A Guide to the Best Tomato Varieties to Grow Yourself

Clusters of ripe and unripe tomatoes growing on healthy green plants inside a greenhouse. More information

With hundreds, if not thousands, of tomato varieties available, choosing which ones to grow can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the wonderful world of tomato varieties and find the perfect ones for your garden, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower.

Understanding Tomato Types: Your First Step to Success

Before diving into specific varieties, it's helpful to understand the different types of tomatoes you can grow. Each type has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different uses and growing conditions.

Different tomato types offer unique flavors, sizes, and growing characteristics

Determinate vs. Indeterminate: Growth Habits Matter

One of the most important distinctions between tomato varieties is their growth habit:

Determinate Tomatoes

• Grow to a predetermined height (usually 3-4 feet)
• Produce all their fruit within a 4-6 week period
• Ideal for container gardening and small spaces
• Perfect for canning as harvest comes all at once
• Typically require minimal staking or caging

Indeterminate Tomatoes

• Continue growing and producing until killed by frost
• Can reach heights of 6-10 feet or more
• Produce fruit throughout the growing season
• Require sturdy staking, caging, or trellising
• Ideal for fresh eating with extended harvests

Common Tomato Categories

Tomatoes come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, each with its own best uses:

Cherry & Grape Tomatoes

Small, bite-sized fruits that are perfect for snacking and salads. They're typically the earliest to ripen and the most productive.

Paste & Roma Tomatoes

Meaty with fewer seeds and less water content, making them ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning.

Beefsteak Tomatoes

Large, juicy tomatoes perfect for sandwiches and burgers. They offer that classic tomato flavor and impressive size.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Open-pollinated varieties passed down through generations, known for exceptional flavor and unique appearances.

Hybrid Tomatoes

Crosses between two parent varieties, often offering improved disease resistance, yield, or other desirable traits.

Specialty Tomatoes

Unique varieties with distinctive colors, shapes, or flavors that stand out in the garden and on the plate.

Best Cherry Tomato Varieties to Grow

Cherry tomatoes are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. They're typically the first to produce fruit and continue bearing throughout the season. Their sweet flavor makes them favorites for snacking, salads, and roasting.

Sungold cherry tomatoes are known for their exceptional sweetness and productivity

Sungold

Indeterminate 57-65 days

Widely considered the sweetest tomato variety available, Sungold produces abundant clusters of golden-orange fruits with a tropical, fruity flavor that's almost candy-like. Plants are vigorous and disease resistant, making them perfect for beginners.

Best uses: Fresh eating, salads, roasting

Growing tip: Provide sturdy support as plants can reach 8+ feet and become heavy with fruit.

Clusters of ripe Sungold cherry tomatoes hanging on green vines. More information

Black Cherry

Indeterminate 65-75 days

These dusky purple-black cherry tomatoes offer complex, rich flavor with perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Often described as having the depth of flavor of larger heirloom varieties in a bite-sized package.

Best uses: Fresh eating, gourmet salads, roasting

Growing tip: Tolerates less-than-ideal conditions better than many varieties.

Sweet Million

Indeterminate 60-70 days

As the name suggests, this variety produces enormous quantities of sweet red cherry tomatoes on long trusses. Fruits resist cracking and have excellent disease resistance, making this a reliable producer even in challenging conditions.

Best uses: Snacking, salads, preserving

Growing tip: Harvest entire trusses for beautiful presentation.

Close-up of ripe Black Cherry tomatoes hanging on the vine in bright sunlight. More information

Best Paste and Roma Tomato Varieties

Paste tomatoes are the workhorses of the kitchen garden. With their meaty texture, fewer seeds, and lower moisture content, they're ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning projects. Growing your own paste tomatoes can elevate your homemade sauces to new heights.

Roma tomatoes are prized for their meaty texture and excellent sauce-making qualities

Roma

Determinate 75-80 days

The classic paste tomato, Roma produces medium-sized, plum-shaped fruits with thick walls, few seeds, and minimal juice. Their determinate growth habit means you'll get a concentrated harvest perfect for canning days.

Best uses: Sauce, paste, canning, drying

Growing tip: Plant several at once for a substantial canning harvest.

Ripe Roma tomatoes growing on a vine surrounded by green leaves. More information

San Marzano

Indeterminate 80-90 days

Considered the gold standard for sauce tomatoes, San Marzano produces elongated fruits with thick flesh, few seeds, and a rich, sweet flavor. The authentic Italian heirloom variety creates sauces with exceptional depth of flavor.

Best uses: Premium sauces, canning, roasting

Growing tip: Needs good calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

Clusters of ripe San Marzano tomatoes hanging on the vine in a sunlit garden. More information

Amish Paste

Indeterminate 80-85 days

This heirloom variety produces large, oxheart-shaped fruits that are juicier than most paste tomatoes but still excellent for sauce making. Their size and productivity make them a favorite for home canners.

Best uses: Sauce, canning, fresh eating

Growing tip: Benefits from pruning to focus energy on fruit production.

Cluster of ripe Amish Paste tomatoes hanging on the vine among green leaves. More information

Best Beefsteak and Slicing Tomato Varieties

Nothing beats a thick slice of homegrown beefsteak tomato on a sandwich or burger. These large, juicy tomatoes are the pride of many gardeners, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that defines true tomato flavor.

Brandywine

Indeterminate 80-100 days

This legendary Amish heirloom produces large, pink-red fruits up to 1.5 pounds with what many consider the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The flavor is rich and complex, often described as the ultimate "true tomato" taste.

Best uses: Fresh eating, sandwiches, as a showcase

Growing tip: Needs good support and benefits from pruning lower leaves to improve air circulation.

Close-up view of ripe pink Brandywine tomatoes arranged on a rustic wooden table. More information

Cherokee Purple

Indeterminate 80-90 days

This Native American heirloom produces medium to large fruits with a distinctive dusky purple-pink color and green shoulders. The flavor is rich, sweet, and smoky – often winning taste tests among heirloom varieties.

Best uses: Fresh eating, sandwiches, salads

Growing tip: More productive than many heirlooms with better disease resistance.

Four ripe Cherokee Purple tomatoes hanging on a vine surrounded by lush green leaves. More information

Kellogg's Breakfast

Indeterminate 80-90 days

This stunning orange beefsteak tomato produces large fruits weighing up to 1 pound. The flavor is sweet and fruity with low acidity, and the bright color adds beautiful contrast to salads and plates.

Best uses: Fresh eating, colorful salads

Growing tip: More disease resistant than many heirloom varieties.

Three ripe orange Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes growing on a vine in a garden. More information

Unique and Specialty Tomato Varieties

Beyond the common categories, there's a world of unique tomato varieties that can add excitement to your garden. These conversation starters offer unusual colors, shapes, and flavors that will impress friends and family.

A vibrant assortment of colorful heirloom tomatoes of various shapes and sizes arranged closely together. More information

Green Zebra

Indeterminate 75-80 days

This striking variety produces 2-3 inch fruits with yellow-green skin and dark green stripes. The flavor is bright, tangy, and slightly sweet – perfect for adding visual interest and zesty flavor to salads and salsas.

Best uses: Salads, salsas, as a conversation piece

Growing tip: Fruits are ripe when they develop a yellow blush and feel slightly soft to the touch.

Close-up of unripe Green Zebra tomatoes with striped green patterns growing on a vine. More information

Sunrise Bumblebee

Indeterminate 70 days

These beautiful cherry tomatoes are primarily yellow with red streaks radiating from the blossom end. The flavor is sweet and mild, making them perfect for those who prefer less acidity in their tomatoes.

Best uses: Fresh eating, colorful salads

Growing tip: Harvest when the red streaking is prominent for best flavor.

Ripe Sunrise Bumblebee tomatoes growing on the vine at sunrise. More information

Japanese Black Trifele

Indeterminate 80-85 days

This Russian heirloom produces pear-shaped fruits with a deep mahogany-brown color. The rich, smoky flavor has notes of chocolate and is often compared to other black tomato varieties but with a unique shape.

Best uses: Fresh eating, roasting, sauces

Growing tip: Prune to improve air circulation and prevent disease.

Cluster of ripe Japanese Black Trifele tomatoes growing on a garden vine. More information

Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties for Your Needs

With so many wonderful tomato varieties available, selecting the right ones for your specific situation is key to gardening success. Consider your growing conditions, available space, and how you plan to use your harvest.

Side-by-side comparison of tomato plants growing in containers and garden beds, showing different varieties and growth habits. More information

Best Tomatoes for Different Growing Situations

For Container Gardens

• Patio (determinate, compact)
• Tiny Tim (determinate, dwarf)
• Tumbler (determinate, trailing)
• Bush Early Girl (determinate)
• Sweet Million (indeterminate but manageable)

For Beginners

• Roma (determinate, reliable)
• Early Girl (indeterminate, quick)
• Celebrity (determinate, disease-resistant)
• Sungold (indeterminate, productive)
• Cherry varieties generally

For Challenging Climates

• Legend (late blight resistance)
• Stupice (cold tolerance)
• Eva Purple Ball (heat tolerance)
• San Marzano (drought tolerance)
• Mountain varieties (disease resistance)

Best Tomatoes for Different Uses

Essential Growing Tips for All Tomato Varieties

While different tomato varieties have specific needs, all tomatoes share some basic requirements for successful growth. Follow these fundamental tips to ensure a bountiful harvest regardless of which varieties you choose.

Rows of well-staked tomato plants with red and green fruit growing in a neatly maintained garden. More information

Sunlight and Location

• Choose a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease
• Rotate planting locations yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases
• Consider afternoon shade in very hot climates

Soil and Planting

• Use rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter
• Plant deeply, burying 2/3 of the stem to encourage strong root development
• Space plants according to variety (18-36 inches apart)
• Add a handful of compost to each planting hole

Watering and Feeding

• Water deeply and consistently, about 1-2 inches per week
• Water at the base to keep foliage dry and prevent disease
• Feed with balanced organic fertilizer when planting and when first fruits appear
• Consider calcium supplementation to prevent blossom end rot

Support and Maintenance

• Install stakes, cages, or trellises at planting time
• Prune indeterminate varieties to improve air circulation and focus energy
• Remove suckers (side shoots) for larger (but fewer) fruits
• Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture and prevent soil-borne disease splash

Tip: Succession Planting

For a continuous harvest, consider planting a few tomato seedlings every 2-3 weeks through the early part of the growing season. This strategy works especially well with determinate varieties, ensuring you'll have fresh tomatoes throughout the summer and fall.

Preventing Common Tomato Problems

Even the best tomato varieties can face challenges. Understanding common problems and how to prevent them will help ensure your tomato growing success.

Disease Prevention Strategies

• Choose disease-resistant varieties when possible
• Practice crop rotation (don't plant tomatoes in the same spot year after year)
• Provide good air circulation between plants
• Water at the base, not on foliage
• Apply mulch to prevent soil splash onto leaves
• Remove and destroy diseased plant material promptly
• Clean tools between plants when pruning

Common Tomato Problems to Watch For

• Blossom end rot (black bottom on fruits) - caused by calcium deficiency
• Early blight (brown spots on lower leaves) - fungal disease
• Late blight (dark patches, white fuzz) - devastating fungal disease
• Cracking (splits in fruit) - caused by inconsistent watering
• Sunscald (white/yellow patches) - caused by sudden exposure to sun
• Catfacing (scarred, deformed fruit) - caused by cold during flowering

Side-by-side comparison of healthy green tomato leaves and diseased yellow-brown spotted tomato leaves. More information

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Tomatoes

After all your careful variety selection and growing efforts, proper harvesting ensures you'll enjoy the best flavor from your homegrown tomatoes.

A colorful assortment of freshly harvested tomatoes of many varieties arranged on a rustic wooden surface. More information

When and How to Harvest

• Harvest when fruits are fully colored but still firm
• For best flavor, allow tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine
• Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler
• Cut rather than pull fruits to avoid damaging plants
• At season's end, harvest green tomatoes before frost and ripen indoors

Storing Your Harvest

• Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature, not in the refrigerator
• Arrange in a single layer, not touching, to prevent bruising
• Use the ripest tomatoes first
• For longer storage, consider canning, freezing, or drying

Conclusion: Your Tomato Growing Success Awaits

Growing your own tomatoes is one of the most rewarding experiences a gardener can have. The incredible diversity of tomato varieties means there's something perfect for every garden, taste preference, and culinary need. From the candy-sweet Sungold cherry tomatoes to the rich, complex flavor of Cherokee Purple, each variety brings something special to your garden and table.

Remember that growing conditions vary, so don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties until you find your personal favorites. Start with a mix of reliable producers and interesting new varieties each season. Take notes on what performs well in your specific garden conditions, and you'll soon develop your own list of "best tomatoes to grow."

Whether you're a beginner just starting your first garden or an experienced grower looking to try something new, the perfect tomato is out there waiting for you. Get your hands in the soil, plant those seedlings, and prepare for the unmatched pleasure of harvesting your very own sun-warmed, perfectly ripe tomatoes. Your taste buds will thank you!

Gardener smiling while harvesting ripe tomatoes from healthy green plants. More information

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Tomatoes

What are the easiest tomato varieties for beginners?

Cherry tomatoes like Sungold and Sweet Million are generally the easiest for beginners, as they're more forgiving and produce quickly. Determinate varieties like Roma and Celebrity are also good choices as they require less maintenance. Look for varieties labeled as disease-resistant for even greater success.

Can I grow tomatoes in containers?

Absolutely! Determinate varieties like Patio, Bush Early Girl, and Roma are excellent for containers. Cherry tomatoes also do well in pots. Use containers at least 5 gallons in size with good drainage, high-quality potting mix, and consistent watering for best results.

How many tomato plants do I need?

For a family of four, 4-6 plants will provide plenty of tomatoes for fresh eating. If you plan to can or preserve, consider planting 10-12 plants. Remember that indeterminate varieties produce more over a longer season than determinate types.

What does "days to maturity" mean for tomatoes?

Days to maturity indicates the approximate time from transplanting (not from seed) until the plant produces ripe fruit. This can vary based on growing conditions, but it gives you a good estimate of how quickly you'll be harvesting.

Can I save seeds from my tomatoes to plant next year?

You can save seeds from heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, which will produce plants identical to the parent. Hybrid varieties won't come true from seed. To save seeds, scoop them from a fully ripe tomato, ferment for a few days in water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place.

Further Reading

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