List of Tomatoes I'm Growing in 2024 and Why

Yesterday I sent out a list of my favorite varieties that I tested for the first time in 2023.

Here are all the tomato seeds that I ordered for growing in 2024. The list includes winners from this year's trials, long-time favorites, and new varieties to test.

I purchase my tomato seeds primarily from two sources: Johnny's and Tomatofest. I shop Johnny's because their seeds/varieties are extremely reliable and bred to perform. I shop Tomatofest because they have the largest selection of heirloom and rare tomatoes (despite occasional issues with getting a different variety than what is labeled on seed packet. C'est la vie! πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ)

From Johnny's for 2024:

San Marzano II - A favorite of 2023. Extremely productive tomato that I use for canning.
​Black Cherry - Longtime favorite. Incredible flavor. Good production.
​Amish Paste - I've had mixed results in past, but I need a larger paste tomato.
​Green Zebra - Longtime, heirloom favorite with bright, citrusy flavor.
​Black Krim - A favorite among black tomato growers. Grows well in NTX. Deep, rich flavor.
​Carbon - A longtime favorite. Classic black tomato flavor: complex, rich, smokey.
​Sunpeach, Valencia, Estiva, Indigo Kumquat, and BHN 589 - To test for 2024. Recommended by Johnny's staff as "Unsung Heroes" (see webinar).
​Kakao - Longtime favorite black/brown cocktail tomato. Savory, salty flavor.
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​From Tomatofest for 2024: ​
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​Delicious - 2023 standout. Unbelievable production. Huge tomatoes. Great flavor.
​Jaffa - Longtime favorite. Orange paste tomato.
​Mortgage Lifter Radiator Charlie's - 2023 standout. Very early. Strong production.
​Arkansas Marvel - 2023 standout. Giant tomatoes! See photo below.
​Atkinson - 2023 standout. Mid-sized tomato with good production.
​Anahu - 2023 standout. Determinate plant, very heavy production. Cocktail-sized, red tomatoes.
​Homestead 24 - 2023 standout. Good crack-resistance.
​Paul Robeson - Longtime favorite, black heirloom tomato.
​Chocolate Stripes - Longtime favorite, black heirloom tomato with green stripes. Excellent flavor.


Holiday Shipping Deadlines for 2024 North Texas Garden Planner​​

Standard Shipping within Texas: December 19

Priority Shipping within Texas: December 20

Outside of Texas Standard or Priority: December 17


Grow your own tomato transplants!

Indoor Seed-Starting Master Class

Saturday, January 20 & Saturday, January 27, 10am-12pm ​
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A comprehensive, two-part master class that teaches the essential techniques for successfully germinating and nurturing young plants within the controlled environment of your home.

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The Dallas Garden School

By teaching you how to connect deeply with nature, The Dallas Garden School helps you unlock your full potential. Callie is the foremost gardening expert and educator in North Texas and a gardening columnist for D Magazine. Based in Dallas, Texas.