Plum Tomato
The Federle Tomato is an indeterminate heirloom variety originating from West Virginia, producing impressive 7-inch fruits that reach harvest maturity in about 95 days. These are meaty tomatoes built for serious cooks, loaded with minimal seeds and perfect for transforming into sauces, salsas, and preserved goods. Grow them in full sun, and they'll reward you with a generous, extended harvest throughout the season, whether planted in the ground or in containers.
Full Sun
Moderate
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Annual, Perennial
High
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What sets Federle apart is its West Virginia heritage and its remarkable structure: dense, meaty flesh with few seeds makes it the kind of tomato that cooks actually want to reach for. At 7 inches long, these aren't dainty fruits, they're substantial and purposeful. Whether you're building sauce from scratch or preserving for winter, this variety delivers the texture and yield that justify the 95-day wait.
Federle tomatoes are the cook's tomato, excelling in applications that demand substance and minimal water content. Use them for slow-simmered pasta sauces where their meaty texture breaks down into rich, concentrated flavor. They're equally outstanding for fresh salsas, where their firm flesh holds up beautifully, and they're a canner's dream, the low seed count means less straining and more yield when you're putting up sauce for the year ahead.
Pick Federle tomatoes when they've reached their full 7-inch size and have developed deep color and slight give when gently squeezed. At 95 days from transplant, your plants should be producing steadily. Harvest in the morning when fruits are cool, and handle gently to avoid bruising the meaty flesh.
Because Federle is indeterminate, it will grow indefinitely if left unpruned. Remove suckers, the small shoots that develop between the main stem and branches, to improve airflow and concentrate the plant's energy into fruit production rather than excessive foliage. This is especially important in humid climates where dense growth can trap moisture and invite disease.
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“The Federle Tomato carries the story of West Virginia gardening traditions, emerging from the region's rich heirloom vegetable heritage. While detailed preservation narratives aren't available, this variety's survival speaks to its value in Appalachian kitchens, where canning and sauce-making have always been essential skills passed through generations.”