Garden Peach Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 99% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60-100 days
Origins and History
The Garden Peach Tomato is a unique heirloom variety that originated in South America, where tomatoes were first domesticated thousands of years ago. It is believed to have been introduced to North America by the late 19th century, when plant enthusiasts were eager to share unusual and ornamental tomato varieties. Its soft, fuzzy skin and pale-yellow blush resemble that of a peach, which made it a novelty in Victorian-era gardens. Since then, the Garden Peach Tomato has been cherished by heirloom seed savers and gardeners for its ornamental value, prolific nature, and sweet, mild flavor.
Appearance and Characteristics
This tomato is small, typically 2–4 ounces, with round fruit that ripens to a golden yellow, often with a slight pink blush on the bottom. What sets it apart is its velvety, peach-like skin, lightly fuzzy to the touch, making it easily mistaken for a piece of fruit at first glance. The flesh is tender and juicy, with a mild, sweet flavor balanced by a gentle acidity. The plant is indeterminate, continuing to produce throughout the growing season, and is known for its abundant yields of clusters of fruit.
Culinary Uses
The Garden Peach Tomato is versatile in the kitchen. Its sweet flavor makes it excellent for fresh eating—sliced into salads, served with fresh herbs, or eaten straight from the vine. The fruit’s unique appearance also makes it a standout on cheese boards or as a garnish. While best enjoyed raw, it can also be roasted, lightly stewed, or used to create colorful salsa blends. Some chefs even highlight it in dessert-like preparations because of its fruit-like sweetness and resemblance to peaches.
Growing Tips
Garden Peach Tomatoes thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10, though they need a warm, frost-free growing season to produce well. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them about ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix. Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 24–36 inches apart in full sun. The plants benefit from staking or caging due to their indeterminate growth habit. Consistent watering and rich, well-drained soil will encourage high yields. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and prevents fruit from splitting.
Harvesting Guidance
Garden Peach Tomatoes are typically ready for harvest about 70–80 days from transplanting. Pick the fruit when it has turned golden yellow with a light blush and the skin feels slightly soft to the touch, much like a ripe peach. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing more fruit throughout the season. Because of their delicate skins, handle the tomatoes gently to prevent bruising. They are best eaten soon after harvest, though they can be stored at room temperature for a few days.
