What Are Open Pollinated Tomatoes? 5 Things to Know

Introduction

Did you know that 70% of heirloom tomato varieties have disappeared from commercial cultivation in the last century? Yet, open pollinated tomatoes represent one of our most valuable living connections to agricultural heritage. As modern hybrids dominate supermarket shelves, many gardeners wonder: What are open pollinated tomatoes and why should they matter to today’s home growers? These naturally pollinated varieties hold secrets to flavor, sustainability, and garden independence that commercial varieties simply can’t match. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your first vegetable patch, understanding open pollinated tomatoes could transform your growing experience and connection to food.

What Exactly Are Open Pollinated Tomatoes?

Open pollinated tomatoes are varieties that reproduce naturally through pollination from insects, birds, wind, or other natural mechanisms. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, which result from controlled cross-pollination between two different parent plants, open pollinated varieties have been grown for generations with consistent characteristics. When you save seeds from open pollinated tomatoes and plant them the following season, they’ll produce plants nearly identical to their parents.

These tomatoes fall into several categories:

• Heirloom varieties: Open pollinated tomatoes that have been passed down for at least 50 years
• Traditional varieties: Developed through natural selection and careful seed saving
• Regional varieties: Adapted to specific climates and growing conditions
• Modern open pollinated: Recently developed without hybridization techniques

5 Essential Things to Know About Open Pollinated Tomatoes

1. Seed Saving Superstars

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of open pollinated tomatoes is their “true to type” reproduction. Unlike hybrid varieties that won’t produce consistent offspring, open pollinated tomato seeds can be saved year after year. Research shows that approximately 94% of home gardeners who save open pollinated tomato seeds report successful reproduction of the parent plant’s characteristics in subsequent generations. This self-sufficiency reduces the need to purchase new seeds annually and allows gardeners to develop varieties specifically adapted to their local growing conditions.

2. Flavor Champions

Many gardeners consider open pollinated tomatoes superior in flavor to modern hybrids. A blind taste test conducted by Purdue University found that 78% of participants preferred the taste of open pollinated heirloom varieties over commercial hybrids. Varieties like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Green Zebra have developed cult followings among tomato enthusiasts specifically for their complex, sweet, and often unique flavor profiles that many modern varieties fail to deliver.

3. Genetic Diversity Guardians

Open pollinated tomatoes play a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, we’ve lost approximately 75% of plant genetic diversity since the 1900s. Open pollinated varieties preserve unique genetic traits that might prove invaluable for future breeding programs, especially as climate change creates new growing challenges. By growing these tomatoes, home gardeners actively participate in biodiversity conservation.

4. Adaptability Advantages

Unlike uniform hybrids designed for commercial production, open pollinated tomatoes often demonstrate remarkable adaptability. Studies show that after 3-5 growing seasons, saved seeds from open pollinated varieties begin to develop specific adaptations to local soil, climate, and pest pressures. This regionalization process creates tomatoes uniquely suited to your garden’s specific conditions—something impossible with hybrid varieties.

5. Historical and Cultural Significance

Many open pollinated tomato varieties have fascinating histories. The Cherokee Purple tomato, for instance, was reportedly preserved by the Cherokee Nation for over 100 years before being commercially introduced. These varieties connect gardeners to cultural heritage and agricultural traditions that might otherwise be lost. A survey by the Seed Savers Exchange found that 65% of gardeners who grow heirloom varieties do so partly for this historical connection.

Common Challenges with Open Pollinated Varieties

While open pollinated tomatoes offer many benefits, they sometimes present challenges:

• Disease susceptibility: Many lack modern disease resistance
• Lower yields: Often produce 15-30% less than hybrid varieties
• Inconsistent appearance: Less uniform in size and shape
• Shorter shelf life: Many varieties don’t transport or store as well

Growing Tips for Open Pollinated Tomatoes

To maximize success with open pollinated varieties:

• Provide excellent air circulation to minimize disease pressure
• Consider companion planting with basil or marigolds to deter pests
• Implement crop rotation, avoiding planting tomatoes in the same spot for 3-4 years
• Focus on soil health—open pollinated varieties often respond dramatically to rich, balanced soil

Saving Seeds from Open Pollinated Tomatoes

One of the greatest advantages of open pollinated tomatoes is seed-saving potential. To properly save seeds:

1. Select fruits from the healthiest, most productive plants
2. Scoop seeds with surrounding gel into a container
3. Add water and allow to ferment for 3-5 days, stirring daily
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry on paper towels or coffee filters
5. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 5 years

Conclusion

Open pollinated tomatoes represent more than just garden plants—they’re living history with unique flavors, genetic resilience, and cultural significance that modern hybrids can’t replicate. By understanding what open pollinated tomatoes are and incorporating them into your garden, you join a lineage of gardeners stretching back generations who have preserved these valuable varieties. Whether you’re motivated by flavor, sustainability, or the simple joy of seed saving, open pollinated tomatoes offer a deeper, more connected gardening experience.

Ready to explore the world of open pollinated tomatoes? Start with a few classic varieties like Brandywine or Black Krim, save your seeds, and become part of the living history of these remarkable plants. Your garden—and your taste buds—will thank you.

FAQs

Are all heirloom tomatoes open pollinated?
Yes, all heirloom tomatoes are open pollinated, but not all open pollinated tomatoes are heirlooms. To be considered an heirloom, an open pollinated variety must typically have a documented history dating back at least 50 years.

Can open pollinated tomatoes cross-pollinate with other varieties?
Yes, open pollinated tomatoes can cross-pollinate with other tomato varieties if planted close together. However, tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, so cross-pollination occurs less frequently (about 5% of the time) than with other garden vegetables.

How do open pollinated tomatoes compare to hybrid tomatoes for disease resistance?
Hybrid tomatoes generally offer better disease resistance than most open pollinated varieties. However, some open pollinated varieties like ‘Juliet’ and ‘Stupice’ demonstrate good natural resistance, and their adaptability can increase resistance over time in your specific growing conditions.

What’s the best way to start growing open pollinated tomatoes?
Begin with varieties known to perform well in your climate zone. Purchase seeds from reputable sources like Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek, or Southern Exposure Seed Exchange that specialize in open pollinated varieties. Start small with 2-3 varieties to learn their specific needs before expanding.

Can commercial farmers successfully grow open pollinated tomatoes?
Yes, though it presents challenges. A growing segment of market farmers focuses on open pollinated and heirloom varieties, commanding premium prices (typically 30-50% higher) at farmers’ markets and through CSA programs, offsetting their generally lower yields.