Looking to add some excitement to your garden this season? Most home gardeners stick with common tomato varieties, but there’s a whole world of unusual and flavorful options waiting to be discovered.
Growing unique tomato varieties can transform your garden harvest from ordinary to extraordinary with new colors, shapes, and flavors you won’t find at the grocery store.
From the rich, smoky taste of Cherokee Purple to the sweet golden gems of Sungold cherries, unusual tomatoes offer something special for every gardener. Whether you have a spacious garden plot or just a few pots on your patio, these distinctive varieties can thrive in your growing space. Let’s explore some remarkable tomato varieties that might become your new favorites this growing season.
1) Black Krim
Black Krim is a heat-tolerant heirloom tomato that deserves a spot in your garden. Originally from the Black Sea region, this variety stands out with its unique brownish-purple to maroon coloring, often featuring green shoulders.
These tomatoes are on the larger side, producing fruits weighing 10-16 ounces. Your taste buds will thank you for growing them – they’re known for their rich, slightly salty flavor that many gardeners describe as one of the best they’ve ever tasted.
You’ll find Black Krim plants are quite forgiving and easy to grow. They’re indeterminate, meaning they’ll continue producing throughout the season, and can grow quite tall – over six feet in some gardens!
Black Krims are also quite productive compared to other varieties. They’ll need full sun and should be planted 24-36 inches apart once the soil is warm, as they’re sensitive to freezing temperatures.
If you’re looking for a tomato that combines unusual looks with outstanding flavor, Black Krim should be at the top of your list. Your salads, sandwiches, and fresh eating will never be the same once you’ve tried these distinctive fruits.
2) Elberta Girl
Want a tomato that looks unlike anything else in your garden? Elberta Girl might be just what you need. This unique variety stands out with its silvery, fuzzy hair covering the entire plant, giving it a fascinating “frosty dew” appearance.
The fruits themselves are quite unusual too. They have a waxy skin with distinctive stripes, making them more of a conversation piece than your typical tomato. Some gardeners even joke they’re better as “hood ornaments” than for eating!
While Elberta Girl may not win awards for flavor (described by some as a “juicy hardball”), its extraordinary visual appeal makes it worth growing. The plant is a visual stunner that will certainly get your garden visitors talking.
If you’re looking to add variety to your tomato patch, consider giving this oddball a try. Elberta Girl is perfect for gardeners who appreciate unique plants and want something that breaks away from the familiar round, red tomatoes we all know.
Remember that unusual varieties like this one add diversity and interest to your garden ecosystem too!
3) Pineapple
The Pineapple tomato is a standout variety that deserves a spot in your garden. These large, beefsteak-type tomatoes are known for their unique appearance and sweet flavor profile.
When ripe, Pineapple tomatoes display a beautiful yellow-orange color with red streaking throughout the flesh. The pattern resembles the inside of a pineapple, which gives this variety its fitting name.
Flavor-wise, you’ll enjoy a sweet, fruity taste that’s less acidic than typical red tomatoes. Many gardeners consider it one of the sweetest tomato varieties available.
Pineapple tomatoes can take a bit of patience. Some gardeners note they may be slower to produce fruit compared to other varieties in your garden. But don’t worry – the wait is worth it!
These tomatoes are perfect for fresh eating, especially in sandwiches and salads where their colorful appearance can shine. Their sweet flavor also makes them excellent for salsas that don’t need much added sugar.
Give Pineapple tomatoes plenty of sun and support, as the fruits can grow quite large – sometimes reaching up to 2 pounds each!
4) Aunt Ruby’s German Green
Aunt Ruby’s German Green is a unique beefsteak tomato that might surprise you with its color. Unlike traditional red tomatoes, these beauties stay green even when fully ripe.
These tomatoes are quite large, often weighing a pound or more. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when they feel soft to the touch and have a yellow-green color.
Don’t let the green color fool you! These tomatoes have a sweet, juicy flavor with a hint of spiciness or peppery notes that make them stand out in salads and sandwiches.
If you’re tight on space, you’ll be happy to know that Aunt Ruby’s German Green tomatoes grow well in containers. Just make sure to provide adequate support and a pot large enough for their needs.
This variety was introduced by Ruby E. Arnold and has become a favorite among gardeners looking for something different. The sweet-spicy combination makes these tomatoes a real treat for your taste buds.
5) Yellow Gooseberry
Looking for a tomato that’s as cute as it is flavorful? Yellow Gooseberry tomatoes might be your perfect match. These tiny, round fruits grow to about the size of a marble, making them one of the smallest tomato varieties you can grow.
Despite their tiny size, Yellow Gooseberry tomatoes pack a surprisingly fruity flavor. Unlike many tomatoes that have a more savory taste, these little gems offer a sweet, fruity profile that gardeners love.
The plants produce clusters of bright yellow fruits that resemble tiny lanterns hanging from the vine. They’re prolific producers too, meaning you’ll have plenty to snack on right in the garden.
These tomatoes are perfect for kids’ gardens since they’re fun-sized and sweet tasting. They also make a colorful addition to salads and are great for preserving as they maintain their shape well when pickled.
Growing Yellow Gooseberry tomatoes is similar to other cherry tomato varieties. They need full sun and regular watering to thrive. The indeterminate vines will continue producing until frost, giving you a long harvest season.
6) Garden Peach
Garden Peach tomatoes are a delightful surprise for any gardener. They look just like small peaches, complete with a fuzzy skin that makes them unique among tomatoes.
These tomatoes aren’t just pretty to look at. They offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor that many gardeners find absolutely delicious. Their taste has made them a favorite among tomato enthusiasts.
You’ll appreciate how well these heirloom tomatoes resist splitting, a common problem with many varieties. They also store well after harvest, letting you enjoy them longer than other tomatoes.
If you’re planting a garden with other varieties, Garden Peach tomatoes make a wonderful addition. They grow well alongside popular types like Brandywines and add diversity to your harvest.
Your patio garden is a perfect spot for these special tomatoes. Their unique appearance and excellent taste will impress your friends and family when you serve them fresh from your garden.
7) Cuore De Toro
This Italian heirloom tomato will make a stunning addition to your garden. The name “Cuore De Toro” translates to “Heart of the Bull,” perfectly describing its large, heart-shaped fruits.
These pinkish-red beauties are impressive in size, typically weighing between 1 to 2 pounds each. Some can even grow larger, tipping the scales at over 2 pounds! Your garden visitors won’t believe their eyes.
Cuore De Toro tomatoes aren’t just pretty to look at—they’re incredibly practical too. Their meaty texture makes them perfect for canning, sauces, pastes, and purees. You’ll appreciate how much tomato goodness you get from each fruit.
The plants themselves are vigorous growers that produce abundant yields. You’ll have plenty of these oxheart-type tomatoes to enjoy throughout the season.
The flavor is wonderfully sweet, making these tomatoes versatile for various dishes. You might find yourself using them in everything from fresh salads to homemade Italian sauces.
If you’re looking to grow something unique that combines unusual appearance with great flavor and utility, Cuore De Toro deserves a spot in your garden this season.
8) Teton de Venus
Teton de Venus is a unique heirloom tomato variety from Italy that will definitely turn heads in your garden. Its name means “Venus’s nipple” in French, which perfectly describes its distinctive pointy shape!
This tomato stands out not just for its appearance but also for its taste. It offers a slightly sweet flavor that many gardeners enjoy. The texture is notably soft with a thin skin, making it perfect for fresh eating.
You’ll find this variety isn’t commonly available in stores, adding to its appeal for home gardeners looking for something special. The search results mention it as one of the “pointiest” tomato varieties you can grow.
If you’re looking to diversify your garden with conversation-starting vegetables, Teton de Venus is an excellent choice. Its unique appearance will make your harvest baskets look more interesting and give you something fun to share with friends and neighbors.
Growing these rare heirlooms connects you to gardening traditions from Italy. They’re sometimes called “Téton de Vénus Jaune,” with the “Jaune” indicating a yellow variety of this interesting tomato.
9) Brad’s Atomic
Brad’s Atomic Grape tomato is a true garden showstopper that you need to try. This award-winning variety will amaze you with its unique coloring and delicious flavor.
When ripe, these elongated cherry tomatoes display stunning lavender and purple stripes that transform into technicolor olive-green, red, and brownish-blue patterns. It’s like growing edible art in your garden!
The flavor is just as impressive as the appearance. Many gardeners consider Brad’s Atomic Grape to be one of the tastiest tomatoes available.
Be aware that these plants tend to have a “wispy” growth habit as seedlings. Don’t worry if they look a bit delicate at first – this is normal for this variety.
Brad’s Atomic Grape was developed by Brad Gates, a tomato breeder known for creating beautiful and flavorful varieties. His creations have become highly sought after by home gardeners.
You can find Brad’s Atomic Grape seeds from several sources, including Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Add this conversation-starting tomato to your garden for both its ornamental value and amazing taste.
The History Of Unique Tomato Varieties
Heirloom Versus Hybrid Varieties
Heirloom tomatoes are varieties that have been passed down through generations of families or communities. They must be at least 50 years old and open-pollinated, meaning they grow “true to type” from saved seeds.
Heirlooms like Black Krim from Russia and Bolivian Orange Cherry come from specific cultural traditions. Their seeds tell stories of migration and family heritage. Many are preserved by organizations like Pro Specie Rara in Switzerland.
Hybrid tomatoes, in contrast, resulted from deliberate cross-breeding programs in the 20th century. They were developed for traits like disease resistance, uniform appearance, and shipping durability.
The modern push for commercial efficiency led to many unique varieties nearly disappearing. Thankfully, seed-saving networks, home gardeners, and specialty farms have preserved these treasures for today’s gardens.
You can find varieties with fascinating histories, like the Thornburn’s Terra Cotta, with its unusual coloring, or the Garden Peach tomato that looks surprisingly like its namesake fruit.
Cultivating Unusual Tomato Varieties
Growing unusual tomato varieties requires understanding their specific needs. The right environment and care practices will help you get the most flavor and yield from these special plants.
Climate And Soil Requirements
Unusual tomato varieties like Cherokee Purple and Brandywine need warm conditions to thrive. Most heirloom tomatoes prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F during the day.
Your soil is crucial for success. Aim for well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding compost before planting will give your unusual varieties the nutrients they crave.
Consider your growing zone. Some varieties like Brandywine need a longer growing season of 80-100 days. If you live in a cooler climate, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
Water consistently at the base of plants. Most unusual tomatoes need 1-2 inches of water weekly. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, especially important for fussy heirloom varieties.
Pest And Disease Management
Unusual tomato varieties often lack the disease resistance of modern hybrids. Watch for common problems like early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot.
Good air circulation prevents many issues. Plant your special tomatoes with enough space between them – at least 24-36 inches apart. Remove lower leaves once plants are established to improve airflow.
Try these organic solutions for pest management:
- Neem oil spray for aphids and whiteflies
- Diatomaceous earth for crawling insects
- Companion planting with basil or marigolds to deter pests
Remove diseased leaves promptly to prevent spread. Creating physical barriers like row covers can protect young plants from insects while they establish.
Rotating where you plant tomatoes each year reduces soil-borne diseases. Wait 3-4 years before planting tomatoes in the same spot for best results.