If you are tired of red tomatoes that taste like water, it’s time to meet the “Old German.”
This isn’t your average grocery store tomato. It is a massive, yellow-and-red-striped beast that dates back to the mid-1800s. It is famous not for its looks, but for its flavor, which many gardeners claim is the best of all the ancient heirlooms.
But is it worth the space in your garden? Here is the honest profile of the Old German tomato plant.
The Profile: What is an Old German Tomato?
- Type: Indeterminate (Vining)
- Size: Beefsteak (hugejA, often 1-2 lbs)
- Days to Maturity: 75-85 Days (Late Season)
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, fruity, little-to-no acidity.
- Origin: A Mennonite heirloom from the Shenandoah Valley (West Virginia/Virginia).
The Taste Test (Why People Grow It)
The main reason to grow Old German is the sugar content. Most tomatoes have a “bite” or acidity. The Old German does not. When you slice it open, you get a beautiful marbled interior of gold and red.
The texture is “meaty” – meaning it isn’t full of seeds and slime. It slices like a steak. It is widely considered one of the best slicing tomatoes for sandwiches because it doesn’t make the bread soggy.
Growing Old German Tomatoes: 3 Critical Tips
Because this is an heirloom (old genetics), it isn’t as tough as modern hybrids. You need to baby it a little.
1. Support is non negotiable.
This is an indeterminate plant, meaning it grows vines up to 8-10 feet tall.
- Warning: Do not use a small metal cage. It will crush under the weight.
- Use: A tall trellis, a cattle panel, or the Single Stem Method with a strong stake.
2. The “Crack” Problem:
Big heirlooms are prone to cracking if you water them inconsistently. If the soil gets dry and then you flood it, the skin will split.
- Fix: Mulch heavily with straw to keep moisture even, and water consistently.
3. Be Patient
This is a late-season producer. You might not see a ripe tomato until August. But when they arrive, they arrive in 1-pound clusters.
Is Old German Right for You?
| Grow It If… | Skip It If… |
| You love sweet, fruity tomatoes. | You like “tangy” or sour tomatoes. |
| You want huge slices for burgers. | You want a canning/sauce tomato. |
| You have a long, hot summer. | You have a very short growing season. |
Conclusion
The Old German tomato is a piece of history you can eat. It requires strong support and patience, but the first time you taste that sweet, golden flesh on a BLT, you’ll understand why it has survived for over 150 years.
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