Tomato (Hazel Creek Tomato)

Hazel Creek Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

The Hazel Creek tomato is a rare, historically significant heirloom variety originating from a displaced Appalachian community. It is an indeterminate, potato-leaf plant that yields large, pink beefsteak tomatoes known for their firm, meaty texture and excellent, old-fashioned flavor. 12-20 oz. fruits. 

In the Great Smoky Mountains, there is a beautiful stream called Hazel Creek. The Cherokee lived and hunted in this area and settlers came in the mid 1800's. Along Hazel Creek the towns of Proctor, Cable Branch, Medlin, Bone Valley and Ritter grew and the communities farmed and hunted in the isolated mountainous region until the 1940's when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) planned the construction of Fontana Dam to provide hydroelectric power to the region. 

The dam led to the creation of Lake Fontana and the residents along Hazel Creek were forced to sell their land to the TVA for absurdly low prices. The towns along Hazel Creek were cut off geographically by Lake Fontana and some of the town now languish at the bottom of the lake.

You can access Hazel Creek today by taking a pontoon boat ferry across Fontana and see the ghost towns along Hazel Creek. We have camped along the beautiful banks of Hazel Creek and if you enjoy trout fishing we definitely recommend a visit!

Now, back to the tomato! When forced to relocate, the farmers who abandoned Hazel Creek brought with them the seeds of their favorite tomato variety. For generations, the seeds were kept strictly within these families. It was eventually preserved and introduced to wider gardening circles by Mike Williams, who obtained the seeds via a North Carolina farm agent and a direct family descendant, Dolores Holder.

Taking a bite out of a large, pink Hazel Creek tomato is like stepping back in time. The flavor is outstanding! Buttery, sweet and rich, Hazel Creek is a tomato that you will not forget and one that will bring you back to summer days in your grandparents garden. 

Origin: The parent seed of our Hazel Creek  tomatoes were given to us by Lauren from Mr. & Mrs. Tomato Head (Tomato lovers collaborative). Lauren is a world authority on tomatoes and the original seeds were given to her by Mike Williams. 

(Approximately 20 seeds per packet)

Germination Rate: All of our seed varieties exceed 80% germination and are re-tested every 6 months.

Planting Instructions: We recommend starting tomato seeds indoors in a bright and warm location 4 to 6 weeks before last frost date in spring. Transplant after danger of frost in full sun and trellis.