Named for Honest Abe himself, this Illinois-bred heirloom from the 1920s delivers the straightforward reliability its namesake promised. These indeterminate plants produce hefty 8-ounce red tomatoes with the true, balanced flavor that modern hybrids have lost, maturing in 80-90 days across zones 2-11. Growing 3-8 feet tall, they'll keep producing meaty slicers right up to frost, making them a dependable choice for gardeners who value both substance and authentic tomato taste.
24
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
96in H x ?in W
—
High
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The Abe Lincoln stands out for its exceptional flavor authenticity in an era of bland hybrids, producing remarkably uniform, nearly round fruits that can reach up to 3 pounds each. Its impressive disease resistance package includes protection against seven major tomato ailments, while the plants maintain steady production throughout the season. The variety bears fruit in neat clusters of 4-6 tomatoes, each weighing around a pound with smooth skin that rarely cracks.
These meaty slicers excel in fresh applications where their balanced acidity and substantial texture shine. They're particularly prized for homemade tomato sauce, soup, and pasta dishes, while their classic tomato flavor makes them ideal for homemade ketchup. The substantial flesh and juice content also make them excellent for canning and preserving.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed starting mix at 70-75°F soil temperature. Transplant timing should allow for 87 days from transplant to harvest.
Transplant after soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.
Harvest when tomatoes reach full red color and give slightly to gentle pressure while still feeling firm. The fruits typically weigh around 8 ounces at peak ripeness, though some can reach up to 3 pounds. Pick regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season until first frost.
As indeterminate varieties, these plants benefit from regular pruning of suckers between main stems and branches to concentrate energy into fruit production. Remove lower leaves that touch the ground to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure.
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“The Abe Lincoln tomato emerged in the 1920s in Abraham Lincoln's home state of Illinois, where a local farmer chose its presidential namesake deliberately. He wanted gardeners to know they were getting an honest producer with great flavor, one that would prove as reliable as Lincoln himself. The variety has maintained its reputation for dependability and authentic taste for nearly a century, remaining popular among organic growers and home gardeners who appreciate its straightforward, no-nonsense performance.”