Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Organic Tomato Seeds

Organic tomatoes come in all sizes and shapes


Tomatoes are the most common vegetable grown in home gardens. Many home gardeners choose organic tomato seeds that are certified by the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program. The USDA Certified Organic label ensures that the tomato seeds come from chemical-free soil with non-toxic, pest- and disease-management techniques. Organically grown tomato seeds also are not subjected to genetically modified materials (GMOs) in production, cleaning, storage or shipping. Traditional seed companies, as well as specialty tomato seed companies, sell organic tomato seeds. Does this Spark an idea?


Black Krim


Black Krim tomatoes are a beefsteak variety, dark maroon in color, and originated on the Isle of Krim in Russia. Black Krim tomatoes are an indeterminate variety that continue growing until frost. Organic Black Krim tomato seeds germinate in six to eight days when the temperature is above 55 degrees F. Black Krim tomatoes are a prolific producer that come to harvest in 90 days.


Paul Robeson


The Paul Robeson tomato is another dusky-deep, purple-red variety with deep, full flavor and a sweet-to-acid taste balance. Organic Paul Robeson tomato seeds germinate in 19 days and mature on an indeterminate growing vine after 75 days. Indeterminate vines continue to grow until the first autumn frost.


German Queen


German Queen is an organic beefsteak tomato with firm, red flesh and a sweet, rich flavor. It is a good slicing tomato. It grows on erect, indeterminate vines and has a potato-like leaf. Organic tomato seeds are easily saved for the next spring planting. A ripe tomato half is put into a small amount of water for a few days to separate seeds from pulp. Dry seeds are then labeled in envelopes and saved for next year's planting. German Queen tomato seeds germinate in 10 days and mature in 85.


Zapotec


This unusual tomato originated with the Zapotec people of southern Mexico. It is deeply pleated in shape and pink to dark-red in color. Zapotec has a rich, earthy flavor. It is available from specialty heirloom tomato growers. Home garden organic tomato growers use mature compost to ensure the rich, well-draining soil that tomatoes prefer. Organic Zapotec tomato seeds germinate in eight days and mature in 80.

Tags: Black Krim, tomato seeds, seeds germinate, tomato seeds, tomato seeds germinate