Characterization Descriptors for Heirloom "Boondocks" Tomatoes
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
Boondocks is an heirloom variety that originated in the remote rural regions of Appalachia, developed by subsistence farmers during the early decades of the 20th century. This variety originated on isolated family farms in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, where geographic conditions favored the development of tomatoes adapted to harsh conditions.
The name "Boondocks" refers to the remote rural areas where it was developed, a term that describes the areas furthest from civilization. Farmers in these regions spent generations selecting hardy plants that could thrive in harsh conditions, with poor soil and variable climates.
The variety established itself as one of the most reliable varieties due to its exceptional hardiness and consistent production capacity. It entered the mainstream market through seed exchanges and was subsequently rescued by conservation organizations specializing in traditional American varieties.
Curiosities of Variety
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Origin in remote areas : Developed specifically in the most isolated regions of the Appalachians
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Subsistence farming : Selected by farmers who depended entirely on their crops
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Descriptive name : "Boondocks" perfectly reflects its origin in remote rural areas
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Legendary Hardiness : Known for its ability to thrive where other varieties fail
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Family tradition : Passed down from generation to generation in mountain farming families
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Modern Rescue : Saved from Extinction by Seed Conservation Organizations
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Rural Heritage : Represents the agricultural heritage of rural American communities
Cultural Importance
Boondocks represents the resilience and self-sufficiency of rural American communities, especially those living in the most remote and challenging regions. This variety symbolizes the practical wisdom of farmers who needed completely reliable varieties for their survival. Its development reflects decades of careful selection focused on resilience, adaptability, and consistent productivity rather than aesthetic traits. The variety embodies the philosophy of subsistence farming, where each plant must justify its space in the garden with reliable production and resilience to adverse conditions.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Boondocks" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect and extremely robust |
| Plant height |
Medium-high (170-200 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Exceptional |
| Color of young stem |
Deep green |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Very present |
| Hair density |
High |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Intense dark green |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular (normal sheet) |
| Leaflet edge |
Strongly toothed |
| Leaf pubescence |
Very present |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Boondocks" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblate - Lightly ribbed beefsteak |
| Fruit weight |
Medium-large (250-400 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Large (10-12 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Medium green |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Bright deep red |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Very uniform |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Absent |
| Shoulder shape |
Uniform ripening |
| Surface smoothness |
Smooth with slight grooves |
| Presence of ribs |
Slightly ribbed |
| Fruit shine |
Bright |
| Chalice scar |
Small to medium |
| Pistil scar |
Very small |
| Number of locules |
4-6 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular |
| Thickness of the walls |
Very thick (8-10 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Very firm and fleshy |
| Pulp color |
Uniform intense red |
| Amount of juice |
Balanced |
| Quantity of seeds |
Moderate (40-55) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Boondocks" |
| Days to flowering |
Early-medium (65-75) |
| Days to harvest |
Medium (75-85 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Very tall (6-9 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
High (18-28) |
| Harvest concentration |
Very staggered (early to late) |
| Heat tolerance |
Excellent |
| Cold tolerance |
Excellent |
| Low light adaptation |
Good |
| Recommended spacing |
50-60 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Evaluation for "Boondocks" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Very resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Moderately resistant |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Moderately resistant |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Resistant |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Moderately resistant |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Moderately resistant |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Moderately resistant |
| Aphids |
Moderately resistant |
| Cracking |
Very resistant |
| Adverse conditions |
Exceptional |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BOONDOCKS" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Legendary hardiness : Exceptional tolerance to adverse conditions, drought, poor soils and variable climate
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Exceptional productivity : Very high and consistent yields even in suboptimal conditions
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Extreme adaptability : Thrives in a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types
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American Rural Heritage : Authentic variety with centuries of tradition in Appalachian communities
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Exceptional vigor : Extremely robust and vigorous plants with strong growth
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Traditional flavor : Classic, intense red tomato flavor, balanced and satisfying
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Multiple resistance : Excellent natural resistance to numerous diseases and pests
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Total reliability : Completely reliable variety for beginners and experienced farmers
Limitations:
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Simple appearance : It does not have striking aesthetic characteristics compared to more modern varieties.
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Limited availability : Primarily available through conservation organizations and specialized collectors
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Excessive vigor : May require pruning and intensive management due to its vigorous growth
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Unmarketable name : The name may not be attractive to modern commercial markets
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Lack of promotion : Less known than more commercialized or exotic varieties
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Basic Features : Prioritizes functionality over gourmet or exotic features
Recommended Uses:
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Subsistence farming : Perfect for home gardens that require reliable and consistent production
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Beginners in Horticulture : Ideal for new gardeners looking for easy and hardy varieties
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Adverse conditions : Excellent for regions with harsh climates, poor soils or limited resources
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Heritage Conservation : Critical to Preserving America's Rural Agricultural Heritage
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Agricultural Education : Excellent for teaching about traditional varieties and sustainable agriculture
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Rural Local Markets : Perfect for farmers markets in rural communities
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Home processing : Ideal for preserves, sauces and home processing due to its consistency
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School gardens : Perfect for educational projects due to its ease of cultivation and resistance
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Organic farming : Excellent for organic systems due to its natural resistance
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Resistance research : Valuable for studies on natural resistance and adaptability
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Community Gardens : Ideal for community gardens in urban and rural areas
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Food security : Important for food security and self-sufficiency projects
Data based on Appalachian farmer records, documentation from seed conservation organizations, information from the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, testimonies from traditional growers, and archives of American subsistence farming varieties.
