying them again this year.

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

Thanks for your comments and tips. I think your best advice is offering prayers of gratitude to our Father! God is good, all the time!

[@bethtucker4407]

I am growing about 20 different varieties this year, but some I grow year after year just because their taste is fantastic!! Favorites are: 1. Black from Tula, 2. Hillbilly, 3. Hawaiian Pineapple, 4. Boondocks, 5. Kellogg's Breakfast. Also love the oxheart varieties as they are so meaty for sauces. Good luck everyone with your harvests this year!!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list with us! I can't wait to get our first ripe one this year. 20 varieties....that's tomato heaven.

[@ebrug.u.6044]

They are my favorites to grow and eat, too!

[@gopalkshetry4320]

What about Japanese Tomato Cherry?

[@x-destinygunblade3683]

Game grumps brought me here

[@MidwestGardener]

I wondered why I got a sudden bump in traffic. Thanks for watching!

[@charlesbriggs8315]

I'm with you. Black Krim is tops. Following would be Cherokee Purple but I also got poor production. Before I found these my longtime favorite has been Belgian Giant

[@MidwestGardener]

I like your list Charles. That Belgian Giant is a really good tomato too. I had about 6 or 7 that were just out of the top 5. It was really kind of hard to choose.

[@kprairiesun]

I grew a bunch of Giant Belgium Pink but we had late snows, Frost's and cold temps and couldn't get a lot of them planted. I do have a couple, though. Hope they're good. They grew big, fast!

[@rodneyjones7078]

the best tomato I ever had was growing randomly in a landscaped area next to a college cafeteria in western NC. it was bright pink and was like nothing I've ever had. one of my biggest regrets in life is not saving seeds from that plant. I can't really describe it but it was next level from any other tomato's I've ever had. the plant was loaded with extremely pink and fragrant super sweet fruits at about a pound and a half a piece. Anyway, I was young and foolish and let it slip away. With that said my 5 favorite tomato varieties are the following, specifically when they are at their peak performance. 1) German pink 2) pineapple 3) Paul Robeson 4) German Johnson 5) Cherokee purple honorable mention: coyote is my favorite cherry tomato but I do think of cherry and grape tomatoes much different than the beefsteaks which are more of what we are discussing here.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list and the story of a great one lost, Rodney! That makes me wonder how many great tasting tomatoes have been lost over just the last few decades from just not saving a few seeds.....oh well, water under the bridge. That's a nice list you have!

[@adamwiseman5831]

May have been pink brandywine. They get big and are my very fav.

[@carolschedler3832]

Maybe a Brandywine! There is a pink Brandywine variety that is absolutely delicious! Also, the weather or soil likely made a difference too.

[@rodneyjones7078]

@@carolschedler3832 I grow pink brandywine a every year and yes they are absolutely delicious; however, whatever I found growing back in 1999 was different than anything I've seen.

[@thomasleary1807]

Rodney, you know you've led a pretty trouble free life if one of your biggest regrets is not having saved seeds from a particularly delicious tomato variety! I also suspect the growing conditions at that place and time were a big contributor to the success that plant experienced. I grew some cherry tomatoes this year called Bronze Torch. They are a beautiful variegated color, coppery red and green streaks when ripe which look a little like a flame paint job. They were far and away my best producers this year (2022). Happy I planted them, and will definitely bring them back next year. I definitely saved seeds from this variety.

[@jam_is_jammin]

Last year was my first year as a gardener. I only grew Chadwick Cherry. This year My journey to find my favorite tomato, pepper, okra and spinach substitute begins. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to taste everything. For tomatoes I’ll be growing Barry’s Crazy Cherry, Isis Candy, Mexico Midget, Paul Robeson, Wyche’s Yellow, Hillbilly Potato Leaf, Orange Paruche, Japanese Trifele & Cherokee Purple. I’m going to eat my weight in Tomatoes, time to get serious about cardio 3x a week, haha. It’s gonna be awesome. BTW, I love the way you describe the tomatoes and your reasoning for your likes.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch! If you're new to gardening, I would say that you are going to be in tomato heaven this summer, judging by your list. There are some really nice ones on there. Enjoy!!

[@GardensGuitars]

In my two decades of gardening or so, I've grown more varieties than I can remember, but every year I grow some familiar varieties as well as try out a few new ones. Every year I grow red cherry and yellow pear because they are much hardier usually and yield more fruit for less work than the big tomatoes. I love the taste of Cherokee purple, but the plants seem disease prone and heat-intolerant with low yield. Black Krim and Black from Tula have that really nice salty taste that enhances the perception of the sugars, and I think that, similar to you, Black Krim has been the best tasting tomato I've grown. I only grew it 2 or 3 years though, because it also doesn't take heat well, and yields seemed low. Last year, I had great success with a local Carolina heat-tolerant variety called Marion, great yields really early, sometimes 25-30 tennis ball size fruits from each plant in just a 5 gal bucket. The one downside is that they are determinate, but I just try to plant them in succession as they are heat tolerant and produce through the summer. I also tried black cherry, which was really pretty but took forever to produce and ripen. I love green zebra, but the seed seems expensive and or uncommon. Crimson Cushion beefsteak is beautiful and delicious, prob ranks as my number 3 in taste behind Krim and Cherokee. I also tried a microtom variety last year, the plants were kinda wild looking with thin stems that reached 10-12 feet in length and produced literally a thousand or more tomatoes on one plant, but they were all the size of blueberries and I decided it was just too much work to pick them, so I won't be growing those again. Pineapple pole tomatoes were supposed to be my new experimental variety this year. Currently, I just have red cherry and yellow pear, and have been losing a lot of plants to flooding recently, so it's looking like not a lot of tomatoes this year. Maybe I'll try some in the fall, but usually disease pressure is too high until late October or so, so the fall season for tomatoes is really short for me. Tomatoes are pretty hard to grow in my swampy humid garden, so I tend to focus on disease resistance, heat tolerance, and yield more than taste, just because I'd rather have a lot of any homegrown tomato rather than a small amount of the caviar of tomato. Even the worst tasting varieties of homegrown tomato are still an order of magnitude better than the best tasting store bought tomatoes. Not to mention, I've been trying to do this zen thing where I don't eat any tomatoes or tomato products after my last harvest in December, that way when my first tomatoes are ready to harvest in April, I'm really really hungry for them and they all just taste great! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos! have a good May! cheers

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch for all of the detailed information. I really do appreciate that! Not only do I find it interesting, but my guess is that lots of other folks who find this video will find it interesting too. Of the ones you mentioned, the Marion peaked my interest the most. We get some pretty serious heat some summers here. We had one year here when we had over 50 days that got over 100 degrees. That is the only year that I ever had as a gardener when I just gave up on my garden. I hope we don't have a year like that again any time soon. I might have to read up on the Marion variety and put that on my list of tomatoes to maybe grow some day.

[@GardensGuitars]

@@MidwestGardener Wow, 50 days over 100 F, that does sound awful. There's some modern hybrid tomato varieties out of Florida that might tolerate those conditions. We had 100 degree days in May last year and a few 90 degree days in March this year. When it starts getting over 100, I don't bother with tomatoes. But no need to give up on the whole garden. There's folks in Phoenix that garden all summer and I've watched some of their videos about cultural practices like shade planting and heavy irrigation and mulch. There's some varieties of peppers, eggplant, cowpea, noodle beans, yardlong beans, watermelon, cucumber, flour corn, and okra that, while they won't be happy at 100 F, they will handle it and still produce as long as there's consistent watering. Okra is really the king of the triple digit temperatures. Also, some tropical plants that are grown in India and Africa can do well in those temperatures, like malabar spinach. Hopefully this year will be less extreme! Thanks and cheers

[@MidwestGardener]

Yep, you just have to roll with whatever comes to your area. You're right about okra. That stuff love the heat. I planted some malabar spinach just a few days ago. I'm with you, hoping for no extremes. Here's to hoping we both have a great gardening year!

[@npast1]

Hopefully you are managing well this year with all the abnormal heat waves.

[@Farmd427]

Paul Robeson, Cosmonaut Volkov, Moskvich, Black Krim, Black from Tula, Brandywine, and Carmello are my favorites. There’s just something special about the “black” tomatoes.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list! I agree with you, Stephen. I just really like the darker tomatoes. I found a new one that I really like too. It's called Boronia. It's a dwarf from the dwarf tomato project.

[@Farmd427]

Midwest Gardener I grew Rosella Purple from the dwarf tomato project this year. It grew really well until our heat and humidity rose and the fruit quality went down quickly. Unique flavor and different flavor from other dark tomatoes. I really liked the first two or three fruits, but then they started getting mushy texture and the flavor went generic.

[@Farmd427]

Midwest Gardener how about paste or sauce tomatoes? Do you have any favorites there?

[@livewiredcoffeeespress6818]

Yes... Cosmonaut volkov... also a favorite..

[@hukinpainter]

This is the first year that I have grown the Black Krim, and it replaced Cherokee Purple as my favorite tomato. I'm definitely going to save some seeds.

[@beverlycharles6534]

What is the difference between the two and which was more prolific and disease -resistant.for you? I grew Cherokee Purple this year and they are STILL not ripe. Looks like I will end the season with only 5 or 6 ripened in the end. 😢. Am starving for good tomatos. Only my cherry tomatos did well. I learned a lot, am grateful for what I got, counting on 2024 to be a MUCH better year. 😊

[@PS7334]

I've been growing the Black Krim for 4 years in a row now. It's definitely on the top of my list too! Couldn't believe when you had it at number one! I save my seeds from these plants every year. They get huge, the quantity is amazing, and I've grown many fruits over a pound. On top of it all, like you said, the taste is fantastic!

[@MidwestGardener]

Sounds like it's working out great for you. I love the fact that you save seeds too! Enjoy this growing season!

[@PS7334]

@@MidwestGardener Thank you. You too!

[@janicegame2372]

If you have a good strain of black Kremlin save the seeds and sell them, I cannot seem to find decent seeds it is good to save the best strain!

[@Scott-jf1nh]

Hoss sells great seeds for Black Krim. They did great for me.

[@chefpinot45]

My favorite tomato for the past 20 years has been Dr. Wyche's Yellow. Big, meaty yellow beefsteak slicers that are low acid, but still have that great, old-fashioned tomato flavor. Absolutely the best for BLTs and tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks James. That is one that I have never tried. It sure sounds good though.

[@blueponyfarm1962]

Dr Wyche is our hands down fav too, but every year we trial 6-8 new varieties as well. You can never have too many right?

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

My mouth runs in water when I see your beautiful tomatoes in the test. So juicy and beautiful. I have been growing tomatoes for years, but have not yet found my favorite. I have tried hundreds of varieties. They often taste good one year, but disappoint the next. The taste, as you say, depends a lot on the weather conditions you have and not least it is about watering. My favorite when it comes to cherry tomatoes is quite clear. It's Sungold. I always grow Brandywine. Last year the Virginia Sweet tasted good. New varieties are being tried out this year. Next year I will try to get hold of some of your 5 favorites. Thanks for a lovely video. Best wishes for your tomatoes this season.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Benni! Thanks for sharing some of your favorites! And the search continues. I've heard about sungold from lots of folks, so I have a couple of seedlings started of that one that I will be planting outside soon. I hope you find your favorite, or one that will do until you find it.

[@drewman747lindsay8]

5. Big Boy (It grows well in my garden) 4. Burpees Black Cherry (One year I grew these and it produced a lot of very tasty tomatoes. I grew it one time since then, and I basically grew it for the wildlife 😄) 3. Celebrity 2. Rutgers (My grandfather’s favorite) 1. Cherokee Purple I will try some different varieties next year. Your list gave me some good ideas. Thanks.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! I'm glad that you're growing one that your grandfather liked. I grow a few things because of family too. I try to grow a few new ones every year, but I'm finding some that I might stick with for a while.

[@TD-ce5ru]

Back in the sixties, it seemed like everyone grew Rutgers and Roma around here in Nebraska. It was not until Beefsteak showed up that gardeners around here started paying attention to other varieties.

[@lauriedaniels9620]

Do the big boy put out alot I planted those this year

[@rugerfarming2529]

the ol school ox heart love them. a lady that i know has been saving seeds from her dad, and she is 86 years old. bought some ox heart now a days taste way different then hers. hers are awsome

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing that with us! I've heard similar stories. That is one thing that is really cool about saving seeds. If you keep them going long enough in your own family, you can actually develop your own strain of a variety.

[@janwilliams579]

I grew Black Krim for maybe three years. The first year it wasn't very productive but the flavor was just the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fruity. The next couple of years, the weather and the varmints didn't cooperate and I didn't get a one. Might be worth trying again.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, it sure might be worth another try. At least you know what to expect if you do get one. We had quite a time with opossums eating our tomatoes this year.

[@micah1754]

@@MidwestGardener is black creme the same as black krim? I can't find anything online about a black creme variety

[@kqdwills]

@@micah1754 There's no black creme tomatoes. The black Krim seeds are selling widely on Ebay, and it's inexpensive. Even the Green zebra variety that someone said on here its seeds expensive, is selling cheaply on Ebay and Amazon, only a few bucks each package. The only tomato variety that's expensive and hard to find is the hybrid honeycomb, an improved version of the Sun gold variety, since unlike Sun gold, this honeycomb variety is crack resistance. The honeycomb seeds only selling by one or 2 sellers on Ebay and they are probably fake seeds.

[@MrThemortgage]

Black Krim, Tennessee Sweet, Carbon, Cherokee Purple and HillBilly yellow are my top 5 and all in my garden.

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a nice top 5. Those would make some find BLTs!

[@chiya2006]

MrThemortgage is Hillbilly yellow is the one who he shows @ 0:41 ? I like to find out and plant it .

[@pangtou9733]

I grow all of these for selling at the local farmers market. Our customers love them. My favorites are Cherokee purple, big beef, orange oxheart, isis candy and artisan tiger blush

[@MidwestGardener]

I've never tried the last 3 on your list. There are just so many great ones out there to try. I guess that is one of the things that makes gardening so fun.

[@jimcowan8770]

So Far you’re the only person who mentioned the big beef! Yes! That’s a top favorite of mine,. Along with better boys, best boys & best girls, etc! I just found this channel!!! So excited! Ha! Can’t wait to try So Many different varieties!!! Can’t remember for sure,. Think I’ve had the Cherokee purple! Almost Certain I have,. Hopefully can still get some planted this year!!! Happy Growing!!! Stay Safe & Happy Memorial Day!!!

[@ilg212]

Growing tomatoes for the first time. Planning to grow 36 varieties to hopefully find what I like. Thank you for the great video!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! You should be able to find a few you like out of that many. You are going to have a fun year.

[@foreverbowie4853]

Very excited to taste my first black krim later this summer. Thanks for your assessment and the heads up to save the seeds!

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! I hope you enjoy the taste as much as I did!

[@gailcorley6888]

Never tried carbon, but I grow Cherokee purple every year. Brandywine pink I grow in the fall. I've grown Black Krim too and was not happy with it

[@MidwestGardener]

Sorry to hear that Black Krim didn't work for you. If you ever decide to try dwarf tomatoes, Rosella Purple is a good one.

[@gailcorley6888]

@@MidwestGardener where are all these varieties found? I got the 15 choices of Lowes and home depot available

[@MidwestGardener]

@@gailcorley6888 I grow all of mine from seeds. There are several companies that sell seeds for the dwarfs, and some I've gotten from other sources. Victory seeds has a really good selection of dwarf tomatoes.

[@SherCts]

I helped clean out an old house and the owner had saved seeds dated 1937 and they were labeled "bleeding hearts" and I raised it 2 yrs. It was sweet, shaped like a large heart and was the best tomato EVER. I called an agriculture branch and they told me those were "discontinued heirloom tomatoes" and the guy said it was ILLEGAL to grow!!! I had no idea there were certain seeds that the DOA bans! I still have the seeds and may yet grow some more.

[@MidwestGardener]

That's interesting. I've never heard of that before. I know that they frown on some imported seeds. I did a quick search and saw some for sale by the same name. I don't know if it is the same tomato or not though.

[@landscape674]

growing in the phoenix area, i have to stick to the smaller to mid size tomatoes because of the intense sun. my plants go in the ground at the end of january, and are finished by the first week of june. abe lincoln, black prince, celebrity have done well for me. i am going to get some cherokee p seeds for next years planting. thx for posting MG !

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! If you like growing smaller to mid sized tomatoes, you might check out dwarf tomatoes from the dwarf tomato project. I like Boronia and Tasmanian Chocolate from last year, and this year, I'm grow several that I've never tried before....plus the two I mentioned.

[@mihaiilie8808]

Black krim is my favorite #1 too.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yep, it's a good one.

[@southernbelle8920]

My son's favorite.

[@marcoodasso8178]

Hello, I grow tomatoes in my vegetable garden in Italy (in the mountains, at 850 meters). My favorite varieties are: 1) Montserrat; 2) Oxheart from Albenga; 3) Belmonte; 4) Piennolo del Vesuvio red; 5) Rose of Sorrento. However, I grow several other varieties of tomatoes ... From your posts I have seen many preferences for Cherokee purple, Brandywine and Paul Robeson. This year I will try to plant them because they intrigue me! Thank you!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for sharing your list of favorites, Marco. Be sure to check back in and let us know what you think of Cherokee purple, Brandywine and Paul Robeson if you try them.

[@bristonknight9315]

@ Marco Odasso - Mosto interessante! Anch' Io vivo sulla collina dove acqua è un problema. Anno scorso non c'era nessuna pioggia durante tutto estate... Ed io pianto no meno di 20 pianti nel orto. Quest' anno il clima è differente: sta piovendo tutto il tempo. Io vivo vicino a Columbia fiume in Nord-Oveste degli Stati Uniti. Scusi per molti errori: ho appreso italiano da solo... E buon giorno per Lei!

[@chunliyu6815]

My favorite 5 tomato varieties: Kellogg's Breakfast , Chef's choice orange, Pink Belgium, Brandy Black, Mr. Stripey

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list with us. Those are some nice ones. I wish I had some fresh ones right now.

[@alexhendrickson6307]

I tried growing some of your favorites this summer. Loved the Black Krim, Brandy Wine and German Green. Brandy Wine was not a big producer for me but good. I think Black Krim is my new favorite close second is a Pineapple tomato. Thank you for your suggestions.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for letting us know how they did for you, Alex. It's always great to find some new favorites.

[@MsBartSampson]

Really happy I saw this video. I'll have to try the Cherokee Purple and the White Tomesol next year. I was at my local gardening store and saw a potted Black Krim plant. I had never heard of it nor tried it before and picked it up. You rated it number 1 so I'm really excited for what it produces. As of now it's doing better than all of my other tomato plants which is a good sign for me that the conditions are right. I live in Pennsylvania so I image the weather and temperature are pretty similar to someone from the Midwest. What's surprising me now is that it's not even mid June and I already have about 7 or so fruits already growing and they'll probably be ripe before the end of the month! Super excited for them!

[@MidwestGardener]

That's awesome, Bart! I hope it sets on more tomatoes too. Yes, if you can find Cherokee Purple and White Tomesol, those are definitely two worth trying. In recent years, I've kind of fell in love with dwarf tomatoes from the dwarf tomato project. Two of those that I really like are Rosella Purple, and Boronia. Good luck with your Black Krim!

[@MsBartSampson]

@@MidwestGardener Thank you much! I've already ordered seeds for the Cherokee Purple and White Tomesol for next year! I can't wait to try them! I don't want to sound ignorant but what are dwarf tomatoes? I grow cherry/grape tomatoes every year alongside the rest, but I'm assuming these are different. For cherry tomatoes, have you ever grown Yellow Pears? Can't say it was the best taste, but the harvest was unbelievable! I've never seen so many tomatoes on one plant.

[@MidwestGardener]

@@MsBartSampson Dwarf tomatoes grow tomatoes much like indeterminate types, but on a much smaller plant. Some indeterminate tomatoes can grow to be 8 feet tall or taller. Many dwarf tomatoes only grow to be about 4 feet tall....some a little taller, some a little less. They have been developed by a team of dedicated tomato breeders who are still working on new types.

[@stevegillette3129]

I have been putting in 8 tomato plants every year for 20+ years. The only varieties that I plant every year are 2 Black Krims and a single Sun Gold. Both are amazing. San Marzanos may be getting added to that list after I tried them last year and loved the flavor of the sauce they made. Also the production was unbelievable. Looking forward to trying the Saldackis this year as I picked up some seeds after having heard them mentioned in a couple of best of lists. Thanks for the video. Really enjoyed it.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice list Steve! I tried Sun Gold for the first time last year and really like it a lot. I try a few new ones each year because I've been finding some really good ones the last few years. Hope you have a great growing season!

[@ddjones9578]

Thanks for your video because it reminded me that I have Carbon seeds; and you are absolutely correct that it is a great tasting tomato. My favorite are; Black Pineapple, Big Rainbow, Japanese Black Trifele and Paul Robeson.

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a nice list. Carbon would fit well with those.

[@davemeeks8109]

I have 37 types of tomatoes going in the garden this year. My main tomatoe in taste and canning is Better Boy simply because they do very well here in the Midwest.

[@MidwestGardener]

That is going to make for a very good tomato year I would think. That will be fun for you. Better boy is pretty dependable.

[@davemeeks8109]

Although I have around 800 plants nearly ready to go in the ground, in the end I will choose around 300 for my garden and the remaining plants go to friends and family. It's amazing how wildlife will eat everything in the tomatoes world and not bother other things like peppers. We watched 5 deer born in the side yard last year and by 3rd week of September all tomato plants were gone. That's when friends and family bring their tomatoes until first freeze late October.

[@MidwestGardener]

@@davemeeks8109 Nice! Sounds like you are living a pretty good life, Dave.

[@marykinney4301]

Great video! I can grow 6 plants each year, plus 2 cherry tomato types in bags. After 25 years of experimenting in the Midwest with probably over 100 varieties, I have narrowed my top 6 to: Carbon, Gold Medal, Caspian Pink, Black from Tula, Carmella, and Thessaloniki.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice list! Thanks for sharing it with us, Mary!

[@karmelicanke]

A mid season, medium sized russian Tomato Lyana Rozovyy , Pink Liana. It has such well balanced flavor, great producer too.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tip on those!

[@karmelicanke]

@@MidwestGardener I agree with your choice of Black Krim; some years the flavour is better than other years, but at it's best, smokey and salty, it knocks your socks off.

[@msb358]

I make it a mission to grow Pink Brandywine every year. I love the creamy texture! I'm going to try the Black Krim that you recommend this year. Thanks!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorite! It's always good to have a favorite that keeps you coming back. Good luck with the Black Krim! I hope you like it as much as we have.

[@jacoborlowski6501]

Black krim is a good Choice

[@StreetArtillery]

So a delicious strain of the Black Krim is forever lost. Try to remember the year and months it was planted, the soil composition, the weather. We must rediscover it

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, it's a sad story. I learned to never take for granted anything that stands out in terms of flavor.

[@brianm5368]

Thank you for the video. Black krim has been my favorite for taste and yield in 7a. I would love to see an additional video with cherry tomatoes. Happy gardening.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! I'll give that other video some thought.

[@kyleguy2305]

Growing black Krim for the first time im so excited

[@MidwestGardener]

You're in for a treat, Kyle!

[@endfear8315]

Be sure to keep them evenly watered and mulched. They tend to crack.

[@winstonalpha1286]

Same 🙂

[@davruck1]

Black Krim are everywhere this year. I'm growing some. I grew black prince last year.

[@Billbobaker]

German Greens were a fave of mine for the first year.. not so much after that .. Early Girl here in Oregon is just amazing.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites, Bill! It's always great to hear what works well in other parts of the country.

[@venymae]

My favorites so far are Rose, Black Krim, & Striped German. I have been saving my own Rose seeds to preserve that first love taste.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list! I'm glad to hear that you are saving seeds too.

[@ВалариПетровский]

You mean Rose de Berne ?

[@MrKearby]

Black krim is my favorite also..

[@MidwestGardener]

I understand :)

[@o0sunsi0o]

I learned a valuable lesson from your video here and that is, if you taste a tomato that knock-your-socks-off be sure and save some seeds from it! I agreed with most of your favorites and as you requested I'll leave my list of 5. -------> Black From Tula, Marianne's Peace, Joe's Plum, Brandywine (pink and yellow) and Goose Creek. If those are all I grew, I'd be satisfied!

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice list! Yes, that is a good lesson to learn.

[@carolburnett8372]

yes, I agree, put that tomato down, take the seeds out, and eat the remains, lol, lol..........kinda like a friend I used to have, he loved deer hunting and photography, he took his gun deer hunting and his camera and had to decide if he was going to get a lovely picture or a lovely deer........the noise of the camera made the deer run away, but he would have the photo always........lol

[@cjr4497]

I am a huge Cherokee purple fan. I was blown away when I grew them for the first time. They are stingy for me too in Louisiana some years, but I grow them anyway. They are very naturally disease resistant for me as well. I have grown several of the purple/black varieties, but still prefer the Cherokee. I grew "Atomic Grape" last year and was also highly impressed. I like "Lemon Boy" the best of the yellows. Celebrity is still probably my favorite red tomato. 1. Cherokee Purple 2. Atomic Grape 3. Yellow Pear 4. Lemon Boy 5. Celebrity. I may have to try the Black Krim again as my soil has improved greatly since I last grew them.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice list! If you are a Cherokee Purple fan, there are several that I think are "similar" in taste. Paul Robeson, and Carbon are two that produced better than Cherokee Purple for me. Both of those are indeterminate. Last year I was really impressed by a dwarf tomato called Boronia. That one reminded me a lot of the taste of Cherokee Purple, and produced more tomatoes for me on a compact plant. And the tomatoes didn't have splitting issues like Cherokee Purple. I can't wait to get some in the ground this year!

[@MellowMaple]

I have a very limited range, but I loved the yellow-pear variety, the smaller ones that grow like little pears or bulbs. I made the best homemade pizza sauce with it.

[@MidwestGardener]

Sounds great!

[@fegolem]

This is the first year I've had a garden of my own. I've only grown a couple varieties. Cherokee Carbon, I like pretty well.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing that. You're starting out with a good one!

[@robertharvey3702]

I'm up in Ontario Canada and this is my top 5 list: 1) Caspian Pink 2) Carbon 3) Chocolate Cherry 4) Golden Cherry 5) Amana Orange Looking to try Kellogg Breakfast and, now thanks to your review, Aunt Ruby's German Green. Great channel and thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch for sharing your top 5 list with us, and for the kind words, Robert! Seeing your list makes me want to go make a tomato sandwich :) We just happen to have a few ripe ones ready.

[@zone4garlicfarm]

5) Jetstar, 4) Japanese Black Trifele, 3) Aunt Ruby's German Green, 2) Kellogg's Breakfast, 1) Black Krim. My favorite Cherry tomato: Sun Sugar and my favorite paste tomato: Polish Linguisa. This year I'm trying Principe Borghese for drying.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list. I always think of my dad when I see Jetstar. It was one of his favorites.

[@Nicola050459]

For paste tomato I have grown and I liked a lot Opalka and Amish Paste, to me the flavor is superior to Sanmarzano

[@zone4garlicfarm]

@@Nicola050459 There isn't much difference between the fruits of Opalka and Polish Linguisa. I grow Polish Linguisa because Opalka needs a longer growing season. Amish Paste is my first choice for making salsa. I don't grow San Marzano because it is too vulnerable to diseases.

[@Nicola050459]

@@zone4garlicfarm yes the fruits of Linguisa and Opalka are similar size, my Opalka grew bigger, they resembled green peppers at first, I found the flavor better then Linguisa

[@debbieparker3691]

OMGosh those tomatoes look so good I can hardly wait till harvest. I like cherokee purple and the little sugar sweet tomatoes,they just taste so good.

[@MidwestGardener]

I know what you mean. Just looking at the thumbnail for this video makes my mouth water.

[@debbieparker3691]

@@MidwestGardener Ikr

[@zoyakruse-wu3729]

Your voice is so calming. Thank you for the content!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you Zoya! I'm glad you think so.

[@michaellippmann4474]

YEA! Black Krim is my number one! Old German, Ferris Wheel, Italian Heirloom and Bison are my top 5 so far but yes I LOVE my Black Krim....if you want some seeds I would be happy to send you some! Mike 🇨🇦👍

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Michael! I appreciate the offer, but even though all of the tomatoes in my top 5 are indeterminate types, I've become very interested in dwarf tomatoes from the dwarf tomato project. I even found 1 that I would put in my top 5 if I redid it right now.

[@trevorfichtner3539]

I want some seeds! :p

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

This is our first year for a garden. Our two favorites are a cherry tomato called Super Sweet and a slicing tomato called German Johnson. Though narly in shape, the flavor is so sweet and the texture meatier than some. We’re saving seeds for both as well as Roma which did well and Juliette which we think is a paste-type tomato but smaller in size.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites with us! I love that you are already going to start saving seeds!

[@galestanley3404]

One of my hobbies is growing and collecting heirloom tomato seeds. I live in East Tennessee and have had great luck with many varieties. My favorite tomatoes are the German Pink, Carbon and Georgia Streak varieties. I am experimenting with the Cherokee Green this year. My mother’s favorite was the green zebra because of the taste. So happy to find this channel.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites with us! That's my kind of hobby, Gale!

[@toddedwards7909]

you won't regret planting cherokee green, that I promise

[@toddedwards7909]

you won't regret planting cherokee green, that I promise

[@whovianinthehizzayy]

I adore the pink and yellow varieties of Brandywine, they were so sweet and delicious!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Alina. You're not alone on being a fan of Brandywine types.

[@nicolas_poli]

For the past 3 years I have been producing my own tomatoes in France (USDA zone 8a) I have found Tobolk and Brad's Black Heart (from Brad's Gate farm) the best over a dozen varieties. Tobolsk is quite early producing and lasts until late in the year

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing those, Nicolas! I hadn't heard of Tobolk. Brad's Black Heart sounds like a tomato I might like.

[@kensimmons9960]

Where I live (Finger Lakes area, south of Lake Ontario in New York State) we have 'consistently unusual' weather. I have found some tomatoes that have better flavor in a dry, hot summer and some that are better in damp, cooler summers, so I grow some of a few types each year. As far as the consistently best flavor in all weather conditions, I'd have to say Glaciers. I've been using saved seeds for about ten years. One of a very few toms I can grow from direct seeding in the garden in this area. I generally direct seed some and transplant some for early harvest. I love the flavor of Black Krims and Cherokee Purples, but the splitting and blight problems.....I'm trying Carbons and Paul Roebsons next.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing the details of your location and the weather you have to deal with. I'm sure those who are in a similar situation will really appreciate that. Glacier is another one that I've never tried. Yep, blight can be a problem with a lot of heirlooms, and that splitting does get pretty old, especially in those rainy summers. I hope the Carbon or Paul Robeson works better for you. I'm ready for that first tomato of the summer. It's been a long wait.

[@wendysgarden4283]

I love the Finger Lakes area. I could pretty much live at the Corning museum for a week and be very happy.)

[@bristonknight9315]

@ Ken Simmons - That's a very good observation! This season, I'm going to be as observant as you are with regards to weather conditions and the tom. plants growing and tasting...

[@samuel58237]

Always Cherokee purple. Another great one is Paul Roberson. I agree about dark tomatoes.

[@MidwestGardener]

I can't argue with those two choices.

[@ZingsVideos]

Only 3 have stood out for me so far: Ace 55, Mortgage Lifter and Dr. Wyche's. Each is sweeter than the typical large tomato. The Ace 55 and Mortgage Lifter have a hint of earthiness as well.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your favorites with us. I've tried Mortgage Lifter, but not the other two. There are so many good ones out there.

[@magnificent6668]

If you want to improve the flavor, hit the plants with a solution of 1/2 cup Epsom salts and 3 tablespoons of Borax per 5 gallons of water, when your vines are just starting to set fruit. My faves are: Caspian Pink Paul Robeson Cherokee Purple Boxcar Willie Mortgage Lifters. Elberta Girl Brandywine. I've heard the green gage are delicious with spicy undertones...maybe next year.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list! There are some nice ones that I'm familiar with on there. The Boxcar Willie is one that surprised me the first time I grew it.

[@willowdeanmcdowell2587]

Brandy Wine

[@priayief]

While I appreciate your recommendations as to what varieties to try, I'll question your advice to use that magic potion of epsom salts and borax. That's beyond silly. Cheers.

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Sun gold, Cherokee purple, costoluto genovese. I'm looking forward to trying the black krim ☺️ thank you!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Yes, the Black Krim is definitely worth trying.

[@sharibuckler8529]

I love mortgage lifters! Course I'm from WV and love the story of how radiator Charlie developed them. As long as they have tall sturdy cages they produce well. They have a good flavor and are good for canning, sauce, juice, or fresh eating. I usually throw another variety or two in but they remain my fav thus far.

[@MidwestGardener]

It's great that you found a tomato that works for you! I agree about the story. I love learning about the history of some heirlooms.

[@bontadirisatina7383]

My favorite cherry is Orange Paruche. Instead of pure sugar like some cherries such as Sungold, it retains a distinct tomato taste and is nearly as sweet, and the skin's not as thick. Though others carry them, I've gotten mine from Territorial Seeds. I will be trying White Tomesil this year on your advice. I agree with Cherokee Purple and Pink Brandywine is also a fave. I had good luck with Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye though the second year was not quite as good. I'm also trying one this year called the Garden Gem that comes from a UF program where they're trying to develop a great tasting one that is highly productive.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing some of your favorites! Keep us posted on how that Garden Gem works out for you. We are about a week or two from being able to put some in the ground here.

[@diannebosch5866]

Hi! I always appreciate your videos! I replied to you some years ago about the Indian Stripe tomato-a cousin to the Cherokee Purple but more productive and uniform. I'm growing them side by side this year, and I much prefer the Indian Stripe! It isn't cracking nearly as much and is twice as productive this year. It's always the best or second-best-tasting tomato I grow! I save my seed, but originally got the seed from Heritage Harvest Seeds in Manitoba, Canada. The Stripe ( as I call it) works very well in our BC climate.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing that with us. I know lots of people read the comments for this video, so I'm sure others will appreciated it too. It's always great to find a variety that words really well for your area.

[@Idontwantachannel67]

My top 5 tomatoes in no particular order are: Oxheart, Thornburns Terra Cotta, Paul Robeson, Pineapple, and White Ivory Pear. Special mention for Japanese Black Trifele and Kryptonite. Aunt Ruby’s German green is amazing, but I always pick them too late because they’re hard to tell when they’re ripe.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing your list, Danielle! Those are some nice ones. The Japanese Black Trifele doesn't get mentioned often, but that's a good one.

[@elenalittle1454]

I like darker tomatoes as well. The best I have tried so far is Black Prince. It is on a sweet side. So, it is good for those who like low acidity tomatoes.

[@MidwestGardener]

That sounds like a good one. I like a little sweetness too. I can't wait to get some in the ground....when it unfreezes.

[@carolebingert7218]

I have my favs, Black Krim, Big Rainbow, and Brandywine growing right now. I can hardly wait.

[@MidwestGardener]

Those are nice ones! Enjoy!

[@Asly65]

Hi gardener, i love Cherokee purple, i planted them a lot even Black Krim and Black plum. Concerning red tomatoes what tasting Best for me is a rare variety call Neves Azorean and also Costoluto Siciliano. As pink tomatoes i like New Zealand pear for paste but i never tried Brandywine. I live in a hot mediterranean country : Tunisia north Africa. Best regards.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing some of your favorites with us! Thanks for sharing your location. It's always great to hear where folks are from. Good luck!

[@garden4life622]

The new hybrid cross of Cherokee Carbon is AMAZING! Won our large tomato taste test last year and even beat out Brandywine Pink. Sun Sugar is by FAR the best cherry tomato! Belgian Giant is sweet and delicious. Also trying the new Marzinera cross paste this year and Dr. Wyches which is supposed to be a great yellow tomato.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing you list! Yes, that Cherokee Carbon cross has to be a good one. I found one that I really like a lot this year. It's called Boronia, and is a dwarf.

[@RainyJo715]

Thanks for posting! I'm big on the Cherokee Purple, so id definitely love to try that cross! I'm also a big advocate for the Sun Sugar. Actually, I've converted my entire family and everyone I know into planting them now. I only planted the Sun Sugar as my cherry tomatoes this year, because they just make all others taste terrible in my opinion. Lol 😆

[@vickiperkins476]

My top two are the same as yours 😊. I also do not get great production from the Cherokee purple, but I grow it anyway because of its taste 😊

[@MidwestGardener]

Great minds think alike, Vicki 😀 I hope you have a great tomato year!

[@kensearle4892]

Some of my favorites are... - Brandywine - Norma - This was a variety I got from a friend from Norma Italy. It tastes good but is poor on disease resistance here in NY so it might be retired from my rotation - Standard Beefsteak from the garden is still better than the store but will be trying out some new types this year. - I think will try a darker Cherokee Purple or Black Krim after seeing this. Thanks!

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, Cherokee Purple and Black Krim are definitely worth a try, Ken. I also would add Rosella Purple and Boronia if I had to do this video over again. Those two are dwarfs.

[@rascatripp]

I have been growing no more than 20 types of tomatoes over the years in my backyard. I always grow Cherokee purple and black cherry season after season and then I try one or two new varieties every year. Next year I'll include black Krim. I enjoyed your videos, regards from Florida

[@MidwestGardener]

I hope you enjoy the Black Krim! It’s a real winner. Glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@erinsennett7424]

I love aunt Ruby’s German green!. I am trying carbon and black Krim I got all three this year

[@MidwestGardener]

Sounds like you are going to have a very good tomato year.

[@johnkieranhynes8277]

As a new heirloom grower, these are my top 5: 1-Kellogg’s Breakfast 2-Solar Flare 3-Black Crim 4-Sungold 5-Pink Berkeley TieDie

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a pretty nice list for a new heirloom grower. There are so many left to try!

[@karunald]

Gosh and I tried Kellogg's Breakfast this year and I have literally had to spit out each one tried despite them being pristine looking. LOL