Knowledgebase
Tomatoes #892374
Asked February 06, 2025, 2:06 PM EST
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
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There are many tomato varieties that do great in west Michigan. Buy your seeds or plants from an established greenhouse grower or garden center. It’s generally a safe bet that a company that has been doing business for many years will offer a quality product. One factor to consider is disease resistance. More on that here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_fresh_healthy_garden_transplants_pay_big_dividends
More tips for selecting the right tomato for you here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_fresh_growing_tomatoes
In Michigan, there are several indeterminate tomato varieties that are renowned for their excellent flavor and productivity. Here are some top choices for you:
1. Brandywine - This heirloom variety is famous for its superb taste and is often considered one of the best-tasting tomatoes available.
2. Better Boy - A hybrid that is both productive and flavorful, it has good resistance to diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
3. Big Beef - Known for its large, flavorful fruits and high yield, this indeterminate variety is a favorite among growers.
4. Cherokee Purple - Another heirloom, this variety offers a sweet, rich flavor, and it performs well in various conditions.
These varieties tend to be well-suited for the climate in Michigan and can enhance your gardening experience with their delicious fruits and productive nature.
Grafting: Grafting tomatos takes a bit more effort and one must consider the time and cost, and may not be suitable in all situations. Before you decide whether to incorporate grafting, consider specific disease pressures, scion and rootstock cultivars, and production practices.
More of grafting here:
https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ho/ho-260-w.pdf