Tomato

Celebrate the beauty of homegrown produce with the WerkShoppe Cotton Tea Towel – Tomatoes.
This vibrant design showcases a variety of juicy, ripe tomatoes, freshly picked and illustrated in stunning detail.
Made from 100% cotton, this towel is ultra-absorbent, soft, and perfect for everyday kitchen use. The full-coverage print brings a rustic charm to your space, making it a delightful addition for food lovers, gardeners, and home chefs alike. Machine washable and complete with a branded hanging loop, it’s both practical and decorative—ideal for drying dishes or adding a pop of farm-to-table flair to your kitchen.

Measures 45.7 cm (W) × 71.1 cm (H), making it a perfect size for everyday kitchen use.

Solanum lycopersicum

Arcadia is a compact determinate tomato producing medium-sized, red, slightly flattened fruits approximately 5–7 cm across. The tomatoes have good flavour, firm skin and excellent keeping qualities, combining eating quality with the durability needed for handling and transport.

Selected for commercial fresh-market growers in northern Victoria, Arcadia was developed for vine ripening in full sun while retaining firmness after harvest. Plants form compact bushes to approximately 50 cm high, making them useful where space is limited as well as for larger plantings.

Tomatoes originated in the Andes of western South America and were later domesticated and cultivated in Central America before spreading around the world. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain carotenoids including lycopene. Tomatoes prefer an open, sunny position and fertile soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged conditions. Water at soil level rather than overhead where possible to help reduce foliar disease.

As a determinate variety, Arcadia produces its crop on a compact bush and generally requires less training than indeterminate tomatoes, although support can be useful when plants are heavily laden with fruit.

Maturity: approximately 60–120 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Aunty Ruby's Green is a distinctive heirloom beefsteak tomato producing large, slightly flattened fruits that can reach approximately 12 × 15 cm. The flesh remains green when ripe, developing a soft texture and exceptionally sweet, juicy flavour with a characteristic complexity that sets it apart from red tomatoes.

This American heirloom originated with Ruby Arnold of Greeneville, Tennessee, and was later introduced to the wider seed-saving community. It has since become one of the best-known green-when-ripe heirloom tomatoes. Fruits are best picked when they soften slightly and develop a subtle yellowish blush.

A vigorous indeterminate variety, plants continue growing, flowering and producing throughout the season and require sturdy staking or trellising. The large fruits are particularly good eaten fresh, where their unusual flavour can be fully appreciated.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide strong support for the vigorous climbing vines and heavy fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 100 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Baby Red Pear is a prolific heirloom tomato producing small, bright red, pear-shaped fruits up to approximately 40 mm long. The fruits ripen in attractive clusters and have a sweet, juicy flavour, making them excellent for snacking, salads, lunchboxes and colourful platters.

Pear-shaped tomatoes have been recorded since at least the early 19th century, with red and yellow forms becoming enduring favourites in home gardens. Baby Red Pear combines the distinctive shape with vigorous growth, heavy yields and a particularly long cropping season.

An indeterminate variety, plants continue flowering and setting fruit throughout the growing season. The vigorous vines benefit from staking or trellising, with regular picking encouraging continued production.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy support for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 78 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Banana Legs is an unusual paste tomato producing abundant elongated, oval fruits approximately 70–80 mm long, often with a distinctive slight bend. The fruits ripen to a bright golden yellow and have firm, thick flesh with relatively little juice, giving them the substantial texture expected of a paste tomato.

Developed in the United States by breeder John Swenson and introduced through Seed Savers Exchange in the 1980s, Banana Legs was selected for its unusual colour, productive habit and distinctive elongated fruit. Its firm flesh is excellent for sauces, roasting and preserving, while the mild flavour and striking colour also make it attractive sliced fresh.

A determinate variety, plants remain relatively compact and produce a concentrated, heavy crop, making them particularly useful for gardeners wanting tomatoes for preserving or sauce making.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions. Although determinate, plants may benefit from support when carrying a heavy crop.

Maturity: approximately 72–78 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Beefsteak is a classic heirloom tomato producing large, bright red, flattened and lightly ribbed fruit with firm, juicy flesh and outstanding flavour. Ideal for slicing, these impressive tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads and fresh eating. Vigorous indeterminate plants require staking or trellising and will reward gardeners with a generous harvest over an extended season.

Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July (dry season)
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to November after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in seed trays or pots and keep warm until germination. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, frost-free position once they are well established, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Provide sturdy stakes or a trellis for support and water consistently to encourage even fruit development. Harvest ripe fruit approximately 80–100 days from sowing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Best Of Bonn is an old-fashioned cherry tomato producing attractive red, pear-shaped fruits to approximately 40 mm long. The small fruits have a juicy texture and rich tomato flavour, making them excellent for salads, snacking, garnishes and cooking whole.

The variety takes its name from Bonn, Germany, and belongs to the long tradition of European pear-shaped tomatoes grown for their distinctive form and productive habit. The bright red fruits develop in clusters and provide an attractive crop over an extended season.

An indeterminate variety, Best Of Bonn continues growing, flowering and setting fruit throughout the season. The vigorous vines benefit from staking or trellising, with regular harvesting encouraging continued production.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy support for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Big Pear is a productive paste tomato producing large, elongated red fruits with the classic Roma-style shape. The fruits have firm, fleshy interiors and relatively little juice, making them particularly well suited to sauces, passata, preserving and cooking.

Its substantial fruits offer the usefulness of a paste tomato while the indeterminate growth habit provides an extended harvest rather than a single concentrated crop. Fruits can also be roasted, dried or used fresh when a firmer, meatier tomato is preferred.

An indeterminate variety, Big Pear continues growing, flowering and producing throughout the season and benefits from sturdy staking or trellising to support the vigorous vines and heavy fruit.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy support for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Big Rainbow is a spectacular heirloom beefsteak tomato producing very large golden-yellow fruits streaked and marbled with pink and red. Individual fruits can reach around 600 g, with the colourful exterior continuing through the flesh when sliced.

The flavour is mild, sweet and juicy, with relatively low acidity, making Big Rainbow particularly good for fresh eating, sandwiches and colourful tomato salads. Its large, meaty fruits develop their best flavour when allowed to ripen fully on the vine.

An old American heirloom, Big Rainbow became widely known through the seed-saving movement and remains popular for its unusual colouring, generous fruit size and excellent eating quality. The vigorous indeterminate vines crop over an extended season and require sturdy support.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising to support the vigorous vines and heavy fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 80 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Black Cherry is a vigorous heirloom tomato producing attractive clusters of small, dusky purple cherry tomatoes approximately 25 mm across. The fruit has a rich, sweet flavour with the complex depth that makes black tomatoes so highly regarded. An indeterminate climbing variety, it produces generously over a long season and is perfect for snacking straight from the vine, salads, roasting and entertaining.

Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July (dry season)
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to November after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in seed trays or pots and keep warm until germination. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, frost-free position once they are well established, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Provide a sturdy stake, cage or trellis, as this vigorous indeterminate variety will continue climbing and producing throughout the season. Water consistently and harvest ripe fruit from approximately 70 days after sowing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Black Cherry is a vigorous heirloom tomato producing attractive clusters of small, dusky purple cherry tomatoes approximately 25 mm across. The fruit has a rich, sweet flavour with the complex depth that makes black tomatoes so highly regarded. An indeterminate climbing variety, it produces generously over a long season and is perfect for snacking straight from the vine, salads, roasting and entertaining.

Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July (dry season)
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to November after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in seed trays or pots and keep warm until germination. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, frost-free position once they are well established, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Provide a sturdy stake, cage or trellis, as this vigorous indeterminate variety will continue climbing and producing throughout the season. Water consistently and harvest ripe fruit from approximately 70 days after sowing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Black Krim is a striking heirloom beefsteak tomato producing large, slightly flattened fruits to approximately 90 mm across. The fruits ripen to deep red with distinctive dusky purple to brown-black shoulders, particularly when exposed to plenty of sun.

The flesh is juicy and richly flavoured, with the complex, slightly smoky and savoury character for which dark tomatoes are prized. Excellent fresh in salads and sandwiches, Black Krim is also particularly good sliced thickly and grilled for breakfast.

Originating from the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea, now part of Ukraine, Black Krim takes its name from “Krim”, the Ukrainian word for Crimea. It became internationally known through seed-saving networks and is now one of the most widely grown dark heirloom tomatoes.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the vigorous vines and heavy fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety. 

Solanum lycopersicum

Black Russian is a distinctive heirloom tomato producing round fruits approximately 40–60 mm across. The skin ripens to deep red with a dusky purple blush, while the flesh develops a rich chocolate-red colour that creates striking contrast when sliced.

The flavour is sweet, rich and complex, making it an excellent fresh-eating tomato for salads, sandwiches and platters. Its unusual colouring also makes it particularly attractive combined with yellow, green and red tomato varieties.

Black Russian belongs to the group of dark or “black” heirloom tomatoes associated with Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region. A vigorous indeterminate variety, it continues flowering and producing fruit over an extended season and benefits from sturdy support.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 80–100 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Brandywine is a renowned old Amish heirloom tomato, treasured since at least 1885 for its exceptional flavour and impressive fruit. This indeterminate climbing variety produces large, flattened, pinkish tomatoes up to 12 cm across with firm, meaty flesh, few seeds and a mild, low-acid flavour. Widely regarded as one of the finest slicing tomatoes, Brandywine is perfect for sandwiches, salads and enjoying fresh from the garden. It is believed to have been named after Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania.

Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July (dry season)
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to November after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in seed trays or pots and keep warm until germination. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, frost-free position once well established, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. As an indeterminate variety, Brandywine requires staking, caging or trellising for support. Water consistently and feed regularly throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit approximately 80–100 days from sowing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Break O' Day is an early-cropping tomato producing smooth, round, deep red fruits of medium size. The thin-skinned fruits have excellent flavour while remaining firm enough for handling and transport, a combination that made the variety valuable to both home and commercial growers.

Introduced commercially in 1932, Break O' Day became an established Australian variety valued for its dependable cropping across a wide range of growing conditions. Similar in appearance and eating quality to Grosse Lisse, it crops earlier and was once widely grown for the fresh market.

A vigorous indeterminate variety, plants continue flowering and producing throughout the season. Its combination of early maturity, good flavour, reliable yields and shipping quality makes it a particularly useful old commercial tomato.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Brown Berry is an unusual cherry tomato producing clusters of small, round fruits that ripen to a rich mahogany-brown with dusky green shoulders. The flesh is dark red-brown, giving the fruit the distinctive colouring associated with black and purple heirloom tomatoes.

The flavour is sweet, rich and slightly smoky, with more depth than many traditional cherry tomatoes. Excellent eaten straight from the vine, the fruits also add striking colour to salads, bruschetta and mixed tomato platters.

A vigorous indeterminate variety, Brown Berry continues flowering and setting fruit throughout the growing season, producing generous clusters over an extended period. The climbing vines benefit from sturdy staking or trellising.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.