FYI - Tomatofest has a long list of rare varieties that they're discontinuing. I'm a sucker for rare seeds and am just passing the info on in case there's anyone else interested. Some are harder to find than others, while others I'd not necessarily consider rare.

https://www.tomatofest.com/RARE_Seeds_T ... _s/175.htm

Thank you.

Interesting. I read the whole list of tomatoes that they said that they were discontinuing because they were not selling and reducing their inventory. The list was quite long and I felt bad that they were dropping so very many varieties. I noticed that OR 117 was on the list. After reading the discontinued list I went to new varieties for 2023. To my surprise there was OR 117 listed as new. Hmm...

This leads me to believe that the seeds being offered as discontinued are old seeds and the 'new' list are seeds that are from a fresh grow out. I also noticed that many of the 'discontinued' seeds are not on sale.

From my experience it is hard to know what you are buying from this company because they do not date their seed packs.

A good number of those offered are easily found elsewhere and cheaper too! Even ones that are "on sale".

I‘m a bit sad to find Dominico in that list. A relative was given this variety by a Spaniard in the 30’s, it then conquered a big area of the town. I sent seeds to tomatofest.It’s red, productive, tasty.

loulac wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:14 am I‘m a bit sad to find Dominico in that list. A relative was given this variety by a Spaniard in the 30’s, it then conquered a big area of the town. I sent seeds to tomatofest.It’s red, productive, tasty.

You ought to send a few seeds to Dale Thurber at Delectation of Tomatoes. He is a great vendor and is committed to preserving heirloom varieties.

A good idea but first I must check if the variety has not been hybridized along the years. Fortunately I still have original seeds. Will they germinate ? I will know it in a few months.

loulac wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 3:10 am A good idea but first I must check if the variety has not been hybridized along the years. Fortunately I still have original seeds. Will they germinate ? I will know it in a few months.

I actually ordered Dominico from their sale, so it's really nice to hear the back story on the variety from someone involved in its history. I hope it's unchanged and that your original seeds still germinate for you.

Patti, have you bought seeds from Dale Thurber ? I started going thru his seed store several times and got exhausted.
His best tasting list has been a valuable source I must have looked at over a dozen times for reference.

@LindaJean I buy seeds from Dale every year. He is quite willing to take the time to talk to you if you have a question. He ships quickly and gives you a bonus pack of seeds too. He is one of my 'go to' sources. '

Some of his seed is on the older side but he has a new property where he is able to grow more varieties than before so he will better be able to keep up with the rotation. So just email him and ask how old the seeds are if you think it may be a problem.

Thanks for answering my question Patti, Dale sure has a splendid amount of selection.
The problem isn't how old the seeds are, it's with how old I am.
Mummy

It's amazing Dale has time to email. I wonder if the health benefits from eating several thousand tomatoes a year are restorative to the point one needs less or no sleep..