Eight Tomato Types Grown In Australia

As any veggie patch enthusiast knows, the options for tomato types to grow in Australia are vast – but which are the most popular, and how do they differ?

As a tried and true veggie patch staple, tomatoes have long been regarded as tolerant and one of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners. They are at their happiest when watered at regular intervals, are protected from a variety of ailments such as blight and insects, and have the right types of trestles or support systems in place. 

Like any vine, roots can appear from any stem that touches the soil, so placement is paramount for yielding a decent harvest, but so too is choosing the right variety from the many tomato types available in Australia. For some, this decision is all about taste, while for others, it’s more so about the plant’s tolerance to certain conditions – so what are your options?

A Beginner’s Guide To Popular Tomato Varieties 

While most tomato types are traditionally red and even orange, they do range in size and shape, from the miniature cherry tomatoes which add a burst of juicy flavour to salads, to the more robust and flavoursome ‘Tommy Toes.’ While not all tomato varieties are available to Australian harvesters, the good news is that we still have more than enough species to choose from. 

Cherry Tomatoes – Regarded as one of the easiest tomato varieties to grow for rookie veggie patch enthusiasts, cherry tomatoes come in red, orange, yellow and even shades close to black. As one of the sweeter tomato types, they’re a popular staple in many salads. 

Clarence Truss – The tall vine produces abundant small to medium sized, round, juicy and sweet fruit in late spring and summer. As an excellent source of vitamin c and antioxidants, Clarence Truss tomatoes grow up to three metres tall and requires staking for support.

Tommy Toes – Arguably known as Australia’s favourite tomato, Tommy Toes have apricot sized, excellent tasting bright red fruit. It’s a tall grower that must be staked and is best grown in a well-drained veggie patch in full sun, and can be ready in as little as ten weeks after seeding. 

Grape Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes are a little less watery and sugary than their sweet cherry tomato counterparts, but their oblong shape and thicker skin also means that they contain more fibre, and can be stored in the fridge for longer. 

Red Currant – Originally native to Ecuador and Peru, red currant tomatoes have a sweet, tart flavour that is perfect for the creation of preserves and relishes. As the smallest of all the tomato types, each fruit weighs an average of just three grams. 

Oxheart – This meaty fruit gets its name from its irregular shape that generally resembles an animal’s heart, which can put some people off this variety. While this plant can look a little bit droopy and even sad at times, it will yield a generous crop throughout the course of its lifetime. 

Golden Jubilee – Lower in acidity than other tomato varieties, the first Golden Jubilee tomato seeds were first released for sale in the United States in 1943. Although its shape does slightly resemble the Oxheart, its name is derived from its bright yellow hue. 

Yellow Pear – While many gardeners tend to misidentify the humble Yellow Pear tomato because of its unique yellow pear like appearance, their low acidity and sweet, tangy flavour make them the perfect choice for pickling and relishes. 

Whether you’re in it for the creation of colourful summer salads or to pickle and preserve, it’s evident that gardeners are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing between the many tomato types on offer here in Australia. 

When growing one of the many tomato varieties – or any vegetable for that matter – it’s crucial to protect them against any unwanted invaders if you want a decent harvest. Although healthy soil is one of the most effective ways to proactively fend off pests and diseases, tackling weeds is a whole other story. Using chemicals on fruit is a big no-no, especially if you plan on consuming your harvest – so what’s the alternative?

Introducing A Safer Way To Spray

Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife. 

The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders greenPRO, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production. 

If you’re on the hunt for a weed killer that’s safe to use around pets or kids, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely – check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.