Atkinson is a red tomato for everyday cooking: on sandwiches, in salads, and for cooking. The fruits are fleshy, rounded, with a small, firm core, and their full flavor works well in simple dishes. They weigh up to about 350 g.
The variety has a well-documented origin. Auburn University in Alabama described it in a separate publication in November 1966. It was developed for cultivation in the southeastern United States, both for the fresh market and in home gardens. The name honors George F. Atkinson, a researcher who, in 1889, described the life cycle of the nematode that causes root knot disease. The original description of the variety can be found in the 1966 Auburn University publication.
The plant is tall and requires support. It’s best to train it along a stake or string and harvest the fruit as it ripens. If you’re looking for red tomatoes with a more compact growth habit, compare it to ‘Legend’.
