Large to extra large, red crimson heart-shaped fruits are borne singly on rather diminutive plants. Production is high and steady all season long, ramping up towards the end of the season. Fruits are meaty, yet with plenty of juice and very good old time tomato flavor. Seeds are present, but on the low side. I was impressed with the disease resistance and drought tolerance, having planted it at the base of a white pine where it was constantly searching for water in my non-supplementally irrigated 2015 garden.
HISTORY: Unknown. I procured the seed from this variety from Edward Meece at a seed swap in Berea, Ky. Edward is an avid seed collector of local Appalachian varieties so I suspect that this is a variety that has been grown in those parts for many years. A Google search came up with this story, which basically collaborates my theory.
Sold in a 3.5" pot.
BEEF HEART
VARIETY CHARACTERISTICS
GROWTH HABIT: Indeterminate
MATURITY: Mid-season
LEAF TYPE: Regular
FRUIT CLASS: Paste
FRUIT SHAPE: Heart
FRUIT SIZE: Large - XLarge
FRUIT COLOR: Red
ORIGIN: Appalachian heirloom