My Favorite Heirloom: Old German
By Vanessa Richins
On the first night of my Master Gardener course, we had a tomato sampling feast. (Lucky me!)
We went out to the experimental tomato patch and were able to try many different varieties of tomatoes.
The one that I was most impressed with was a heirloom named ‘Old German.’
The fruits were huge and the flesh very sweet. I felt like stealing the plate so I wouldn’t have to be polite and leave the rest for everyone else.
We have Old German thanks to a 19th century Mennonite (a religious sect that is somewhat like the Amish) group in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
Actually, several of the heirlooms we have today (such as Mennonite Orange, Tiffin Mennonite, and Large Mennonite Heritage) are still around because of Mennonite efforts. The Amish were also responsible for preserving many other heirloom varieties.
Old German is of the indeterminate variety, meaning that it will not stop growing until it killed by frost. You will definitely need to provide a cage or a staking system. It also means that it will continue fruiting throughout the whole growing season, unlike a determinate variety.
You will need to make sure that Old German is watered regularly, as it is not drought-tolerant.
Old German tomatoes are ready to harvest after approximately 75-85 days. It may not be the most prolific producer, but the fruits are 1-2 pounds of sweet decadence. They are also very pretty, as they are yellow streaked and spotted with red.
When you are planting next season, be sure to add in at least a plant or two of my favorite heirloom - the Old German tomato.
July 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
This is a great site. I had heard a lot about you mostly from Aunt Deb–and good to finally see your place. It’s witty and informative. I look forward to reading more. I worked at a garden center for years and we sold a lot of German Johnsons. They tasted good too and all the old timers came to purchase it. I’ll try this one you suggested too.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Thanks, Vanessa! It’s on my list.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I’ll have to look this one up next year.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I had some Striped German tomatoes this summer…and they were heaven!
The two varieties must be related or something.