Heirloom tomato spotlight: Thorburn’s Terra-Cotta
A delicious Thorburn’s Terra-Cotta drizzled with Italian olive oil and Italian herb seasonings.
Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato: A Unique Heirloom Treasure for Your Garden
If you’re a tomato enthusiast or a home gardener looking to grow something extraordinary, Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato deserves a spot in your garden. This rare heirloom variety, with its stunning color, rich flavor, and fascinating history, is more than just a vegetable—it’s a conversation starter. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato so special, how to grow it, and why it’s a must grow for any tomato lover. Let’s explore this terra-cotta-colored gem!
What Is Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato?
Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato is an heirloom variety first introduced in 1893 by James M. Thorburn & Company, a renowned New York seed producer. Known for its unique honey-brown skin, orange-pink flesh, and green seed mass, this tomato stands out with its earthy, terra-cotta-like hue (hence the name). After the company went bankrupt in 1921, this variety nearly disappeared, but thanks to the efforts of seed savers like Dr. William Woys Weaver, it was reintroduced in the 1990s and remains a cherished rarity today.
This semi-determinate tomato typically produces medium-sized fruits, weighing 3 to 8 ounces, and offers a flavor profile that’s rich, sweet, and slightly tangy with a subtle earthy undertone. Whether you slice it for a salad, roast it for a sauce, or enjoy it fresh off the vine, Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato delivers a taste and aesthetic that’s hard to match.
Why Grow Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato?
Here’s why this heirloom tomato is worth adding to your garden:
Early, Vigorous Production: Terra-Cotta is always my first tomato plant to set fruit and ripen (even beating out other early varieties like “Early Girl”).
Unique Appearance: With its coppery-bronze exterior and vibrant interior, it’s a visual standout in any dish or farmers' market display.
Exceptional Flavor: Terra-Cotta has a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of smokiness—perfect for both raw and cooked applications.
Historical Value: Growing Thorburn's Terra-Cotta connects you to a piece of gardening history dating back over 130 years.
Versatility: Use it in salads, sandwiches, or sauces (it makes a striking pumpkin-orange sauce!).
How to Grow Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato
Ready to plant this heirloom beauty? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a bountiful harvest:
Planting Tips
Start Indoors: Begin seeds 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow them 1/4 inch deep in a seed tray, keeping the soil warm (70-75°F) and moist.
Transplanting: Once seedlings develop their second set of leaves, move them to individual pots. Bury the stems up to the lower leaves to encourage strong roots. Harden off plants for a few days before transplanting outdoors after the frost risk passes.
Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Thorburn's Terra-Cotta thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. For more about soil testing, read this.
A Thorburn’s Terra-Cotta loaded up with fruits in late June in zone 6b.
Care Instructions
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases.
Support: As a semi-determinate variety, it grows to about 4-5 feet tall. Use stakes or cages to support the vines and keep fruits off the ground.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy growth without excessive foliage.
Pruning: Optional, but light pruning can improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Harvesting
Timing: Fruits ripen in about 70-80 days from transplanting, typically mid-season. Harvest when the skin turns a deep terra-cotta color and yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Yield: Expect a generous crop during peak season, though production may taper off as cooler weather arrives.
Culinary Uses for Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato
This tomato’s distinctive flavor and color make it a culinary star. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
Salads: Slice it thin for a pop of color and sweetness in fresh salads.
Sauces: Cook it down into a vibrant pumpkin-orange sauce with a floral aroma—perfect for pasta or stews.
Roasting: Roast halves with olive oil and herbs to enhance its natural sweetness.
Sandwiches: Add a gourmet twist to your BLT or caprese sandwich.
Where to Buy Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato Seeds
Due to its rarity, Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato seeds aren’t found in every garden center. Look for them from reputable heirloom seed suppliers like Baker Creek Seeds, Sola Seed Company, or Renaissance Farms.
Fun Facts About Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato
Origins: It’s believed to be a cross involving the fuzzy, orange “Peach” tomato, giving it its unique texture and color.
Shelf Life: When stored in a cool, dry place, harvested fruits last about a week while retaining flavor.
Disease Resistance: Many growers report good resistance to common tomato diseases, making it a hardy choice.
A freshly sliced Thorburn’s Terra-Cotta.
Final Thoughts
Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato is more than just a plant—it’s a living piece of history! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this heirloom variety offers a rewarding growing experience and a delicious payoff. Ready to elevate your garden and plate? Grab some seeds, plant them this season, and savor the fruits of this terra-cotta treasure.
Have you grown Thorburn's Terra-Cotta Tomato before? Share your tips or favorite recipes in the comments below! For more gardening inspiration, check out our posts on heirloom tomatoes and unique tomato varieties.
