Tomato 'Gold Medal'
Solanum lycopersicum
A favorite of mine and I'm not alone, Gold Medal is a gorgeous bicolor beefsteak heirloom tomato with canary yellow color and rosey-pink marbling. Tender-melting, rich-sweet flavor. Winner of the 2008 Seed Savers Exchange Tomato Tasting (our seed source for this gem).
Amy Goldman notes in her book The Heirloom Tomato, Gold Medal's flavor is excellent and well reviewed by tomato cognoscenti: "superbly delicious" (Darrel Merrel); "top rated in flavor" (Ken Ettlinger); "our finest bicolor" (Seed Savers Exchange).
And from Ben Quisenberry's 1976 catalog: "The sweetest tomato you ever tasted. The yellow streaks and blotches of red makes them very attractive and a gourmet's joy when sliced."
Gold Medals are best for fresh eating and juice. I love them for BLTs and fresh salsa. Indeterminate.
Packet contains approximately 20 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Shape: Beefsteak
Days to maturity: 75–90 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 24” apart in rows 4’ apart
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 75–85°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 5–6 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. There is no need to start any earlier as leggy, root-bound, or flowering transplants can cause stunting and reduce early production (we even prefer small transplants). Once germinated, grow at 60–70°F. At first true leaf, pot-up to 50-cell trays or 4" pots. Always bury all the way up to first set of leaves to develop strong root system (plants develop roots from stems).
We mostly grow indeterminate varieties, which are vine-like plants that continue to grow throughout the season. It's best to provide support, such as a tomato cage, trellis, basket weave, or string and clip system (anything they can grow up vertically). Indeterminates benefit by removing all suckers directly below the first flower cluster. Once fruit beings to set, we also prune out any leaves below to encourage air circulation.
Harvest & Storage
Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths. Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
