Staff Favorites Tomato Collection
Best curated tomato starter kit for home gardeners seeking diverse harvests.
Discover the Staff Favorites Tomato Collection, featuring six distinct, highly-rated tomato varieties chosen by the staff. This collection includes 'Sungold,' 'Bloody Butcher,' 'San Marzano,' 'Chocolate Sprinkles,' 'Mortgage Lifter,' and 'Cherokee Purple.' All plants are grown from non-GMO seed and shipped as strong seedlings in 1-pint pots, ensuring well-developed root systems upon arrival. These plants require full sun and rich, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Follow the provided guide for proper planting, especially the unique trenching method recommended for tomatoes to encourage robust root development and accelerate growth.
$42.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+52%
Above average
Quantity
61
/ plants ( of each variety)
Who it's for
- Gardeners overwhelmed by endless seed catalog options
- Home growers prioritizing plant health and nursery-grade reliability
- Beginners seeking high-yield varieties with proven flavor profiles
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers preferring local nursery prices
- Specialty growers needing specific varieties for unique climates
- Busy gardeners wanting immediate, low-maintenance local pickup
Performance breakdown
Variety Diversity
Expertly curated mix balances heirloom flavor with reliable hybrid productivity.
Root Development
Pint-sized containers ensure robust, healthy root systems upon arrival.
Growth Potential
Trenching technique guidance significantly accelerates establishment and long-term vigor.
Harvest Window
Staggered maturity dates provide a consistent supply throughout the season.
Sourcing Integrity
Non-GMO seed commitment ensures high-quality genetics for home gardeners.
Planting Ease
Requires specific soil preparation and space for optimal vertical growth.
Key Specs
Quantity
6 plants (1 of each variety)
Maturity
50 to 90 days from transplant
Shipping Container Size
1 Pint (28.86 CU IN.)
Mature Height
4-8 feet
Spacing
2-3 feet
Seed Source
Non-GMO
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
Features
- Varieties offer a range of maturity times from 50 to 90 days
- Includes both hybrid and heirloom types for varied flavor profiles
- Specific planting technique (trenching) recommended to accelerate growth
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and reliability of the Staff Favorites Tomato Collection. Reviewers frequently note the robust health of the seedlings or the high viability of the seeds, leading to impressive yields. The curated selection offers unique, flavorful varieties that elevate the home garden experience. While the collection represents a premium investment, gardeners feel the superior performance and taste justify the price, making this a highly valued choice for serious tomato enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The collection features six distinct tomato types: 'Sungold,' 'Bloody Butcher,' 'San Marzano,' 'Chocolate Sprinkles,' 'Mortgage Lifter,' and 'Cherokee Purple.' This mix provides a balance of hybrid and heirloom varieties for a diverse range of flavors and uses.
Trenching involves planting the tomato stem horizontally in a shallow trench rather than just straight down. This allows more of the stem to be buried, which encourages the plant to develop a much larger, more robust root system along the buried portion of the stalk.
Each plant requires 2 to 3 feet of spacing to ensure proper airflow and prevent disease. You should plan for a garden bed or container area that can accommodate these dimensions, keeping in mind that these plants will reach a mature height of 4 to 8 feet.
While they can be grown in containers, you will need large, deep pots to accommodate their mature height and root development. Ensure your containers have excellent drainage and can be placed in a location that receives full sun throughout the day.
The maturity times for this collection range from 50 to 90 days after transplanting. You can expect a staggered harvest, with early-maturing varieties like 'Sungold' and 'Bloody Butcher' producing fruit sooner than the larger heirloom types.
Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-drained soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-based, it is recommended to amend it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and nutrient availability before planting.
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$42