Best 20 Types of Tomatoes to Grow

I’ve spent countless hours researching and cultivating tomatoes in my garden, and let me tell you, there’s a world of difference between varieties! Some tomatoes are bland and mealy, while others burst with flavor and sweetness.

If you don’t want to waste your time and effort on underwhelming tomatoes, keep reading! In this post, I’ll reveal the best 20 types of tomatoes to grow, from juicy cherry tomatoes to giant beefsteaks, all perfect for different tastes and gardening goals.

Types of Vegetable Plants

1. Cherry tomatoes 🍅

Botanical Information

🌟 Cherry tomatoes are like the adorable, tiny cousins of regular tomatoes 🍅🍅. They grow in cute little bunches on vines. They belong to the Solanum lycopersicum species. 📚🌿

Types of Vegetable Plants

Varieties & Cultivars

There are many varieties of cherry tomatoes including Sun Gold, Sweet 100s, Supersweet 100s, and Red Pear tomatoes.

Nutritional Value

According to WebMD, one cup of cherry tomatoes contains 30 calories, 0 fat, 6 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, and 1 gram protein. They are high in vitamins A and C.

Culinary Uses

Cherry tomatoes are commonly eaten raw in salads. Their sweet flavor also makes them an ingredient in salsas, bruschetta toppings, kebabs, and more.

Growing Guide

Cherry tomato plants grow the most when they’re soaking up all that lovely sunshine 🍅🌿. Trellising helps improve yields. They need about 1-2 inches of water per week.

Harvesting & Storage

Cherry tomatoes are ready to harvest when fully red. Store ripe cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Types of Vegetable Plants

2. Grape tomatoes 🍇 🍅

Botanical Information

Like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes are small, oblong-shaped tomatoes that grow in clusters. They belong to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Varieties & Cultivars

Popular varieties include red, yellow, and orange grape tomatoes. Some common cultivars are Santa grape and Juliet grape tomatoes.

Nutritional Value

According to Eatthismuch, One cup of grape tomatoes has about 30 calories, 0 fat, 5 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. They contain antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene.

Culinary Uses

Grape tomatoes are commonly used in salads, snacks, sandwiches, skewers, pasta dishes, and more. Their sweet flavor adds nice bursts of juice and color.

Growing Guide

Grow grape tomato plants in full sun. Cage or trellis to support vines. Water 1-2 inches per week. Prune suckers for best production.

Harvesting & Storage

Harvest grape tomatoes when fully colored but still firm. Will keep 7-10 days refrigerated.

Roma tomatoes, also called Italian plum tomatoes, and they have this lovely oval shape! heirloom tomatoes in the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Popular Roma tomato varieties include Amish Paste, San Marzano, and Roma VF.

One Roma tomato (2.3″ diameter) contains about 30 calories, 0 fat, 5 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. Good source of vitamins A, C, and lycopene.

Roma tomatoes are frequently used for cooking, canning, and making sauce because of their meaty, firm flesh and few seeds. Also used raw in salads.

Grow Roma tomato plants in full sun. Use cages or stakes to support the heavy fruit. Water about 1″ per week.

Harvest romas when light red and firm. Will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Types of Vegetable Plants

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated cultivars that have been passed down for generations. They belong to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are many heirloom varieties including Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, and Black Krim.

Heirloom tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. One medium heirloom tomato contains about 25 calories.

Heirlooms are valued for their exceptional flavors. Their meaty flesh makes them great for sandwiches, salads, salsa, and eating raw.

Grow heirlooms in full sun. Use cages or stakes for support. Water about 1-2″ per week. Mulch helps conserve moisture.

Harvest heirlooms when fully colored but still firm. Store at room temp up to a week, refrigerate to extend life.

San Marzano tomatoes are a popular Roma-type heirloom cultivar that hails from Italy. They belong to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are several sub-varieties of San Marzano tomatoes including San Marzano Redorta DOP and San Marzano 2.

One raw San Marzano tomato (2.3″ diameter) contains about 30 calories, 0 fat, 5 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, and 1 gram protein. Excellent source of lycopene and vitamin C antioxidant nutrients.

San Marzano tomatoes are prized in Italian cooking for making sauce and canning. Their flesh is extra firm with few seeds. Also used for salsa or eating fresh.

Grow San Marzano tomato plants in full sun. Use tall stakes or cages to support the prolific vines. Water about 1” per week.

Harvest San Marzanos when light red and still firm. Store ripe tomatoes in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Yellow Brandywine is a golden-yellow heirloom beefsteak tomato cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Related cultivars include Pink Brandywine, Black Brandywine, and Red Brandywine tomatoes.

One Yellow Brandywine tomato (3” diameter) contains 35 calories, 0.5g fat, 7g carbs, 2g fiber and 2g protein. Excellent source of antioxidants lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

The exceptionally sweet, low-acid flesh makes Yellow Brandywine tomatoes perfect for sandwiches, BLTs, salads, and snacking. Too juicy for cooking down into sauce.

Grow Yellow Brandywine tomato plants in full sun with support from cages or stakes. Water about 1-2” per week. Mulch to retain moisture.

Harvest Yellow Brandywines when soft and ripe with deep color. Will store for 5 days at room temp, 10 days refrigerated.

Early Girl is an early-maturing globe-shaped hybrid tomato cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are both red and yellow varieties of Early Girl tomatoes.

One Early Girl tomato (2.5″ diameter) contains about 25 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 5 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber and 1 gram protein. Good source of vitamin C and lycopene antioxidant.

Early Girl tomatoes are very versatile – enjoy in sandwiches, salads, salsa, sauce and more. Their classic tomato flavor shines when eaten raw and fresh.

Grow Early Girl tomato plants in full sun. Use cages or short stakes to support the plants. Water about 1” per week. Pinch suckers for best production.

Harvesting & Storage

Start harvesting Early Girls when fruits blush red and feel firm yet springy. Store ripe tomatoes at room temp up to a week.

Lemon Boy is a bright yellow heirloom tomato cultivar that belongs to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Related cultivars include Lemon Girl and Yellow Pear tomatoes.

One raw Lemon Boy tomato (2.5” diameter) contains 25 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 2g fiber and 1g protein. Excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A and C.

Lemon Boy tomatoes lend a tangy, tropical flavor to sandwiches, salads, bruschetta and more. Their refreshing zest pairs nicely with seafood too.

Grow Lemon Boy tomato plants in full sun. Use cages or stakes for support. Water about 1-2” per week. Pinch off suckers to improve yields.

Harvest Lemon Boys when pale yellow and slightly soft. Will store at room temp for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Berkeley Tie-Dye Green is an heirloom tomato cultivar with dark green skin and emerald green flesh. It belongs to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Related cultivars include Green Zebra, Cherokee Green, and Green Giant tomatoes.

One Berkeley Tie-Dye Green tomato (2.5” diameter) contains 30 calories, 0.5g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, and 1.5g protein. A fine source of antioxidant vitamins A and C.

Berkeley Tie-Dye Green tomatoes lend a tangy, tropical flavor. Use for sandwiches, salads, bruschetta, and garnishes. Pairs well with cheese, basil, balsamic.

Grow Berkeley Tie-Dye tomato plants in full sun. Use cages or stakes for support. Water about 1-2” per week. Pinch off suckers.

Harvest Berkeley Tie-Dye Green tomatoes when the skin is deep green and the flesh yields slightly. Will store 5 days room temp, 10 refrigerated.

Big Rainbow is an heirloom beefsteak tomato cultivar with streaks of red, yellow, green, and pink. It belongs to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are no notable related cultivars.

One Big Rainbow tomato (4” diameter) contains 50 calories, 1g fat, 10g carbs, 3g fiber and 2g protein. A Wonderful source of antioxidants lycopene, vitamins A and C.

Big Rainbow’s sweet, fruity flavor and large size make it perfect for sandwiches, burgers, BLTs, and eating fresh. Too juicy for cooking down into sauce.

Grow Big Rainbow tomato plants in full sun with support from sturdy stakes or cages. Water about 1-2” per week. Mulch to retain moisture.

Harvest Big Rainbow tomatoes when slightly soft and vividly colored. Store ripe tomatoes at room temp up to 4 days, refrigerate to extend shelf life.

Blaby Special is an English heirloom beefsteak tomato cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are no notable related cultivars.

One Blaby Special tomato (4” diameter) contains around 50 calories, 1g fat, 10g carbs, 3g fiber and 2g protein. Good source of lycopene and vitamins A, and C.

Blaby Special is perfect for sandwiches and burgers. Its thin skin, dense flesh, and minimal juice make it a good choice for stews as well.

Grow Blaby Special tomato plants in full sun. Use strong stakes or cages for support. Water about 1-2” per week. Mulch to retain moisture.

Harvest Blaby Specials when slightly soft and colored up. Store ripe tomatoes at room temp up to a week, and refrigerate to extend life.

Black Beauty is an heirloom tomato cultivar with dark reddish-black skin and crimson flesh. It belongs to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Related cultivars include Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Black Prince, and Paul Robeson tomatoes.

One Black Beauty tomato contains around 30 calories, 0.5g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber and 1.5g protein. Excellent source of antioxidant lycopene.

Black Beauty’s rich sweet flavor shines when eaten fresh or in sandwiches, burgers, antipasto, and salads. Too juicy for cooking down into sauce.

Grow Black Beauty tomato plants in full sun with support from cages or stakes. Water about 1-2” per week. Use mulch to retain moisture.

Harvest Black Beauties when slightly soft and very dark. Will store at room temp for 4-5 days. Refrigerate to extend shelf life.

The Black Cherry tomato is a round cherry tomato cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species. It has a dark black-purple skin and red flesh.

Other dark-colored cherry tomatoes include Black Pearl and Indigo Cherry Drops.

One cup of cherry tomatoes contains 30 calories, 0 fat, 6 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, and 1 gram of protein. They are high in vitamins A and C.

Black Cherry tomatoes burst with a sweet, complex flavor. Use them in salads, snacks, kebabs, and garnishes.

Grow in full sun, water 1-2” per week, and use cages or trellises for support. Pinch off suckers.

Harvest when fully black and slightly soft. Will store in the fridge for 7-10 days.

The Black Icicle tomato is an heirloom cultivar that produces long, plum-shaped fruits belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Related varieties include Violet Jasper, Blue Beech, and Purple Calabash tomatoes.

Contains antioxidants lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A. One raw tomato (2.3” diameter) has about 30 calories.

Its deep purple-black skin and red flesh provide dramatic color contrast. Use for sauce, salsa, sandwiches, or eat fresh.

Grow in full sun, water weekly, stake or cage plants to support fruits. Pinch suckers.

Harvest when dark colored and slightly soft. Store ripe tomatoes in the fridge for 5-7 days.

The Black Krim tomato is a large, heirloom beefsteak cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species. It has a dark reddish-black skin and deep red flesh.

Related cultivars include Black from Tula and Cherokee Chocolate tomatoes.

One Black Krim tomato (3” diameter) contains 35 calories, 0.5g fat, 7g carbs, 2g fiber and 2g protein. Excellent source of antioxidants lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Its rich sweet flavor and meaty texture make it delicious for sandwiches and slicing. The dramatic colors also make it a nice addition to salads and bruschetta.

Grow in full sun, stake plants, water 1-2” per week. Mulching helps retain soil moisture. Pinch off suckers.

Harvest when slightly soft and colored. Store at room temp up to one week. Refrigerate to extend shelf life.

Brandywine tomatoes are large heirloom beefsteak cultivars belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

Popular varieties include red, pink, yellow, and black Brandywine tomatoes.

One Brandywine tomato (4” diameter) contains around 40 calories, 1g fat, 8g carbs, 3g fiber and 2g protein. Excellent source of lycopene and antioxidant vitamins.

Brandywine tomatoes are valued for their exceptional rich, sweet flavors. Their large size and meaty texture makes them great for slicing, sandwiches, burgers and eating fresh.

Grow Brandywine tomato plants in full sun with support from cages or stakes. Water is about 1-2” per week. Mulch helps retain moisture.

Start harvesting Brandywines when fruits are deep colored but still firm. Will store for 5 days at room temp, 10 days refrigerated.

The Carbon tomato is a medium-sized, round slicing tomato cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species. It has a dark reddish-black skin with crimson red flesh.

Other dark-skinned red tomatoes include Black Beauty, Purple Calabash, and Paul Robeson.

One raw Carbon tomato (2.5″ diameter) contains 25 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber and 1g protein. Excellent source of antioxidant lycopene.

Carbon tomatoes have an exceptionally rich, sweet flavor. Their dramatic dark skin and red interior provide visual appeal. Enjoy in sandwiches, salads, salsa, and pasta dishes.

Grow in full sun. Cage or stake plants to support fruit. Water 1” per week. Pinch suckers.

Harvest when dark colored and slightly soft. Store ripe tomatoes at room temp up to one week.

Campari tomatoes are a popular cocktail/cherry tomato hybrid cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

A popular variety is the Supersweet 100 Campari tomato.

One cup of Campari tomatoes contains around 30 calories, 0g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber and 1g protein. They are high in vitamins A and C.

These sweet, low-acid tomatoes are commonly used for snacking, in salads, bruschetta and garnishes.

Grow in full sun, water 1-2” weekly. Use cages or trellises to support the prolific vines.

Start picking when fruits fully ripen to red. Store ripe Campari tomatoes in the fridge for 7-10 days.

The Oregon Spring Tomato is a semi-indeterminate tomato variety developed by Dr. Jim Baggett of Oregon State University. It is known for its ability to withstand cool spring temperatures and can be planted as early as April if freezing can be prevented.

The Oregon Spring Tomato is a cross between Russian Severianin and Starshot, making it earlier than either parent.

One medium-sized Oregon Spring Tomato (2.5″ diameter) contains approximately 25 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber, and 1g protein. They are a good source of vitamins A and C.

Oregon Spring Tomatoes have a full-sized fruit, measuring 4 inches across, with fine color and texture. They are known for their high yields and great flavor, with a nicely acidic taste.

When growing Oregon Spring Tomatoes, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting in spring. Sow seeds 1/4″ deep in sterile starting soil, maintaining a soil temperature of 65° to 95°. Germinates in 6-10 days if the soil is kept at 85°. When seedlings are 10 days old, replant into 2″ or 4″ pots. Transplant outdoors when soil temperatures are at least 70° in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter or a general-purpose fertilizer. Space plants 2′ to 3′ apart.

Harvest Oregon Spring Tomatoes when the fruit is red (or the color of the variety planted) and firm. Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life

The Celebrity tomato is an early, disease-resistant hybrid cultivar belonging to the Solanum lycopersicum species.

There are red and pink varieties of Celebrity tomatoes.

One medium Celebrity tomato (2.5” diameter) contains 25 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber, and 1g protein. Good source of vitamins A and C.\One medium Celebrity tomato (2.5” diameter) contains 25 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g carbs, 1g fiber and 1g protein. Good source of vitamins A and C.

Celebrity tomatoes have a classic tomato flavor. Enjoy them sliced or chopped in sandwiches, salads, salsa, and pasta dishes!

Grow in full sun, water 1” weekly. Cage or stake plants, pinch suckers. Disease resistant.

Start picking Celebrity tomatoes when fruits blush light red. Store ripe tomatoes in the fridge for up to 10 days.