Tomatoes come in thousands of cultivars, each with unique colors, sizes, and flavors. Some cultivars of tomatoes are so sweet they taste almost like candy. Many gardeners love growing heirloom cultivars of tomatoes because they offer rich flavors you don’t get from typical supermarket varieties.

The largest cultivars of tomatoes can weigh over two pounds each, making them a juicy handful for any salad or sandwich. Some cultivars of tomatoes are specifically bred for disease resistance, helping farmers avoid common tomato problems without heavy pesticide use. Cherry tomato cultivars are perfect for snacking and salads, and they often produce more fruit in less space.

Purple cultivars of tomatoes get their color from anthocyanins, antioxidants that may offer health benefits. Tomato cultivars grown at higher altitudes sometimes develop better flavor due to slower ripening in cooler temperatures. Wild tomato cultivars still grow in parts of South America and are the ancestors of today’s garden favorites.

Many cultivars of tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from one generation will grow true to type. Some cultivars of tomatoes have a spicy twist, like the 'Sub Arctic Plenty' which can survive frost better than most. The 'Green Zebra' cultivar offers a tangy taste and striking striped skin, making it a standout in any dish.

Tomato cultivars like 'Brandywine' are famous for their rich, complex flavors and are prized by chefs. The 'San Marzano' cultivar is the go-to for authentic Italian sauces due to its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Some cultivars of tomatoes grow well indoors, allowing fresh tomatoes year-round in small spaces.

Early-maturing cultivars of tomatoes help gardeners get fruit before the first frost. Some cultivars of tomatoes are bred to be crack-resistant, reducing waste from splitting skin. The famous 'Cherokee Purple' cultivar is known for its dusky red-purple skin and rich, smoky flavor.

Tomato cultivars vary in shape from round to pear-shaped to even oblong. Some cultivars have unique flavors like citrusy or smoky notes, which add new twists to classic dishes. Growing multiple cultivars of tomatoes can extend your harvest season, as each type ripens at different times.

Certain cultivars of tomatoes have thicker skins, making them ideal for transportation and commercial use. Wild cultivars often have smaller fruits but carry genes useful for breeding disease resistance. The 'Mortgage Lifter' cultivar got its name because the grower sold enough tomatoes to pay off his home loan!

Tomato cultivars include both determinate types, which grow to a set height and fruit all at once, and indeterminate types that keep growing and producing fruit through the season. Some cultivars are specifically developed to have lower acidity, making them sweeter and milder for fresh eating. The vibrant colors of cultivars of tomatoes, from yellows to deep blacks, come from natural plant pigments.

Cultivars of tomatoes with high lycopene content are often linked to health benefits like reducing certain cancer risks. The 'Green Grape' cultivar produces small, green tomatoes that stay firm and sweet. Some cultivars are resistant to pests like the tomato hornworm, easing the burden on growers.

Many cultivars of tomatoes originated in Central and South America and were brought worldwide after the 16th century. 'Black Krim' is a cultivar known for its smoky, rich flavor and dark maroon skin. Some tomato cultivars are perfect for drying or making sun-dried tomatoes due to their dense flesh.

Growing cultivars of tomatoes in containers requires choosing compact varieties like 'Tiny Tim' or 'Patio.' Some cultivars have thicker flesh making them perfect for slicing on burgers and sandwiches. The 'Costoluto Genovese' cultivar is prized in Italian cuisine for its ribbed shape and deep flavor.

Breeders continue developing new cultivars of tomatoes to improve taste, yield, and stress tolerance. Some cultivars produce fruit that lasts longer after harvest, reducing food waste. Heirloom cultivars often have fascinating backstories, like seeds passed down through generations or rescued from near extinction.

Tomato cultivars can also differ in leaf type: some have regular leaves, while others have potato leaves that look broader and smoother. The 'Juliet' cultivar is a small grape tomato favored for salads and snacking. Some cultivars are better suited for hot climates and remain productive even in extreme heat.

Different cultivars of tomatoes can have widely varying growth habits, from bushy plants to tall vines needing staking. The 'Aunt Ruby’s German Green' cultivar is a rare green tomato that tastes sweet and slightly spicy. Some cultivars are bred for improved shelf life, so they stay fresh longer in your fridge.

Seed savers often prefer open-pollinated cultivars of tomatoes because they breed true to seed. Some cultivars are prone to "blossom end rot," a common calcium deficiency issue that gardeners learn to manage. The 'Campari' cultivar is known for small, juicy fruits with excellent flavor, often sold in gourmet markets.

Tomato cultivars adapted for greenhouse growing often differ from outdoor varieties, focusing on compact growth and disease resistance. Some cultivars have a unique 'beefsteak' type with large, meaty fruits perfect for slicing. Many cultivars have been developed specifically for high yield to support commercial farming.

In recent years, purple cultivars of tomatoes have gained popularity for their antioxidant-rich fruits and striking looks. The 'Tigerella' cultivar sports eye-catching red and yellow stripes and has a tangy flavor. Different cultivars of tomatoes also vary in how well they store seeds, affecting home seed saving success.

Many cultivars of tomatoes thrive better in specific soil types, with some preferring sandy soils and others flourishing in clay. The 'Paul Robeson' cultivar is famous for its smoky flavor and dark maroon color, named after the African-American singer and actor. Breeding programs are now using genetic tools to improve cultivars faster than ever before.

Some cultivars of tomatoes produce fruit with unique shapes like hearts or ribbed edges, adding fun variety to your garden. The 'Mortgage Lifter' cultivar was developed during the Great Depression, helping many families survive tough times with homegrown food. Whether for fresh eating, cooking, or canning, choosing the right cultivar can make all the difference in your tomato harvest.