Vinson Watts Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 85% Sep 2024 Packed for 2025
Origins and History
The Vinson Watts Tomato is a treasured heirloom variety hailing from the Appalachian region of Virginia. It was preserved and shared by Vinson Watts, a mountain farmer from Lee County, who carefully stewarded the seed for decades before passing it on to others. The tomato gained recognition as part of grassroots seed-saving efforts in the Appalachian Sustainable Development network, where it came to symbolize the importance of preserving local agricultural heritage. Like many regional heirlooms, it reflects both the growing conditions and the culinary traditions of the area, thriving in small family gardens and valued for its rich, homegrown flavor.
Here's what seed breeder Bill Best says about this tomato: "Offered for the first time in 2006, this tomato has proven to be quite popular with many people in many places. Prior to his death in March, 2008, Vinson Watts had improved his namesake tomato for 52 summers. The original seed was from Lee County, Virginia and was given to him by his work supervisor at Berea College, Wilson Evans. Those interested in the story of this tomato can look it up on the internet since several articles in newspapers and magazines have been written about Watts and his tomato. The tomato is a large pink tomato flavored with an excellent balance of sugars and acids. It is also the most disease-resistant tomato I have grown, the result of all those summers of selection for flavor, texture, and disease resistance."
Appearance and Characteristics
This is a large, pink beefsteak tomato, often weighing between 12 ounces and 2 pounds. Fruits are slightly flattened, with smooth shoulders and meaty interiors. The skin is a warm pink-red, and the flesh is juicy yet firm, offering a dense texture with relatively few seeds. Its taste is classic heirloom—sweet, full-bodied, and complex—often ranked highly in tomato tastings for its balance of acidity and depth of flavor.
Culinary Uses
The Vinson Watts Tomato is primarily prized for fresh eating, where its flavor shines. Thick slices are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Its meaty texture also makes it excellent for sauces and cooking, though many gardeners reserve it for the table to enjoy raw. Because of its size and flavor, it is a favorite for showcasing in farm-to-table meals, local markets, and seed-saving festivals.
Growing Tips
Vinson Watts Tomatoes thrive in USDA Zones 4–9, where they benefit from long, warm summers. Seeds should be sown indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, at a depth of ¼ inch in well-draining soil. Transplants can be set outdoors once the soil has warmed and danger of frost has passed, spacing plants about 24–36 inches apart with sturdy support, as vines can reach 6 feet or more. This variety appreciates full sun, consistent watering, and fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Like many heirlooms, it is indeterminate, producing fruit steadily throughout the season.
Harvesting Guidance
Fruits should be harvested when they reach their full pink-red color and give slightly to gentle pressure. Picking regularly encourages continued production. Because the fruits can be quite large, care should be taken to support heavy vines and avoid splitting from overwatering late in the season. Harvested tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and enjoyed fresh for the best flavor, though they also hold up well for canning and cooking if a surplus develops.
