There's a story behind this tomato! Itss name is "BIG RED". I've been growing it for 20 years. I originally got the seeds from Heirloom seeds in 2002. Where they got from visiting a family in Illinois that had been growing them for generations. They called it "Big Red". Yes, it splits, and catfaces sometimes as with any heirloom tomato. And sometimes you get a perfect tomato. The taste is sweet and fresh when red and ripe. It has a more bushier growing characteristic than other tomatoes which I've grown. Also it's somewhat less susceptible to blight. Although not immune! š It's not a heavy producer but it will produce until frost. It makes enough tomatoes to keep me happy. Nonetheless my all time favorite tomato. I will always grow "BIG RED TOMATO". Many have been looking for this tomato. And Baker's Creek has purchased their website name. I'm assuming they went out of business.
From Heirloom Seeds Catalog:
#154 - BIG RED 85 days - We acquired the seeds for this tomato from a family in southern Illinois who had grown it for generations, and was always simply referred to as that "that big, red tomato". The large vines produce 16 to 24 ounce huge, sweet, red fruit, with just enough "bite" for that old fashioned, home grown taste. Perfect for sandwiches, salads or just eating out of your hand! This is the tomato you remember eating from your grandfather's garden! First introduced in the United States by Heirloom Seeds. Indeterminate vines.
I let the tomato plants grow a little bushy.
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