Thessaloniki has Greek origins and a name associated with Thessaloniki. It appears in the 1958 Glecklers Seedmen catalog, which indicated that the seeds originated from an experimental farm of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture. This is a well-documented trace of this variety’s journey from Greece to American gardens.
The plant grows tall, with regular leaves and a sturdy habit. Its abundant foliage helps shield the fruit from the sun. It requires staking or tying.
The red, round, or slightly flattened fruits have firm, juicy flesh with a classic flavor that combines sweetness with a tart finish. They are well-suited for salads—including those with feta cheese—and for everyday slicing on bread. They are valued for their relatively low tendency to crack and good shelf life after harvest. This is a mid-season variety: sources indicate an approximate 75–80 days from planting the seedlings.
