Can we interest you in trying out a vintage-tasting tomato variety that’s sure to become a favorite?
Then let us introduce you to the Rebekah Allen Tomato! This type of tomato produces heaping amounts of large pink fruits that are highly flavorful. The farmstand-like taste makes you feel this variety has been around for ages!
In this article, let us show you what makes Rebekah Allen Tomatoes unique from other varieties of tomatoes. Then, we’ll explore how these tomatoes were developed, how to grow them properly, and how to use them.
This year do yourself a favor and consider adding the Rebekah Allen Tomato to your planting list!
History of Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
Digging into its history, this heirloom type of tomato was generally bred to create a variety of tomatoes with disease resistance, high-quality fruit, and specific growing habits.
These hybrid varieties became popular and widely selected after WWII, with the need for mass transportation.
Rebekah Allen varieties were popular then like they are now due to their outstanding qualities of producing all season, having a great taste, their uses, and the fact that they can be container plants.
Characteristics of the Rebekah Allen Tomato
The Rebekah Allen Tomato is indeterminate, meaning these plants will continue growing and producing throughout the typical growing season. The word Indeterminate refers to a vining tomato plant.
As we learned from its history above, this variety is an heirloom tomato. This variety of tomato plants grow on the shorter side for a vining tomato; you may be able to skip out on the need for a tomato cage!
You can expect your Rebekah Allen Tomato plant to give off heavy yields of large pink fruit.
Ripening Season
Rebekah Allen Tomatoes take 7-14 days to sprout, and a full 70-80 days to produce and ripen. The wait is worth it! These tomatoes do best if planted in the early Spring to grow to maturity.
Tomato Qualities
This variety of tomato is large and oblate in shape, with a pink-like color. When fully ripened, it’s complex and rich in flavor. These tomatoes are known as the ideal balance of sweet and tart.
Tomato Size
This large variety of tomatoes grow 3-5 inches in diameter, and each tomato weighs eight ounces.
Planting Zones
This plant grows best in Zone 11 and at a soil temperature between 75 °F to 90 °F. Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost before planting in a garden.
Size and Spacing
The Rebekah Allen Tomato grows into a shorter-sized plant. Therefore, the height of this plant will likely only reach to be 3 feet tall.
As a seed, plant this variety of tomato 1/8- 1/4 of an inch deep into the soil. Allow a spacing of 24 inches between each tomato plant when placed in a garden.
Pollination
Rebekah Allen Tomato plants are self-pollinating and produce without the help of insects and animals that naturally assist with the pollination process.
Plant Care
The following sections will provide highlights about tomato care. For a complete guide on optimal tomato plant care, from planting to harvesting and storage, please check out our article on How To Grow Tomatoes: The Complete Guide For the Best Tomatoes. You may also be interested in our blog post on how to grow big tomatoes!
Sunlight
The Rebekah Allen Tomato thrives best in 6-8 hours of full sunlight a day.
Soil
Rebekah Allen Tomatoes grow best in quality, well-drained soil. If you plan to grow these plants in containers, place small rocks and mulch at the bottom of your pot for drainage.
Water
This variety is mesic. Tomato plants require more water in the heat but be careful not to overwater. Every other day should be sufficient. Also, never water the plant’s leaves; this helps keep away disease.
Stick your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, then add water. If your soil is wet, wait a day or so. Not providing proper drainage leads to root rot, so never skip good drainage when planting.
Fertilizer
While transplanting your Rebekah Allen Tomato plant, add a natural fertilizer. Different brands and fertilizer options are found at your local garden center or Farmer’s market.
Tomatoes require specific nutrients (such as calcium) to produce their best crops of fruit. To learn how to determine what your tomatoes need and when they need it, consult our ultimate tomato fertilizer guide.
Pruning/Pinching
Indeterminate tomato plants can be pinched back, and they’ll still form buds and new tomatoes. Pinch back the plants as needed to shape them and keep them under control.
Pruning and pinching are a tomato care technique that can help your tomato put forth its best yield. But you need to know when to do this and what tomatoes need it. To help you with this, visit our pruning tomatoes guide.
Disease
These plants have some disease resistance. However, the plants can develop blossom end rot due to unbalanced calcium. They are also prone to root rot when overwatered.
Use young, healthy transplants over directly sowing your seeds into the garden to prevent diseases. Fungicides also reduce certain conditions when properly applied.
To learn how to detect, treat, and take steps to prevent diseases, read our tomato diseases guide.
Pests
Tomato hornworms are a common pest that snack on the leaves and fruits of tomato plants. They cause significant damage but can be controlled.
For information to help you spot, eliminate, and deter 15 different pests, visit our guide on common tomato pests.
When To Harvest Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
The best time to harvest your Rebekah Allen tomatoes is when they are firm, oblate in shape, and pinkish-red in color.
With outside garden plants, make sure to watch for frost advisories to avoid killing your plants.
Rebekah Allen Tomatoes dislike extreme heat, over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can pick the fruit early and place them in a mason jar on your window sill or in a brown paper bag for additional ripening.
Common Uses For Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
There are a variety of uses when it comes to tomatoes; let’s explore what to do with your harvest!
What Does A Rebekah Allen Tomato Taste Like?
Rebekah Allen Tomatoes taste sweet, with tartness and a punch of old-world undertones. The fruit is very rich in flavor when fully ripened. Growers describe this tomato’s flavor as an ideal balance of sweet and tart.
Cooking
As for cooking, we suggest using them in casseroles, chili, chunky pasta sauces, or diced up in recipes.
Eating Raw
Because of their taste, they’re delicious to eat raw or as a topping to salads, tacos, sandwiches, or any food you enjoy having sliced tomatoes with!
Canning / Freezing / Drying
The Rebekah Allen Tomato does well canned; follow the typical routine for canning tomatoes.
If you choose to freeze Rebekah Allen tomatoes, they will lose some of the rich taste, so use them for cooking after defrosting. You could also dehydrate Rebekah Allen Tomatoes for later use.
For best flavor, these tomatoes should never be refrigerated. However, Rebekah Allen Tomatoes will keep for 5-7 days at room temperature after harvesting.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipes that would work great with Rebekah Allen Tomatoes!
Health Benefits of Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a healthy option as they protect you against cell damage. In addition, these tomatoes are crammed with potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin E.
Where To Buy Rebekah Allen Tomato Plants or Seeds
Here is an online site that offers seeds for purchase. The best advice is to order Rebekah Allen Tomato seeds during the late winter, so you are ready to plant after the last Spring frost.
Starter plants may be available at a garden center or your local Farmer’s market.
Where To Buy Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
Health Food stores or Farmer’s markets are likely to carry this variety to try out!
Wrapping Up Rebekah Allen Tomatoes
Now you know why choosing to grow Rebekah Allen tomatoes this spring would be such a treat in your garden this year! You’ll have many options for your harvest, such as eating them raw, used in your recipes, and cooking them.
Are there beautiful and tasty Rebekah Allen tomatoes growing in your garden in the summer? If so, tell us about them in the comments section below!
Do you grow Orange Icicle tomatoes in your garden? We’d love to hear all about your experiences with it in the comments section below! Excited for more tomato content? Then visit our tomato page for growing tips, comprehensive guides, and tasty recipes!