Omar's Lebanese Tomato
TOMATO Omar’s Lebanese Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 75% Packed for 2025
Origins and History
Omar’s Lebanese Tomato is a cherished heirloom that originated in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, a fertile region with a long history of agriculture. It was introduced to North America by the Lebanese gardener Omar Saab, who brought seeds to share with friends and family. Over time, the variety gained popularity among seed savers and heirloom enthusiasts for its exceptional flavor, size, and reliability. Its story reflects the cultural exchange and preservation of heritage crops through immigrant communities.
Appearance and Characteristics
This is a pink beefsteak tomato known for its impressive size—fruits often weigh between 1–2 pounds, with some reaching up to 3–4 pounds under ideal conditions. The tomatoes are flattened, ribbed, and meaty with very few seeds, making them dense and satisfying. The flesh is juicy yet firm, with a sweet, rich, and slightly tangy flavor often described as classic and well-balanced. Plants are indeterminate, vigorous, and known to be quite productive even with such large fruit. They also show good disease resistance for a large heirloom type.
Culinary Uses
Because of their sweet and complex flavor, Omar’s Lebanese Tomatoes are ideal for fresh eating. Thick slices are excellent for sandwiches, burgers, and salads, while the dense, low-seed flesh makes them perfect for fresh salsa or caprese plates. They can also be used in sauces and soups, though their size and juiciness lend themselves best to fresh applications where their flavor can shine.
Growing Tips
Omar’s Lebanese is an indeterminate variety that thrives in USDA Zones 4–10, though it performs best in warm, sunny climates with long growing seasons. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, sowing at a depth of ¼ inch in moist seed-starting mix. Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 24–36 inches apart in rows with strong staking or trellising support. Plants prefer fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, and consistent watering is essential to prevent cracking in the large fruits. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Guidance
Fruits are ready to harvest about 80–85 days from transplanting. Harvest when tomatoes are fully colored—a deep rosy pink—and slightly soft to the touch. Because the fruits are heavy, handle them carefully to avoid bruising. Tomatoes left to ripen fully on the vine develop the best flavor, though they can be picked slightly underripe and allowed to finish indoors. With proper care, this heirloom variety provides a generous harvest of large, flavorful fruits well into late summer.
