Gill'S All-Purpose Tomato Seed
Best heirloom tomato for gardeners seeking reliable, low-maintenance harvests.
Gill’s All-Purpose Tomato Seed brings a taste of Northwest history to your garden, originating from a 1947 cross by the Gill Brothers Seed Company. This open-pollinated, heirloom variety is celebrated for its reliable performance and disease resistance. It yields abundant crops of 3–3 ½ inch, deep red fruits bursting with rich tomato flavor. Packed with nutrients like lycopene, these tomatoes support overall health. For optimal results, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight.
$4.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5867
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Days to Maturity
80
/ days
Who it's for
- Home cooks needing one tomato for slicing, sauces, and canning
- Gardeners planning to preserve large quantities of produce
- Culinary traditionalists seeking a balanced, classic tomato flavor profile
Who should skip it
- Organic gardeners lacking time for intensive soil and disease management
- Northern growers with limited frost-free growing seasons
- Specialty growers seeking record-breaking size or intense snacking sweetness
Performance breakdown
Disease Resistance
Robust genetics provide reliable protection against common garden pathogens.
Yield Reliability
Consistent performance makes this a dependable staple for any home gardener.
Flavor Profile
Classic, rich tomato taste that honors its historical Northwest roots.
Growth Management
Determinate habit keeps plants compact and minimizes the need for staking.
Seed Viability
Strong germination rates ensure a high success rate for starting seeds.
Heirloom Versatility
Open-pollinated seeds allow for easy saving and future garden cycles.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
80 days
Seed Life
3 years
Minimum Germination Rate
80%
Seed Depth
0.635 cm
Soil Temperature for Germination
70-90°F
Soil Temperature for Transplant
55°F
Row Spacing
91.44 cm
Seeds per Gram
Approximately 280-320
Features
- Heirloom variety, a trusted favorite
- Open pollinated for seed saving
- Determinate growth, less staking needed
- Bred for good disease resistance
- Produces flavorful, deep red fruit
- TSC Select for organic adaptation
- Reliable performer in the garden
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and quality of Gill's All Purpose Tomato Seeds. Gardeners frequently highlight the impressive germination rates and the robust, disease resistant nature of the plants, making them an easy choice for both novice and experienced growers. The resulting tomatoes are celebrated for their balanced, rich flavor and versatility, performing well whether canned, sauced, or eaten fresh. This dependable performance and high quality yield establish the seeds as a top value investment for the home garden.
Know before you buy
Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed size and ripen their entire crop within a concentrated window of time. This makes them an excellent choice for canning or preserving, and they generally require less staking than sprawling indeterminate varieties.
Yes. Because this is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, you can successfully harvest and save the seeds from your mature fruits to replant in future seasons.
Gill's All-Purpose tomatoes typically reach maturity in 80 days. You should plan to start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.
No, this variety is not recommended for containers. It performs best when planted directly in the garden soil with proper row spacing of about 91 centimeters.
For the best germination results, ensure your soil temperature is between 70°F and 90°F. When you are ready to transplant your seedlings outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 55°F.
These tomatoes thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate partial sun. For the most abundant harvest and best flavor, choose a location in your garden that receives consistent, direct sunlight throughout the day.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$5