★ Organically grown on our farm
Rio Grande Tomato is a dependable heirloom variety prized for its excellent heat tolerance, heavy yields, and flavorful pear-shaped fruits. This vigorous tomato produces large clusters of bright red tomatoes that are firm, meaty, and ideal for fresh eating, sauces, canning, and market sales.
Well-known for performing exceptionally well in hot and humid climates, Rio Grande tomatoes are especially popular in southern gardens where other varieties may struggle. These hardy plants also tolerate cooler weather conditions better than many traditional tomato varieties, making them a versatile option for gardeners across many growing regions.
The fruits are thick-walled with fewer seeds and a rich tomato flavor, making them perfect for homemade sauces, salsa, paste, roasting, and fresh slicing. Their productivity and durability also make them an excellent choice for homesteads, farmer’s markets, and large garden harvests.
Easy to grow and highly reliable, Rio Grande Tomato plants provide gardeners with abundant harvests even during challenging summer conditions.
Rio Grande Tomato Seed Details
- Quantity: 25 Seeds
- Plant Type: Heirloom Tomato
- Fruit Shape: Large Pear-Shaped Tomatoes
- Fruit Color: Bright Red
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 Inch
- Germination Temperature: 70-85°F
- Days to Germination: 6-9 Days
- Row Spacing: 60 Inches
- Plant Spacing: 18-36 Inches
- 100' Row Yield: Approximately 75 Pounds
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Harvest Time: Approximately 80 Days
- Heat Tolerant: Yes
- Growth Habit: Vigorous and Productive
- Ideal Uses: Fresh Eating, Sauces, Salsa, Canning, Roasting, Paste, Farmer’s Markets, Homesteads, Raised Beds, Home Gardens
How to Save Seeds
Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating plants, so separating different tomato varieties by approximately 50 feet is generally sufficient for maintaining seed purity.
Allow tomatoes selected for seed saving to fully ripen on the vine. For even better seed maturity, ripe fruits can sit indoors for about a week before processing.
Cut ripe tomatoes in half and scoop the seeds and surrounding pulp into a glass jar or container filled with a small amount of water.
Cover the container loosely and place it in a warm area out of direct sunlight to ferment for 5-7 days. During fermentation, mold will form on the surface while viable seeds sink to the bottom.
After fermentation, carefully pour off floating debris, mold, and non-viable seeds. Rinse the remaining good seeds thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer.
Spread cleaned seeds onto paper towels, screens, or drying racks and allow them to dry completely. Stir or turn seeds regularly during drying to prevent sticking and ensure even airflow.
Once fully dry, store seeds in a cool, dark, dry location in airtight containers or envelopes for future planting seasons.
