Century-old flavor meets modern versatility: Marglobe tomatoes offer disease resistance, high yields, and a rich flavor perfect for fresh eating and cooking. Discover how to cultivate these resilient heirlooms in your own garden.
The Marglobe tomato, a century-old heirloom variety, boasts a rich history. Developed in 1917 by Fred J. Pritchard of the USDA as a cross between the Globe and Marvel tomatoes, it quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional disease resistance, influencing many modern hybrids, such as the Rutgers. This deep-red, globe-shaped fruit, typically weighing 7-10 ounces, matures in approximately 100 days, offering a taste of history and a connection to generations of gardeners. Explore more about the region’s heritage with the Jewish Piedmont Cultural Card.
A Tomato for Every Gardener
The Marglobe’s resilience makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Its natural resistance to common tomato diseases, like blight and wilt, simplifies cultivation. However, it’s important to remember that various strains of diseases exist, and resistance can vary. Researching prevalent diseases in your area can help protect your plants. This adaptability, along with its high yields, ensures an abundant harvest of flavorful fruit. The ability to propagate Marglobes from cuttings, in addition to the more common seed propagation, offers further flexibility.
Cultivating Your Marglobe Tomatoes
Growing Marglobe tomatoes is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps for a successful harvest:
Starting from Seed (Indoors, February-May)
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, providing a head start for strong, healthy seedlings.
Preparing the Soil
Marglobe tomatoes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal. A simple soil test can determine your garden’s pH and guide necessary amendments. Clay and loam soils likely produce the highest yields, while lighter soils may lead to earlier production.
Transplanting Seedlings (After Last Frost)
Once frost danger passes, transplant seedlings 2-3 feet apart to maximize air circulation and prevent disease.
Watering
Water regularly and deeply, ensuring consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Providing Support
While determinate, meaning they grow to a certain height (typically 3-4 feet) and then stop, Marglobes have a sprawling tendency. Staking or cages offer crucial support for the heavy fruit, preventing branches from breaking.
Pruning (Optional)
Pruning, while not essential, can enhance growth and simplify harvesting. Removing suckers—small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches—may increase yield. However, avoid over-pruning, never removing more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at any time.
From Garden to Table: Harvesting and Enjoying
Harvest Marglobe tomatoes when they reach a deep red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Their crack-resistant skin makes them excellent for canning. Store them in a cool, dry place. Enjoy their rich, tangy flavor fresh in salads and sandwiches or cooked into sauces. For delicious Marglobe canned tomatoes, try using this canning method.
Marglobe vs. Modern Hybrids: A Comparison
Feature
Marglobe (Heirloom)
Modern Hybrids
Disease Resistance
High
Often Very High
Flavor
Rich, Tangy, Complex
Can Vary, Often Sweeter
Fruit Size
Medium (7-10 oz)
Varies Widely
Yield
Good
Often Higher
Adaptability
Good, especially colder climates
Varies
Seed Saving
Yes
No
While modern hybrids may offer higher yields, Marglobes provide a classic flavor and the advantage of seed saving, connecting gardeners to generations past. Discover the serene beauty of Lake Nalubaale for a tranquil escape.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Marglobe tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Some studies suggest that lycopene is better absorbed from cooked tomatoes, making Marglobe sauces a healthy and delicious choice.
Are Marglobe Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?
Marglobe tomatoes are a determinate variety. While they reach a determined height and produce a concentrated harvest, their growth habit is somewhat sprawling. This necessitates the use of cages or stakes to support the plant and its heavy fruit.
A Tomato with a Legacy
Developed in 1917 and released in 1925, the Marglobe tomato played a pivotal role in the development of later hybrids. Its crack-resistant skin makes it ideal for canning, while its rich, classic flavor shines when enjoyed fresh.
How to Prune Marglobe Tomatoes
Pruning Marglobe tomatoes, while not strictly necessary, can enhance growth, improve air circulation, and potentially increase yields.
A Step-by-Step Pruning Guide
Identify suckers: Small shoots growing between the main stem and leaf branches.
Wait for growth: Allow suckers to reach 2-4 inches before pruning.
Prune: Snip or pinch off suckers close to the main stem.
Avoid over-pruning: Never remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at once.
After pruning, provide support by staking or caging.
While this article provides comprehensive information, ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding of tomato cultivation. Explore reputable gardening resources for the latest findings. The Marglobe tomato, a testament to its enduring legacy, offers a rewarding experience for gardeners seeking flavor, history, and versatility.
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