Berkeley Tie Dye Heirloom Tomato Characterization Descriptors
Infinite Seeds Association
We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.
History and Origin of the Variety
Historical Origin
Berkeley Tie Dye is an extraordinary heirloom variety created by legendary breeder Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms in Napa Valley, California. This variety originated in Brad Gates' experimental fields between 1999 and 2000, when it emerged as an unknown stable cross in a batch of 500 F2 Beauty King plants at Wild Boar Farms. The variety represents one of Brad Gates's earliest successes and is considered the starting point of his revolutionary work in developing uniquely colored tomatoes.
The name "Tie Dye" came about spontaneously when a customer at an Oakland farmers market held the tomato up to his tie-dye T-shirt and laughed at the similarity in pattern. Brad Gates immediately embraced this descriptive name, which perfectly captures the variety's psychedelic appearance. This variety has become the flagship of Wild Boar Farms and is considered by Brad Gates himself to be his "magnum opus" among all his creations.
Curiosities of Variety
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Brad Gates' Masterpiece : Considered by its creator as his most important achievement among all its varieties
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Fortuitous origin : Spontaneously emerged from F2 plants of Beauty King in 1999-2000
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Iconic Name : Named after a customer compared the tomato to a tie-dye t-shirt
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Color Pioneer : One of the first varieties to popularize striped multicolored tomatoes
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Flavor Champion : Has won multiple flavor competitions, including the Petaluma Heirloom Expo
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Historical Bestseller : Wild Boar Farms' best-selling variety in both seeds and plants
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Generational inspiration : It has served as the genetic basis for multiple subsequent varieties
Cultural Importance
Berkeley Tie Dye represents a milestone in the modern history of heirloom tomato breeding, ushering in the era of artistic and visually stunning tomatoes. This variety not only revolutionized tomato aesthetics but also demonstrated that extreme beauty and exceptional flavor could coexist in a single variety. Its commercial and critical success established Brad Gates as a legendary figure in the world of heirloom tomatoes and validated the concept of tomatoes as edible works of art. The variety symbolizes California creativity and innovation in artisanal agriculture.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Berkeley Tie Dye" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect and compact |
| Plant height |
Medium-high (150-180 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Strong |
| Color of young stem |
Green |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Present |
| Hair density |
Average |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Dark green |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular (normal sheet) |
| Leaflet edge |
Jagged |
| Leaf pubescence |
Present |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Berkeley Tie Dye" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblate - Lightly ribbed beefsteak |
| Fruit weight |
Medium-large (220-450 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Large (10-12 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Green with purple stripes |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Green-yellow with metallic red and purple stripes |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Distinctive multi-colored striped pattern |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Present (metallic green) |
| Shoulder shape |
Distinctive metallic striping |
| Surface smoothness |
Smooth with slight grooves |
| Presence of ribs |
Slightly ribbed |
| Fruit shine |
Shiny metallic |
| Chalice scar |
Average |
| Pistil scar |
Small |
| Number of locules |
4-6 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular |
| Thickness of the walls |
Thick (6-8 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Firm and fleshy |
| Pulp color |
Green with red and yellow veins |
| Amount of juice |
Juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Few (<40) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Berkeley Tie Dye" |
| Days to flowering |
Early-medium (65-75) |
| Days to harvest |
Medium (75-85 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Tall (4-6 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
High (15-25) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (early to mid-season) |
| Heat tolerance |
Good |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Low light adaptation |
Good (adapted to California fog) |
| Recommended spacing |
50-60 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Evaluation for "Berkeley Tie Dye" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Moderately resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Moderately resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Moderately resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Susceptible |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Susceptible |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Aphids |
Susceptible |
| Cracking |
Moderately resistant |
| Foggy conditions |
Excellent |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BERKELEY TIE DYE" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Unique Psychedelic Appearance : Green-yellow-red metallic striped pattern resembling 1960s tie-dye art
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Competition-winning flavor : Complex, sweet flavor with balanced acidity that has won multiple tasting competitions
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Artistic meat : Green flesh with red and yellow veins that creates a visual spectacle when cut
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Legendary creation : Brad Gates' masterpiece, considered the pinnacle of Wild Boar Farms
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Exceptional productivity : Compact plants that produce abundantly throughout the season
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Climate Versatility : Specially adapted to the foggy conditions of the San Francisco Bay Area
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Remarkable precocity : Earlier than many beefsteak varieties of similar size
Limitations:
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Limited availability : High demand makes it difficult to obtain in many markets
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Sensitivity to cultivation : Requires careful cultivation conditions to fully express its characteristics
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Seasonal variability : Color expression may vary depending on weather conditions
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Premium Price : Seeds and plants usually have a higher cost due to their prestige
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Excessive popularity : Sometimes over-promoted, creating very high expectations
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Imitations : There are similar varieties that can be confused with the original.
Recommended Uses:
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Food display : Perfect for dishes where the visual impact is as important as the taste
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Culinary photography : Ideal for food photography due to its spectacular and unique colors
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Farmers Markets : Excellent for attracting customers and standing out from other producers
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Elite Collectibles : A must-have for collectors of Brad Gates and Wild Boar Farms varieties
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Gourmet Salads : Perfect for special salads where each slice is a work of art
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Taste competitions : Ideal for competitions and comparative tastings
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Breeding Education : An excellent tool for teaching about heirloom variety innovation
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Demonstration Gardens : Perfect for showcasing modern creativity in tomato development
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Genetic Conservation : It is important to preserve this California innovation for future generations.
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Avant-garde gastronomy : Highly appreciated by chefs seeking unique and visually striking ingredients
Data based on Wild Boar Farms documentation, interviews with Brad Gates, Tatiana's TOMATOBase records, information from the Experimental Farm Network, testimonials from specialty growers, and archives of Heirloom Expo taste competitions.
