It seems like everyone at Swansons has a list of favorite tomato varieties, updated each year with new finds. These are the tomatoes that can handle a cold summer and still produce tons of fruit, the tomatoes that are so sweet our kids eat them like candy or so unique they elicit gasps of awe from our impressed neighbors. They are by no means the only tomatoes we recommend, just a few of our favorites. Read on for our 8 favorite tomatoes for 2018.
Remember - tomato availability changes quickly, so some varieties listed may not be available. Don't worry, we can always offer substitution suggestions - there are so many great varieties to try!
Cherry Tomatoes
Sungold Tomato
'Sungold'
Indeterminate.* 65 days.
You can't go wrong with this sweet and juicy cherry tomato. The prolific plants pump out enormous quantities of bright orange tomatoes with a deliciously sweet and fruity flavor consistently throughout the season.
'Sweet 100/Supersweet 100'
Indeterminate. 60-70 days.
This cherry tomato has a super sweet flavor (hence the name!) and thin skin for maximum enjoyment. The plant grows vigorously and produces abundant harvests of bright red tomatoes over a long season.
Slicing Tomatoes
Moskovich Tomato
'Carmello'
Indeterminate. 65-70 days.red robin cherry tomato
One of the most popular tomatoes in France, Carmello has an intense, sweet flavor and is both crack and disease resistant! Tomatoes are 8-12 ounces and great for fresh eating in salads and sandwiches.
'Moskovich'
Indeterminate. 60-65 days.
One of our all-time favorites. Moskovich is a Russian heirloom tomato that does well in cool conditions (hello, PNW June). It produces deep red tomatoes that are 4-6 ounces in size, have a rich flavor and slice well.
Small-Space & Container Tomatoes
Patio Choice Yellow Cherry Tomato
'Mega Bite'
Determinate.* 60 days.
This sturdy plant reaches only 18-24 inches tall but grows an abundance of red slicing tomatoes that weigh 3-5 ounces. The tomatoes are juicy and firm. Great for salads, sandwiches or pasta.
'Patio Choice Yellow Cherry'
Determinate. 60-65 days.
An All America Selections (AAS) winner for 2017, Patio Choice was developed especially for small-space urban gardeners. Plants grow to about 18 inches tall and can set over 100 tomatoes that have a mildly sweet flavor with a touch of acidity.
Unusual Tomatoes
Green Zebra Tomato
'Green Zebra'
Indeterminate. 72-78 days.
Glowing with green and gold streaks, this tomato a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike due to its sweet and tangy flavor. The prolific plant produces high yields of tomatoes that are 3-4 ounces in size.
'Paul Robeson'
Indeterminate. 70-80 days.
This is a cult favorite of tomato aficionados. The 6-10 ounce tomatoes are dark in color and have a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of tanginess. A great slicing tomato for sandwiches and salads.
Want to see more? Browse our 2018 tomato list! Need help planting your tomato? Here's a step-by-step guide.
Note: not all varieties will be available throughout the season. Ask us and we can suggest great substitutions if the variety you are looking for isn't available!
* TOMATO TERMS
Indeterminate: These varieties keep growing vines and producing fruit all season long until frost kills them. They are generally larger and need to be staked or put in cages but can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Determinate: These varieties grow to a compact height and then produce fruits which ripen at nearly the same time, and are great choices for canning or freezing. Plants are typically smaller and bushier, and often do not require staking.