Heirloom Tomatoes Worth Growing for Real Garden Flavor

There’s something about heirloom tomatoes that just pulls you in.

Maybe it’s the wild shapes and colors, or maybe it’s that first juicy bite that tastes like sunshine and summer holidays.

Whatever it is, once you’ve grown them, there’s no going back to supermarket blandness.

Let’s have a yarn about some of the heirlooms that deserve a spot in your garden bed—whether you’ve got a big backyard, a small patio, or something in between.

Why Bother with Heirlooms?

Heirloom tomatoes aren’t your run-of-the-mill hybrid types.

They’ve been passed down through generations, often by small farmers or backyard growers, which gives them a bit of character.

You never know what you’ll get—one might look like it came from Mars, another might be sweet as a summer peach.

A few reasons gardeners (including us Kiwis) keep coming back to heirlooms:

• They’ve got flavor that actually makes you stop and chew
• Seeds can be saved year after year—no seed catalog necessary
• The variety is just mad—striped, purple, black, green, even rainbow-colored
• They’re a real showstopper in salads and on the plate

Downsides? Sure. They bruise easy and don’t always grow in perfect shapes. But honestly, that’s part of the charm.

My Go-To Heirlooms Worth Growing

Every gardener’s got their favorites, but here are some that have become regulars in many gardens around Auckland (and a few that I’ve seen pop up in Jess’s veggie patch too):

Cherokee Purple – Big, juicy, dusky-colored with a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for fresh sandwiches.

Black Krim – Dark and moody looking with that deep, savory-sweet taste. Holds up well in the heat too.

Brandywine – The classic pink beefsteak. Slow to mature but so worth the wait.

Arkansas Traveler – Mild, heat-tolerant, and handles humidity like a champ. Great for salads.

Tigerella – Red with yellow stripes. Early producer and fun to grow, especially if you’ve got kids helping out.

Big Rainbow – A sweet, golden tomato swirled with red. Grows massive and looks like a painted sunset.

You don’t need to grow them all (though I won’t judge if you do). Just pick a few and see what thrives in your soil and climate.

Tips for Growing Heirlooms Like a Pro

You don’t need to be a gardening guru to grow these, but a few small things make a big difference:

• Give them full sun and well-drained soil
• Use strong supports—stakes or cages—because these vines can get heavy
• Space them out to keep the airflow going, especially if you’re in a humid spot
• Mulch helps keep the soil moist and cuts down on fungal problems
• Water at the base, not overhead (no one likes soggy tomato leaves)

Here in NZ, especially in Auckland, the weather can swing a bit, so keeping your heirlooms dry and well-spaced helps keep blight away.

Fan Favorites That Keep Coming Up

When you start talking to other growers—whether on forums, Facebook gardening groups, or just down at the local Mitre 10—you’ll hear some names again and again:

German Pink – Meaty, flavorful, great for sauce and slicing

Kellogg’s Breakfast – Bright orange and sweet as

Black Cherry – A cherry-sized version of those dark, savory types

Amana Orange – Low acid and big fruit—easy on the stomach

Cherokee Chocolate – Yep, it exists. Darker than Cherokee Purple and just as rich

These heirlooms aren’t just tasty—they’re reliable. You’ll get a decent crop with the right care, and the variety makes every harvest feel like a box of assorted treasures.

How to Save Seeds Like a Garden Whisperer

If one of your plants turns out to be a superstar, you’ll want more next year. Saving heirloom seeds is dead easy:

• Let a tomato overripen on the vine
• Scoop the seeds out into a jar with a splash of water
• Let them ferment for a couple of days (they’ll get a bit gross, but hang in there)
• Rinse them, dry them on a paper towel, and store in a cool, dry place

It’s messy but oddly satisfying. Like making sourdough but without the yeast drama.

Final Thoughts

Heirloom tomatoes are one of those garden luxuries that don’t feel like a luxury at all.

They’re scrappy, gorgeous, and a bit unpredictable—which is what makes them so great.

You’ll grow them for the flavor, but stay for the weird shapes, rainbow colors, and that unbeatable feeling of slicing into something you grew from a little seed.

So whether you’re just starting out or have a garden bed that’s been going for years, try tossing a few heirlooms into the mix.

You might just find your new favorite.