Characterization Descriptors for Heirloom Tomato "Big Rosy Underwood"
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
Big Rosy Underwood is an extraordinary heirloom variety that represents one of America's oldest and most valuable agricultural heritages. This ancient variety has been cultivated continuously in Maryland for nearly 200 years, tracing its roots back to a history dating back to the early 19th century, when local farming communities developed and preserved varieties specifically adapted to the region's climate and soil conditions.
The variety remained a local family treasure for nearly two centuries, carefully preserved by generations of Maryland farmers who recognized its exceptional qualities. Its introduction to the modern commercial market is thanks to the work of Terroir Seeds, a company specializing in the preservation of unique heirloom varieties, which recognized the priceless value of this genetic heirloom and decided to make it available to a wider audience.
Curiosities of Variety
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Bicentennial Heirloom : Grown in Maryland for approximately 200 years, one of the oldest documented varieties
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Multiple names : Also known as "Big Rosy", "Big Rosey", or simply "Underwood"
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Family Preservation : Kept alive exclusively by Maryland families for nearly two centuries
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Modern rescue : Introduced to the trade by Terroir Seeds to prevent its loss
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Competition with Brandywine : Its flavor can rival the legendary Brandywine variety
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Pink Giant : Fruits that easily exceed 300 grams
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Natural resistance : It developed natural resistance to diseases during its 200 years of cultivation.
Cultural Importance
Big Rosy Underwood represents the quintessence of family farm preservation on the East Coast of the United States. This variety embodies the tradition of rural Maryland communities of maintaining and improving local varieties for generations, perfectly adapting them to the specific conditions of the region. Its survival for 200 years without commercial intervention demonstrates the critical importance of family farmers as guardians of genetic diversity. Its modern rescue and commercialization by Terroir Seeds represents a successful example of how specialized companies can save endangered varieties.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Review for "Big Rosy Underwood" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect and vigorous |
| Plant height |
Tall (170-200 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 |
Review for "Big Rosy Underwood" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblate - round, slightly ribbed |
| Fruit weight |
Large (300-800 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Large (8-12 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Green |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Deep pink |
| Color intensity |
Intense |
| Color uniformity |
Uniform |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Absent |
| Shoulder shape |
Gently rounded |
| Surface smoothness |
Smooth with slight grooves |
| Presence of ribs |
Discreetly grooved |
| Fruit shine |
Bright |
| 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 |
Deep pink |
| Amount of juice |
Juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Few (<40) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Review for "Big Rosy Underwood" |
| Days to flowering |
Medium (70-75) |
| Days to harvest |
Medium (80-85 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Tall (5-7 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
Medium-high (12-20) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (mid-season) |
| Heat tolerance |
Good |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Low light adaptation |
Good |
| Recommended spacing |
60-75 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Review for "Big Rosy Underwood" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Moderately resistant |
| 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 |
Resistant |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BIG ROSY UNDERWOOD" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Bicentennial Heritage : Represents 200 years of continuous cultivation in Maryland, one of the oldest varieties in the United States
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Flavor comparable to Brandywine : Recognized for its exceptional flavor that can rival the legendary Brandywine variety
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Developed resistance : During its 200 years of cultivation, it has developed natural resistance to multiple diseases.
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Perfect regional adaptation : Optimized for the specific conditions of the East Coast of the United States
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Reliable productivity : Excellent production maintained over two centuries of selection
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Large and uniform fruits : Large tomatoes with remarkable consistency in shape and quality
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Rescued Heirloom : Saved from extinction by the work of Terroir Seeds
Limitations:
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Very limited availability : Extremely rare due to its exclusive family preservation for centuries
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Vulnerability to modern diseases : Susceptible to contemporary bacterial and viral pathogens
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Specialized knowledge : Requires experience in growing very old historical varieties
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Specific Adaptation : Optimized for Maryland conditions, may require adaptation in other climates
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Scarce seeds : Difficult to obtain seeds due to their extreme rarity
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Limited documentation : Little technical information available due to family preservation
Recommended Uses:
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Historic Heritage Preservation : Essential to Preserving This Bicentennial Maryland Relic
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Premium fresh consumption : Exceptional for fresh consumption and slicing due to its flavor comparable to Brandywine
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Historical Collecting : A must for collectors of American historical varieties
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Genetic research : Valuable for studies on the evolution and adaptation of heirloom varieties
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Heritage Gardens : Ideal for gardens dedicated to the agricultural history of Maryland and the Eastern Shore
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Preservation Education : Perfect tool for teaching the importance of family conservation
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Historic Restoration : Excellent for 19th century historic garden restoration projects
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Artisanal preserves : Ideal for traditional preserves and historical preservation methods
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Genetic improvement : Valuable genetic base for the development of new resistant varieties
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Specialty Markets : Perfect for farmers markets that value unique and historic varieties
Data based on Terroir Seeds documentation, historical records from Maryland, information from Jardins de Tomates (France), testimonials from growers specializing in historic varieties, and archives of preservationists from the US East Coast.
