Moyamensing Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Packet contains approximately ~ 25 seeds
Germination 88% Jan 2025
The Moyamensing Tomato is a rare and culturally significant heirloom variety with roots tracing back to the Moyamensing district of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Moyamensing, originally a Lenape word meaning "pigeon droppings" (a reference to fertile lands), was once a township south of the city before its incorporation into Philadelphia in the 19th century. The tomato is believed to have been cultivated in home and community gardens in this historically working-class and immigrant neighborhood—possibly by Italian, African American, and Eastern European residents who maintained diverse food traditions and seed saving practices.
This variety has been preserved through community-based stewardship, and its reintroduction to heirloom seed networks has been part of broader efforts to recognize urban agricultural histories and culturally rooted foodways in American cities.
Appearance and Characteristics: The Moyamensing Tomato is a medium to large-sized, round to slightly oblate fruit with smooth, glossy red skin. Fruits average between 6 to 10 ounces, with occasional larger specimens under ideal conditions. The flesh is dense, juicy, and meaty, with small seed cavities and a balanced flavor profile—rich, sweet, and slightly tangy.
Plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season. Vines can reach 6 feet or more, requiring sturdy trellising or staking. The foliage is regular leaf type, with healthy growth and moderate disease resistance, especially when grown in well-drained soils with good airflow.
Culinary Uses: This tomato shines both fresh and cooked. Its dense flesh and low seed content make it ideal for: Heirloom tomato salads, slicing for sandwiches, as well as for tomato sauce and tomato paste. Ideal for roasting and preserving. The rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor stands out in both raw and cooked applications, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks who value complexity in taste.
Growing Tips: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil is consistently warm (above 60°F). Space plants 24–36 inches apart in full sun with rich, organic soil. Provide consistent moisture and mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Use sturdy cages or trellises to support the indeterminate vines. Prune suckers for better airflow and fruit development, though some growers prefer to let the plant grow naturally. Practice crop rotation to reduce disease pressure, especially from soil-borne fungi.
Harvesting Guidance: Moyamensing Tomatoes are ready to harvest about 75–85 days after transplanting. Pick fruits when they are fully red, slightly soft to the touch, and fragrant. Avoid overripe fruits which may split, especially after heavy rain.
Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production, and store ripe fruits at room temperature—avoid refrigeration to preserve flavor. If frost threatens late in the season, green tomatoes can be harvested and allowed to ripen indoors.
This tomato embodies a legacy of community resilience, urban agriculture, and seed saving. Ideal for growers seeking a delicious, productive, and historically meaningful variety.
