Allotment Growing

Tomatoes Varieties Tasted & Tested

There are a huge range of different types of tomatoes available in the garden centres and catalogues. Factor in the specialist suppliers and the choice is overwhelming.

I’ve tried some cultivars and come to the conclusion that it is worth trying out a different tomato each year but always grow the tried, tasted and trusted as well.

My Tried and Tasted Tomatoes

Sungold

This is a particularly vigorous cordon variety, being an F1 hybrid and really leaps away. It is one of the first to crop and because it is so vigorous, I have had success both under cover and outside. The fruit is small but plentiful and an orange colour rather than red. Too sweet for cooking, it is gorgeous alone or in a salad. A favourite with the kids. If I only grew one variety this would be it.

It used to only be available from Thomson and Morgan but now seems that other suppliers are offering it as well. Sungold from T& M

Gardener’s Delight

An old favourite traditional cordon type, prolific and a good performer. It is thin skinned and has a reasonable flavour. Very much the standard, I usually grow this to ensure a supply for fried breakfasts and sandwiches Gardener's Delight from Dobies

Garten or Garden Pearle

A dwarf bush tomato from Thomson and Morgan. Prolific and tasty red cherry tomatoes. One plant is enough so we grow two and give loads away. Gartenpearle from T&M

Plum Roma

A bush tomato, generally available. Firm fleshed and good flavour. Ideal for freezing to provide cooking tomatoes later in the year. Roma from T&M

Big Boy

This is the beefsteak tomato producing fruits that weigh upto a pound. I found that I didn’t manage to get a decent crop ripened before the end of the season. May try again but not on the must have list.

Ace

Standard cordon type with reasonable flavour but nothing special.- I believe this is a commercial variety.

Tumbler

A dwarf bush similar to Garden Pearle. Think the flavour of Garden Pearle superior.

San Marzano

Italian plum style tomato, similar to Roma. I have found Roma more reliable. San Marzano are said to have a better flavour but come late so are more susceptible to blight.

Not to grow tomato - Moneymaker

Another gardener’s standard but I find it pretty tasteless even straight from the plant. I really don’t think it worth growing.

Heirloom Tomatoes

There's more information here: Heirloom Tomatoes

Take a look at the range of tomatoes available here from Dobies, Suttons and T&M

T&M Full range of Tomatoes - available here

Growing Tomatoes Guides

• Tomatoes Part 1 - Introduction and Types of Tomatoes
• Tomatoes Part 2 - Sowing and Starting off Tomatoes
• Tomatoes Part 3 - Growing Outdoors, Bush Varieties of Tomatoes
• Tomatoes Part 4 - Grow house and Greenhouse, Cordon Varieties of Tomatoes
• Tomatoes Part 5 - Tomato Troubles and Diseases
• Tomatoes Part 6 - Cultivars, Tried and Tasted Tomatoes
• Water Requirements for Tomatoes
• Heirloom Tomatoes - Heritage Tomatoes
• Tomato Varieties with RHS Award of Garden Merit (Seed Catalogue)
• All Tomato Varieties (Seed Catalogue)