Hillbilly tomatoes are considered heirlooms. This means that they are an old, open-pollinated variety that has been passed down from generation to generation. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, which are created by crossing two different varieties to create specific traits, heirloom tomatoes have been cultivated and saved for their unique characteristics and flavors.
One of the benefits of growing heirloom tomatoes like Hillbilly is that you can save the seeds from each harvest and use them again in subsequent seasons. This allows you to continue preserving and cultivating this heritage variety, ensuring its availability for years to come.
To save tomato seeds from Hillbilly tomatoes, start by selecting the ripest and healthiest fruits from the plant. It’s important to choose fruits from plants that exhibit the desired traits you want to preserve, such as flavor, size, or color. Avoid using seeds from plants that have shown signs of disease or poor growth.
Once you have selected the tomatoes, cut them open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding gel. Place the seeds and gel in a jar or container and add a small amount of water. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few days, stirring occasionally. This fermentation process helps to remove the gel coating from the seeds, which can inhibit germination.
After the fermentation period, pour off the excess water and debris, leaving behind the clean seeds. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with water to remove any remaining gel residue. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a clean, dry surface to air dry. Make sure to label the seeds with the variety and the date of collection.
Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place in a labeled envelope or container. It’s important to keep the seeds in a location where they won’t be exposed to excessive heat, moisture, or sunlight, as these factors can reduce seed viability.
When it’s time to plant your saved Hillbilly tomato seeds, start them indoors several weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with a good quality potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate light for the seedlings to grow.
Transplant the seedlings into larger pots or directly into the garden once they have developed a few sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Be sure to space the plants according to the recommended spacing for tomato plants, typically around 2-3 feet apart.
As the plants grow, provide them with proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, and staking or trellising for support. Hillbilly tomatoes are indeterminate varieties, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. Harvest the ripe tomatoes as they become ready, and enjoy the delicious, unique flavors that this heirloom variety has to offer.
Hillbilly tomatoes are indeed heirlooms. Their status as an heirloom variety allows you to save and reuse the seeds from each harvest, enabling you to continue cultivating this heritage tomato and preserving its unique characteristics for future generations.
