Purple Calabash Tomato Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum cv.)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello. Thomas Jefferson was a pioneer in tomato culture, planting the relatively unfamiliar tomato from 1809 until his death in 1826. He also noted that "tomatas" were grown in Virginia gardens in Notes on the State of Virginia (1782). The culture of the ribbed and scalloped Purple Calabash Tomato dates to pre-Columbian Mexico. It is uniquely acidic, but with a rich and concentrated flavor. Delicious fresh, this tomato really shines in sauces and pastes.

Start seeds of this indeterminate variety indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Plants require support and frequent fertilization. Approximately 35 seeds per packet.