Sara's Galapagos Tomato Seeds - (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Sara's Galapagos Tomato - The Red Jewel of the Pacific

Sara's Galapagos tomato is distinctive and flavorful, with a fascinating history. This tiny, vibrant, ruby-red currant tomato, about the size of a large raisin, packs a sweet and intense flavor into a little package. But what makes this tomato truly special is its origin story.

Details 

Sara's Galapagos tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They are early producers and continue producing right up until frost. The plants typically reach 3-5 feet tall with a bushy growth habit and regular tomato leaves. The plants are distinctive, with smaller, ruffled leaves and abundant flowers. They are also highly prolific, with each plant often having hundreds of tiny tomatoes ripening at any time. The fruits are the size of large raisins and are highly regarded for their sweet, full, big-tomato taste. Many say they taste like a full-size paste tomato after their first bite. 

The fruits mature in about 70-80 days. As a bonus, Sara's Galapagos tomatoes are disease-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them a relatively low-maintenance variety for gardeners. Interestingly, unlike other tomato varieties, the leaves have a unique scent, often described as fresh, green, and slightly grassy, with a hint of citrus tanginess.

These are different from the Wild Galapagos Tomato, a yellow-orange cherry-sized tomato indigenous to the island.

History

Originating in South America, tomatoes were cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas long before their introduction to Europe. The Aztecs, in particular, believed that tomatoes possessed fertility-enhancing properties. Tomatoes were grown as a crop in Mexico and Peru in pre-Columbian times.

Amy Goldman is an author, artist, and philanthropist deeply passionate about preserving the genetic diversity of heirloom fruits and vegetables. She discovered this tomato in the Galapagos Islands in 2002 with her daughter Sara, searching for wild varieties. While exploring Santa Cruz Island, they stumbled upon this unique tomato strain. The tomato, later named after Sara, turned out to be a likely cross between Solanum pimpinellifolium and the rare Galapagos cherry tomato, Solanum cheesmaniae, making it an unusual cross between two tomato species. Dr. RT Chatelet at the Tomato Genetics Resource Center confirmed it was a stable cross.

Uses

They are delicious eaten fresh, right off the vine, and make a wonderful addition to salads. Their small size and intense flavor also make them ideal for sauces, salsas, and drying.

Companion Planting

Beneficial companion plants - 

• Thyme and basil - repel yellow-striped armyworms.
• Cowpeas - trap crop that lures southern green stink bugs away from tomatoes. Plant several feet away to keep stink bugs from flying to your tomatoes.
• Radish - lures flea beetles from tomatoes.
• Collards - lure harlequin bugs away from tomatoes. Plant several weeks before transplanting tomatoes in areas with heavy infestations.
• Basil - is one of the most important companion plants for tomatoes. Deters thrips and tomato hornworms by masking the scent of the tomato plants. Interplant basil between tomatoes.
• Dill, fennel, and oregano - attract multiple beneficial insects with nectar and pollen. 

Antagonistic plants - 

• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, caraway, cauliflower, and potato.

Growing Tips

• Starting Seeds: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your region. This head start allows the seedlings to establish a robust root system before transplanting.
• Transplanting: Once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, transplant your seedlings into your garden or containers, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart. This spacing gives them ample room to grow and blossom without crowding.
• Sunlight and Soil: Tomatoes thrive in a bright location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Well-drained soil is also essential to prevent soggy roots, which can hinder growth. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Watering and Fertilizing: Provide consistent watering, especially during hot, dry spells, to keep the plants from becoming stressed. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer helps healthy growth and abundant fruit production.  

Harvest Tips

For the most flavorful tomatoes, harvest in the morning. The cool morning air helps preserve their delicate sugars and acids, giving you the best-tasting fruit. Start harvesting when the tomatoes have reached their full, vibrant red color and feel firm yet slightly soft. These tomatoes are at their peak when enjoyed fresh, so plan to use them within a few days of harvesting. To pick a ripe tomato, gently twist or pull—it should come off the vine easily. Store your harvested fruit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, as chilling can damage them and affect their flavor. Continue harvesting regularly until the first frost threatens to end the season.  

Learn More

• Growing Tomatoes 101
• Wild Galapagos Tomato
• 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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