German Pink

Described as having a big, sweet-tart flavor with rich, sweet notes and a meaty, nearly seedless texture. Flavor is subjective, so treat this as the recurring catalog and grower description rather than a measured claim.

A Bavarian heirloom beefsteak brought to the United States in 1883 by the great-grandfather of Seed Savers Exchange co-founder Diane Ott Whealy, and one of the first two varieties in the SSE seed bank.

• Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.
• Late to ripen, past 80 days, so it wants a long warm season or a head start indoors.
• A moderate grow, no special tricks but worth steady attention.
• Wants real summer warmth and is slow to set when nights stay cool.
• Skins resist cracking, even after a heavy rain.

Sold out, or after a change? The closest alternatives, and how they differ.

Brandywinebut a sweet-tart pink rather than the classic rich Brandywine flavorMortgage Lifterbut pink instead of pinkish red and tied to Seed Savers history

• John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds

• Heirloom vs Hybrid Tomatoes
• Slicer vs Beefsteak Tomatoes

Is German Pink determinate or indeterminate?

German Pink is an indeterminate variety. Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.

How long does German Pink take to ripen?

German Pink ripens in about 85 days from transplant. Late to ripen, past 80 days, so it wants a long warm season or a head start indoors.

Is German Pink an heirloom or a hybrid?

German Pink is an heirloom, an open-pollinated variety with a documented history, so seed saved from it comes back true to type.

What can I grow instead of German Pink?

A close swap is Brandywine, but a sweet-tart pink rather than the classic rich Brandywine flavor.