Introducing family heirloom - George Detsikas Italian Red

[tam91]

This year, I was very excited to obtain some seed from a previously undistributed family heirloom. I received the seed from a friend of mine in Colorado. This seed came from her friend in Ontario, Canada, whose father George Detsikas had saved seeds from these tomatoes each year for decades. This seed was from the last batch that her father grew, as he passed away last year.

George was originally given the seeds over 25 years ago by an old Italian man who had brought the seeds from Italy. The family always referred to them simply as "George's Tomatoes". So I have chosen the name "George Detsikas Italian Red".

For me, even in a non-ideal location, these tomatoes were the first to ripen, and have been very vigorous and productive. They've produced good sized tomatoes, many over 1 lb. Some look to be blunt hearts, others not. They are very meaty and juicy, with a good rich old-fashioned flavor.

I have grown 3 plants in isolation, and am saving plenty of seed. Carolyn may be offering these, but I will also do a SASE offer later this fall/early winter.