Two whole and one sliced Spear&
Tomato Seeds, Spear&
A close-up of cut and whole Spear&
Two whole and one sliced Spear&
Tomato Seeds, Spear&
A close-up of cut and whole Spear&

Tomato Seeds,
Spear's Tennessee Green

3.97 Reviews#TG108 · 25 seeds
Price
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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). A wonderful heirloom grown by the Spear family of Tennessee since the 1950s and brought to us by a local customer who has been preserving it in his garden. The round fruit weigh 8 to 10 ounces each and have the taste of tomatoes from Grandma’s garden. Just thinking about them will make your mouth water! This rare and historic variety deserves a place in every garden and certainly a place on our table in the future.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. Under ideal conditions, Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes typically mature in about 80-90 days from transplanting, continuing a steady harvest all throughout the growing season. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in a nutrient-rich seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperatures between 70-80 F during germination. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Before moving them outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Plant about 24 inches apart in the garden to give them enough space for growth and air circulation.

How to Grow

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress during the growing season as needed. Prune suckers to encourage larger fruit production and improve air circulation. Look out for common tomato pests and diseases. Harvest fruits when they develop a deep olive color and feel slightly soft to the touch.

How to Save Seeds

  • Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
  • On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
  • For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
  • Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How can I tell when Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes are ripe?

The fruits develop a deep olive color and feel slightly soft when fully ripe.

How do Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes taste?

The tomatoes have a rich, satisfying flavor with a balance of sweetness and tartness, and some aftertaste reminiscent of tropical fruits.

How large do Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes typically grow?

The fruits typically weigh between 8 and 10 ounces.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 7 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Outstanding flavor: Sweet, tangy and juicy; a favorite beside Cherokee Purple.

  • Green when ripe: Blushes mustard yellow on the bottom when ready to slice.

  • Long-lived plants: Vines stay healthy later into the season than most heirlooms.

  • Heads up: Yield varies; some growers got fewer fruit than other varieties.

More to grow!

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