Heirloom Tomatoes in the UK: The Ultimate Grower’s Guide (2025)
Heirloom tomatoes are a must-grow for UK gardeners who crave flavour, history, and variety. Unlike modern F1 hybrids, heirloom tomatoes offer open-pollinated genetics, unique colours, and unforgettable taste profiles—perfect for home growers, heritage gardeners, and seed savers.
In this definitive UK-focused guide, we’ll cover some of the best heirloom tomato varieties for British gardens and how to grow them successfully in our climate.
What Are Heirloom Tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations, often over 50+ years. They’re grown for flavour, diversity, and cultural heritage, not commercial yield or uniformity.
Key Characteristics:
Grown from saved seeds, not hybrids
Non-GMO and non-patented
Known for rich taste and irregular shapes
Ideal for seed saving and organic growing
Best Heirloom Tomato Varieties for the UK Climate
The UK’s shorter, cooler summers mean not all heirlooms perform equally. The following varieties are proven performers in UK gardens and greenhouses.
1. Black Russian
Type: Beefsteak
Flavour: Smoky, rich, wine-like
Notes: Best grown under cover in cooler regions
2. Brandywine (Pink or Red)
Type: Large beefsteak
Taste: Sweet and complex
Best for: Greenhouses or warm southern gardens
3. Tigerella
Type: Medium slicer
Appearance: Red with yellow stripes
Notes: Very reliable outdoors in the UK
4. Costoluto Fiorentino
Type: Italian ribbed beefsteak
Taste: Acidic, excellent in sauces
Notes: Prefers protection; great in polytunnels
5. Latah
Type: Small salad tomato
Origin: Developed for cold climates
Perfect for: Short UK seasons, northern gardeners
6. Green Zebra
Type: Small salad tomato
Colour: Striped green even when ripe
Taste: Tangy and zesty
Grows well: In pots or small spaces
7. Yellow Pear
Type: Cherry
Shape: Distinctive pear shape
Flavour: Mild and fruity
Use: Perfect for salads and children’s snacks
Why Grow Heirloom Tomatoes in the UK?
Superior flavour compared to many commercial hybrids
Seed saving helps build food resilience
Aesthetic appeal: Stripes, colours, and shapes
Connection to history: Many varieties date back over a century
Better biodiversity in your garden
How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes in the UK
1. Start Indoors Early
Sow seeds indoors between late February and April. Use heated propagators or warm windowsills for best germination.
2. Harden Off Properly
Before transplanting outside, acclimatise plants gradually to outdoor temperatures over 7–10 days.
3. Choose the Right Location
South-facing walls or greenhouses give heat-loving heirlooms the best chance
Use grow bags, raised beds, or deep containers
4. Feed and Water Consistently
Use tomato-specific feed from first fruit set
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots
5. Support and Prune
Indeterminate (vining) types need stakes or cages
Pinch out side shoots unless it’s a bush type
Common Problems (and Solutions)
Problem: Slow ripening in a cool summer
Solution: Choose early-maturing types like Latah or Tigerella
Problem: Fruit splitting after rain
Solution: Mulch and water evenly; avoid overwatering
Problem: Blossom end rot
Solution: Maintain consistent moisture and calcium; avoid root disturbance
Problem: Blight
Solution: Avoid overhead watering; space plants well; choose early or resistant varieties
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heirloom tomatoes harder to grow in the UK?
Not necessarily. While some require more care, many heirlooms like Tigerella or Latah thrive in UK conditions, especially in protected environments.
Can I save seeds from heirloom tomatoes?
Yes. Unlike hybrids, heirloom tomatoes produce seeds that grow true to type. Just ensure there’s no cross-pollination if growing multiple varieties.
Are heirloom tomatoes organic?
They can be grown organically, but not all heirloom seeds are certified organic. Look for Soil Association or Demetercertified sources if needed.
Do heirloom tomatoes taste better?
Many gardeners and chefs agree heirlooms offer superior, nuanced flavour compared to supermarket hybrids.
Final Thoughts
Heirloom tomatoes are a beautiful blend of history, biodiversity, and flavour—perfect for gardeners who want more than just a red, round tomato. Whether you’re growing in the north of Scotland, the depths of Northern Ireland, the west of Wales or the south of England, or in one of the many beautiful places between, there’s an heirloom variety for you.
Grow them for the taste. Grow them for the story. Grow them because the supermarket never will.
