If you’re a home gardener with a passion for unique, flavorful tomatoes, it’s time to turn your eyes toward the Volunteer State. Tennessee isn’t just famous for country music and smoky mountain views—it’s also home to some of the juiciest, most colorful heirloom tomato varieties you can grow. These tomatoes are packed with flavor, steeped in history, and guaranteed to stand out in your garden.
Ready to sink your teeth into something truly special? Here are five heirloom tomato varieties with deep Tennessee roots that deserve a place in your garden this season.
1. Tennessee Britches Tomato
History & Origin:
Let’s kick things off with a tomato that’s as charming as its name. The Tennessee Britches tomato is a rare heirloom that traces its roots to the Appalachian foothills. Legend has it that the name came from the old saying, “bustin’ your britches,” which is exactly what these plump, juicy tomatoes might do if you put too many in your harvest basket!
Flavor & Appearance:
These beefsteak-type tomatoes can grow impressively large—often weighing over a pound. The flavor is bold, sweet, and slightly tangy, with low acidity, making it perfect for slicing onto sandwiches or enjoying fresh with just a sprinkle of salt.
Why Grow It:
If you’re looking for a show-stopper tomato that thrives in hot, humid climates, this Tennessee native is an excellent pick.
2. Spear’s Tennessee Green
History & Origin:
The Spear’s Tennessee Green Tomato is a true heirloom gem with deep family roots. Passed down through several generations of the Spear family in Tennessee, this variety remained a well-kept secret until heirloom enthusiasts began circulating the seeds in the early 2000s. Its flavor and old-world charm have since earned it a place in the hearts of home gardeners looking for authenticity and exceptional taste.
Flavor & Appearance:
This is a indeterminate tomato that produces green fruit that’s both stunning and substantial. Expect fruits that weigh between 8 to 10 ounces, with a soft, smooth emerald green skin and very few blemishes. The flavor is intense with a hint of citrus and spice.
Why Grow It:
This variety is a treasure for anyone who wants a reliable, great-tasting heirloom with a story. It thrives in hot, humid Southern gardens and produces a generous harvest of flavorful, meaty fruits. Great for slicing, sandwiches, and showing off at your local farmers market or garden club.
3. Tennessee Heirloom
History & Origin:
Tennessee Heirloom was grown by the Meadows family in middle Tennessee since the late 1800s, with the seeds being more widely circulated in the late 1990s/early 2000s through various seed saver programs. It’s an indeterminate that is a late season star.
Flavor & Appearance:
This is a potato leaf variety that produces very large pink fruits (up to 2 lbs!) that are juicy and meaty and great for slicing.
Why Grow It:
This middle Tennessee variety is well adapted to hot, humid summers and isn’t very finicky when it comes to tough conditions and dry spells.
4. Aunt Ruby’s German Green
History & Origin:
Technically German in heritage but adopted and popularized in Tennessee, Aunt Ruby’s German Green was passed down by Ruby Arnold of Greenville, Tennessee. After she passed away, her family continued to share the seeds, and the tomato gained national recognition for its unique color and unforgettable taste.
Flavor & Appearance:
Don’t let the green fool you—this tomato is ripe when it’s a soft green with hints of yellow and blush. The taste? Sweet, spicy, and incredibly rich, with a tangy finish that’s unlike any red or pink tomato.
Why Grow It:
This is one of the best-tasting green tomatoes you’ll ever try. It’s also a conversation starter—friends and neighbors will be curious about your “green but ripe” tomatoes!
5. Tennessee Yellow Cherry Tomato
History & Origin:
This charming little cherry tomato has been grown in the Tennessee Valley for generations. It was a staple in many rural gardens due to its prolific nature and sweet, snackable fruit. Though not commercially popular, it’s beloved in seed-saving circles.
Flavor & Appearance:
Small, sunny-yellow fruits grow in abundant clusters on hardy vines. The flavor is bright, fruity, and candy-sweet—ideal for snacking, salads, or even roasting.
Why Grow It:
Cherry tomatoes are a home gardening favorite, and this Tennessee native outperforms many store-bought varieties in flavor and yield. Kids love them, and the vines are incredibly productive.
Call to Action:
Ready to grow your own Tennessee heirlooms? Share your favorites in the comments below and tag us on Instagram with your tomato photos! Happy planting!