Jubilee Tomato Seeds - (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Jubilee Tomato - A Burst of Summer Sunshine on Your Plate

In the shadow of World War II, gardens weren't merely places of beauty; they were a lifeline.  During those dark days, a tomato emerged that was more than just a delicious addition to a plate—it was a beacon of sunshine, a glimmer of hope amidst the hardship. This isn't the stuff of fairytales; it's the legacy of the Jubilee Tomato. Developed by the visionary Atlee Burpee and introduced in 1943, it brought vibrant color and a sweet, gentle flavor to tables when both were desperately needed. Its quality was even recognized with the prestigious All-America Selections award, showcasing its excellence.

Its golden-orange hue hinted at a unique flavor. A touch less acidic than the usual red varieties, the Jubilee offered a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, a treat for even the most sensitive palates. More importantly, it was a tireless producer, delivering a steady supply of its prized fruits when rations were tight and food supplies unreliable. Families could savor its unique sweetness throughout the season, a small comfort during uncertain times.

It’s not just any heirloom tomato; it symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of reliability and flavor. The Jubilee Tomato, a wartime innovation that continues to bring joy to plates today, awaits your discovery.

Details

The Jubilee Tomato paints a picture of summer sunshine. Its warm, golden yellow base glows with vibrant orange overtones, especially around the shoulders where the fruit meets the stem, ripe and bursting with sweetness. This captivating color hints at the Jubilee's unique flavors.

The Jubilee is a vigorous grower with a sprawling habit that does best on a sturdy trellis, cage, or tall fence. If properly supported, mature vines loaded with flowers and ripening tomatoes will continue to climb and produce fruit throughout the growing season. As an indeterminate variety, plants have the potential to reach heights of 6 feet or more. The sprawling vines can reach a width of 3-4 feet at maturity, creating a lush and leafy canopy that offers dappled shade for nearby plants and protects the ripening fruits.

The indeterminate nature provides a steady stream of fresh-from-the-vine tomatoes longer throughout the growing season. Since indeterminate vines can be trained to grow vertically on stakes or trellises, they're an excellent option for gardeners with limited space. This will help keep the vines off the ground, improve air circulation, and prevent fruit from developing blemishes.

History

The tomato's journey from an overlooked tiny wild berry to a celebrated garden darling is an adventure shaped by human hands and natural selection. It began high in the Andes Mountains, stretching across modern-day Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, where ancestral tomatoes thrived, their tiny fruits bursting with concentrated flavor. 

Recent genetic discoveries suggest cherry-sized tomatoes grew naturally in Ecuador much earlier, around 80,000 years ago.  Somehow, these early tomatoes found their way north to Mesoamerica, perhaps carried by migrating humans – through trade or conquest – or birds. There, they spent millennia persisting as semi-domesticated or even weedy plants before another wave of human selection and cultivation, around 7,000 years ago, finally resulted in the larger, familiar tomatoes we find in our gardens and tables.

Christopher Columbus brought tomato seeds to Europe in the late 15th century. Because the tomato resembled the poisonous nightshade, it initially faced suspicion and fear.

Tomatoes were once just a garden curiosity admired for their beauty, but adventurous cooks in Italy experimented with them and discovered their unique flavor. Gradually, Europe succumbed to their charms, and tomatoes became a staple in iconic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta sauces. 

From there, trade routes and the influence of the far-reaching Catholic Church, with its experimental monastery gardens, dispersed tomato seeds across the continent. They arrived in North America in the early 18th century but became popular only in the mid-19th century. Today, tomatoes are loved globally for their flavor, versatility, and nutrition.

Uses

The Jubilee Tomato isn't just for show; it's a kitchen workhorse with a sweet secret. Thick slices shine on a classic BLT, the perfect balance of tang and mellow richness. Or sink your teeth into pure summer bliss with a just-picked tomato sprinkled with a pinch of salt. But that's just the start—the Jubilee's lower acidity makes it a star in ways most tomatoes could never be. Juice it for a burst of sweet sunshine that's gentle on your stomach. 

Want a truly incredible sauce? Team up the Jubilee with a classic paste tomato like the San Marzano – the partnership creates a depth of flavor and complexity that's simply unforgettable. Can or preserve it, capturing the taste of summer to savor through those colder months. The Jubilee isn't bound by tradition – its unique flavor begs exploration in savory and sweet dishes.

This versatile tomato can be used in a variety of dishes. You can stuff it with savory mixtures or roast it for a smoky flavor. Grilled Jubilee slices are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or veggie platters. The Jubilee's lower acidity makes it a great alternative in soups and stews.

Jubilee tomatoes are not just for savory dishes; they are excellent in sweet applications. They're great in jams, especially with a hint of citrus or spice. Candying them is another option; they become a chewy, delectable treat as a snack or garnish.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions – basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums can deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

Antagonist Pairings – Potatoes, cabbage, and anything else in the cabbage family.

Pest and Disease Management

Gardeners can combat  tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies by handpicking, using row covers, applying neem oil, and using diatomaceous earth.

Planting and Growing Tips

Plant your Jubilees in a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures healthy growth and the best possible flavor development. Prepare your planting area with compost or aged manure for optimal fertility. Soil that drains well prevents root rot and promotes healthy plants. Install cages or trellises at planting time to avoid damaging roots later. Consistent watering is key to juicy, flavorful tomatoes. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root development. Water in the morning so foliage can dry before evening, reducing disease risk. Drip irrigation is ideal, as it delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing waste and preventing water from splashing on leaves (which can spread disease).

Harvesting Tips

Mornings are the best time to harvest tomatoes. After a night of rest, the fruits are at their most flavorful, and sugars are concentrated. Plus, cooler temperatures make the fruits less likely to bruise during picking. The Jubilee's signature color is your first clue. Look for a rich golden-orange hue throughout the fruit. Give it a gentle squeeze—if it yields slightly to pressure, it's ready! To avoid damaging the vine, hold the stem of the tomato while gently twisting and pulling. If a cluster of tomatoes is ripe, use garden snips to cleanly cut the whole cluster. Picking regularly encourages the plant to produce even more fruits. Don't let those sweet gems languish on the vine – enjoy them at their peak!

Remember, a slightly underripe Jubilee will continue to ripen off the vine, placed in a sunny spot indoors. This is handy if you're facing a frost warning or want to harvest a bunch for canning or preserving. 

Learn More

• Growing Tomatoes 101
• Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes - What's the Difference?
• Heirloom Tomato Growing Tips
• Heirloom Tomato Leaves - Potato Leaf vs Regular Leaf
• Blossom End Rot - What To Do
• Fermented Tomato Conserve
• Sicilian Eggplant and Tomato Sauce

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