Organic 'Hungarian Heart' Tomato
Organic 'Hungarian Heart' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a huge pink beefsteak tomato, tender, rich and deeply rooted in Hungarian family history
The 'Hungarian Heart' tomato is a remarkable heirloom variety, passed down through generations. Introduced to the United States in 1901 by Hungarian winemaker John Simon , and cultivated for many years within his family before being shared with the Seed Savers Exchange in 1988, it remains a cherished tomato for its bounty, versatility, and rich history. Indeterminate and vigorous, it produces gigantic, tender pink, heart-shaped fruits , often exceeding 1 kg . Their dense, melting flesh, low in seeds, and resistance to cracking make it an exceptional tomato for fresh eating, canning, or cooking—especially roasted sauces , where its sweetness and aroma are beautifully concentrated.
Well-suited to humid climates, it is distinguished by its reliability, natural resistance, and the remarkable quality of its fruit. A truly prized variety for its flavor, impressive size, and the warmth of its Hungarian heritage.
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
Plant height : 120 to 150 cm (4 to 5 ft)
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very large fruit (up to >1 kg), crack resistance, thrives in wet weather, Hungarian family heirloom
Fruit color : Soft pink
Fruit shape : Heart-shaped
Fruit size/weight : Very large/XL (often >1 kg)
Fruit type : Heritage beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Dense, melting, low in seeds, sweet and fragrant
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost . Cover the seeds with 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") of light potting mix and maintain a temperature between 23 and 29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days . Then reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening-off to produce strong seedlings.
Transplant once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart and allow 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3), and install very sturdy supports , necessary to support the large and abundant fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruits are a bright pink and yield slightly to pressure. To advance the harvest, pick tomatoes that have already shown their first color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them at 12–21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their melting texture.
Usage ideas
• Exceptional in thick slices , for lovers of meaty tomatoes
• Perfect for roasted tomato sauce , concentrated and flavorful
• Ideal for canning , thanks to its dense flesh and low seed content
• Magnificent in a dish of heirloom tomatoes , with its delicate pink color
The 'Hungarian Heart' tomato is a treasure of Hungarian heritage: enormous, tender, rich in history, and of exceptional culinary quality. An essential variety for gardeners who love authentic and spectacular beefsteak tomatoes.
