Organic 'Cache Valley Currant' Tomato
'Cache Valley Currant' organic tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) from the seed company Gaia, a wild currant tomato, tiny, aromatic and extraordinarily productive
The 'Cache Valley Currant' tomato is a fascinating heirloom variety derived from Solanum pimpinellifolium , the ancestral wild species of all modern tomatoes. Collected from a natural population of currant tomatoes in Cache Valley, Utah , and then selected and domesticated by renowned breeder Joseph Lofthouse , it represents a rare bridge between the primitive tomato and contemporary cultivation.
Indeterminate and vigorous while remaining small , it produces a profusion of tiny, aromatic, glossy, and intensely flavorful red fruits, 3/8" (≈ 1 cm) in diameter. Their vibrant fragrance is reminiscent of wild tomatoes: sweet and tangy, bright, with unparalleled intensity. The plants, though compact, can climb to 6–8 feet , forming cascades of slender, productive clusters.
Like all wild currant tomatoes, germination can be irregular or slower , but once established, the plant becomes virtually unstoppable. A must-have variety for collectors, naturalist gardeners, and anyone who wants to experience the true essence of the tomato.
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/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous but slender
Plant height : 180 to 240 cm (6–8')
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Wild species, tiny fruits (XS), intense flavor, variable germination
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Very small, round, currant type
Fruit size/weight : Extra-small (XS/XP, approximately 1 cm)
Fruit type : Wild gooseberry tomato
Texture/flesh : Lively, aromatic, sweet-tart, explosive
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out , but be patient: germination of wild varieties can be irregular and slower than that of cultivated tomatoes. Sow 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep and maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C . Germination can take between 5 and 20 days .
During the hardening-off period, reduce water and nitrogen to promote robust growth.
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed. Space the plants widely— 90 to 150 cm (3–5') between plants and between rows—as they spread into very productive, slender stems. Grow in full sun , water regularly (level 3), and provide light staking if necessary.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the tiny fruits turn bright red . Their small size allows for frequent and continuous harvesting. To bring forward the harvest, pick the slightly orange fruits and then let them finish ripening off the vine at 22°C or above . Store at 12–21°C , under 95% humidity , to preserve their aromatic intensity.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for snacking right in the garden , a burst of wild flavor
• Delicious in delicate salads , where its bright red highlights stand out
• Excellent in fresh sauces , adding intensity and aroma
• Ideal for drying or for garnishing miniature gourmet dishes
The 'Cache Valley Currant' tomato is a treasure trove of biodiversity: a small, wild, aromatic, heirloom variety steeped in history. An essential choice for those who want to grow a primitive, vibrant, and extraordinarily productive tomato.