Organic 'Bonny Best' Tomato
Organic 'Bonny Best' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a classic from the 1900s: sweet, reliable, meaty and perfect for canning
The 'Bonny Best' tomato is an iconic heirloom variety from the early 1900s , prized for its old-fashioned flavor , consistency, and versatility. Indeterminate and vigorous, it produces beautiful, round, smooth, red, and meaty fruits in mid-season, with a balanced sweetness and a classic red heirloom tomato aroma. This variety is a historical favorite for canning , thanks to its firm texture and consistent taste, but it shines equally when sliced or in salads.
Adapted to cooler climates , 'Bonny Best' is known for its reliability even in short or variable summers, which explains its longevity in North American gardens. A timeless heirloom tomato, simple, flavorful, and perfectly versatile.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/port : Undetermined, reliable and productive
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Variety from the early 1900s, excellent for canning, sweet and meaty flavor, very reliable
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Round, smooth
Fruit size/weight : Average
Fruit type : Table tomato / Canned tomato
Texture/flesh : Meaty, juicy, traditional sweet flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Place the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix, maintaining a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5–10 days . During the hardening-off period, reduce watering and nitrogen to strengthen the seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36") apart, with 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3) , and sturdy staking to support continued production.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a vibrant red and slightly soft. To get an earlier harvest, pick at the first sign of color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store between 12–21°C , at 95% relative humidity , to maintain its firm, fleshy texture.
Usage ideas
• Excellent in preserves, sauces, and coulis
• Perfect sliced for salads and sandwiches
• Delicious cooked : simmered, roasted or confit
• Ideal for classic tomato platters , timeless red flavor
The 'Bonny Best' tomato is a staple of horticultural heritage: simple, flavorful, reliable, and perfectly suited for canning as well as everyday cooking. A variety that absolutely deserves to be rediscovered.
