Riesentraube

Described as bursting with classic, full-bodied tomato flavor, more complex and full than a typical cherry and closer to a beefsteak. This is the recurring catalog and grower description, not a measured claim.

An old German heirloom red cherry; the name means giant bunch of grapes, and it was grown by the Pennsylvania Dutch as early as 1855.

• 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.
• Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.
• Generally forgiving and beginner-friendly to grow.
• One of our picks for the cold, short-season gardens of New England.

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

Sweet 100but a German heirloom borne in giant grape-like clusters rather than a hybridMatt's Wild Cherrybut larger fruit with pointed blossom ends and fuller flavor

• Thresh Seed Co.

• Heirloom vs Hybrid Tomatoes

Is Riesentraube determinate or indeterminate?

Riesentraube 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 Riesentraube take to ripen?

Riesentraube ripens in about 77 days from transplant. Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.

Is Riesentraube an heirloom or a hybrid?

Riesentraube 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 Riesentraube?

A close swap is Sweet 100, but a German heirloom borne in giant grape-like clusters rather than a hybrid.