Tomatoes from Poland- a tribute

heirloomdaddy · March 31, 2010

Hey guys-

After recently learning of my great grandfather's passion for growing tomatoes before WWII broke out, I am determined to create an excellent tomato in his honor. He farmed in a small town near Warsaw, however, like most of my mother's side of the family, Elimelech was a Jew and was exterminated in the camps when the war broke out.

My question to any of you who are in the know: what may a traditional Polish tomato from that region have looked like in the 30's? I'd like to honor him with something that is historically accurate to a certain degree. I know that blacks originated in this general region, but really know nothing else about tomato history.

I would like to create an OP variety that for all practical purposes is a basic tomato. Great tomato flavor and nothing flashy or fancy. I'm thinking a large red tomato. PL or RL, I have no idea. I love PL's but don't know if that would be appropriate.

I would like to start with 2 exceptional and cold-tolerant varieties, and grow out until I have a delicious and stable new tomato.

Any input, ideas, or opinions would be greatly appreciated. This will be a big undertaking with my somewhat limited space, but I am determined to see it through. I want to have this family heirloom for my children and grandchildren to grow.

Thanks guys,
Matt

March 31, 2010	#1
heirloomdaddy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Los Angeles Z10 Posts: 291	Tomatoes from Poland- a tribute Hey guys- After recently learning of my great grandfather's passion for growing tomatoes before WWII broke out, I am determined to create an excellent tomato in his honor. He farmed in a small town near Warsaw, however, like most of my mother's side of the family, Elimelech was a Jew and was exterminated in the camps when the war broke out. My question to any of you who are in the know: what may a traditional Polish tomato from that region have looked like in the 30's? I'd like to honor him with something that is historically accurate to a certain degree. I know that blacks originated in this general region, but really know nothing else about tomato history. I would like to create an OP variety that for all practical purposes is a basic tomato. Great tomato flavor and nothing flashy or fancy. I'm thinking a large red tomato. PL or RL, I have no idea. I love PL's but don't know if that would be appropriate. I would like to start with 2 exceptional and cold-tolerant varieties, and grow out until I have a delicious and stable new tomato. Any input, ideas, or opinions would be greatly appreciated. This will be a big undertaking with my somewhat limited space, but I am determined to see it through. I want to have this family heirloom for my children and grandchildren to grow. Thanks guys, Matt Last edited by heirloomdaddy; March 31, 2010 at 10:14 PM.