Ponderosa Pink is a  heavy yielding, open pollinated tomato variety originally introduced by the famous seedsman Peter Henderson in 1891. Henderson originally reffered to this tomato as the "Great 400", but after holding a contest to name the variety, the name Ponderosa was chosen. The Ponderosa Pink Tomato produces an abundance of large, flattish 9-12 ounce pink red tomatoes. The tomatoes themselves have a sweet and mild flavor with a thin skin and few seeds, but are somewhat subject to cracking if over watered. About 100 days to maturity. 

There is some speculation that Ponderosa Pink and the presumed extinct tomato variety known "Livingston's Buckeye State" (introduced in 1893 by the Livingston Seed Company) may actually be the same tomato variety.

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

Ponderosa Red, also known as Henderson's Crimson Cushion, Scarlet Ponderosa, Red Majestic and a host of other names) is the grandfather of all modern beefsteak tomatoes. In particular, Red Beefsteak was a selection of this variety from  the 1950's, while Burpee Delicious was another selection from the 1970's. Originally introduced in 1892 under the name Crimson Cushion by Peter Henderson and Co., Henderson reffered to the variety as "The Crimson Scarlet Brother of Ponderosa" and it said that this variety was simply a red fruited sport that appeared in a field of Henderson's Ponderosa. 

Ponderosa Red is a very good example of an old fashioned tomato and gives good yields of very large, deeply ribbed, beefsteak type fruits of a bright scarlet color. The flesh is solid, yet juicy and has a nice balance of a sweet and acidic true tomatoey flavor. Ideal for slicing into great big slabs to put on sandwiches, burgers or to just enjoy salt and peppered. Indeterminate. 90 days. 

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

A tomato introduction by Burpee's Seeds in 1979. Huge, red meaty fruit with a good taste. Produces tomatoes up to two pounds with regular care. This variety also produced the world's heaviest tomato - a giant weighing over 7 pounds! Can you grow a bigger tomato? 

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

Roma is an outstanding and disease resistant tomato variety that produces oblong red, plum-like tomatoes of a medium size. Roma is ideal for making tomato paste or for canning. There seems to be some debate about this tomato variety's origin. Though it is typically assumed to be an Italian heirloom tomato, in their 1958 annual catalogue, Geckler Seeds Company states that the Roma is: 

"A very important new tomato development at the Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Maryland. Final selection came from the progenies of crosses of San Marzano, Pan American and Red Top. Vine and fruit characteristics resemble Red Top, but much more productive and larger than San Marzano."

In the years since, this tomato variety has become one of the best known tomatoes in the United States and is popular among gardeners as well as commercial growers due to it's fine taste, meaty flesh and resistance against Fusarium and Verticulum Wilt. Determinate. Matures early - 65 to 70 days. Roma is a very popular tomato and not at all rare, but it is one of our personal favorites! 

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

Ace 55 is an old commercial variety that was introduced in 1955 by the Campbell's Soup Company. Ace excells over most other tomatoes when used fresh and is extremely low in acid. (According to a 1970's era USDA study, this variety was so low in acid that it was determined that this variety should NOT be used for canning by standard hot water method). Strong plants produce an abundance of medium sized, red oblong 8-12 ounce tomato fruits with a sweet taste and firm flesh. Vines are resistant to Verticilum and Fusarium Wilt. 

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

First introduced in 1953, Homestead 24 is a variety that tolerates hot weather and was widely used commercially in Florida in the 1950's and 1960's. Fruits weigh about 8 ounces and are red and smooth. Resistant to common diseases. Determinate. 80 days.

1/4 oz. (2500 seeds) $12.50

This is a standard large Red Cherry Tomato from a strong strain that produces small round, red and sweet tomatoes. Great for salads or using in stir-fry and other cooking. A great and prolific producer. Red Cherry was originally introduced way back in the 1880's and has been growing strong ever since! Just like the ones your grandmother used to raise!