Organic 'Legend' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a resistant and early variety
Developed by Dr. Jim Baggett of Oregon State University , the 'Legend' tomato is an heirloom variety known for its earliness and tolerance to late blight (US8 and US11) . While not completely immune, it offers gardeners a good chance of harvesting healthy fruit even in areas with high fungal pressure . Its large, bright red, 4- to 5-inch (10- to 13-cm) fruits have a sweet flavor balanced by a slight acidity , making it an excellent slicing tomato for sandwiches and salads.
Did you know?
The fruits of the 'Legend' tomato are parthenocarpic , meaning they can form without pollination , allowing reliable production even in adverse weather conditions.
Spread: compact port and grouped production
Plant height: 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 20 seeds
Companion plants: basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until maturity)
Enemy plants: potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Cultivation method
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, then transplant to open ground after the last frost , when night temperatures are above 12°C . Plant 3-6mm (1/8-1/4") deep , spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18") apart and rows 120-180cm (4-6') . This determinate variety does not necessarily require staking, but a light support can be helpful to maintain the fruit load.
Harvesting and storage
Harvest tomatoes when they reach their full, bright red color and are slightly soft to the touch. For best flavor , ripen directly on the vine or harvest slightly green and ripen off the vine at 72°F (22°C).
Store tomatoes at room temperature , in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. For optimal storage, place them in a cool place (12-21°C) with a relative humidity of 95% . Avoid refrigerating them, as this alters their texture and taste.
Long-term preservation methods
Freezing: Cut them into slices or quarters, then freeze them flat before transferring them to an airtight bag
Drying: Slice them thinly and let them dehydrate slowly to obtain tasty dried tomatoes.
Preserve: Use them to prepare peeled tomatoes in jars, coulis or homemade sauces
With its resistance to mildew, its earliness and its balanced taste, the 'Legend' Tomato is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for an abundant and reliable harvest, even in difficult climates.
