A fantastic bush Beefsteak tomato.
This is a Bert Porter selection. Dr. A .J. (Bert) Porter was a plant breeder from Saskatchewan, who mainly specialized in lilies (see the photo of ‘Gale’s Favorite’ a lily created by Bert). But he also worked on several other plants (such as, apples, plums, strawberries) including at least one tomato. Bert selected and saved seed from the original Brookpact tomato, which was developed at the Horticultural Research Station in Brooks, Alberta in the 1970s.
Here is a description of Porter’s Early Brookpact from the 1999 edition of the Garden Seed Inventory:
Porter’s Early Brookpact – 80 Days– Selected from Brookpact, earlier with larger fruits, productive bush-crop, red medium-size fruits, excellent for short season areas as it sets fruits even in cold temperatures. [We will also add it produces good-sized beefsteak tomatoes for such a small plant (about 18 inches tall) and does well in a container]
Despite these great attributes, Porter’s Early Brookpact disappeared from the seed trade. Until now! We are so happy to bring this tomato back.
And it does the heart good to know that Dr. Porter’s former home and nursery – Honeywood– located by Parkside, SK is now a non-profit heritage property dedicated to preserving his lily and fruit creations. Below is a description of Honeywood from the historicplaces.ca website:
Honeywood Nursery is significant because it is one of the few remaining early-20th century nurseries in Saskatchewan. From its small beginnings, Honeywood grew by the mid-1980s, to become a 32-hectare operation. The nursery’s extensive mail-order business supplied a wide range of quality hardy plant material to families across Saskatchewan. The nursery also supplied trees and plants that were used to grow fruits and vegetables, an important source of food for many farm families. During its 65 years in operation, Honeywood produced plants, bulbs and saplings which beautified farmyards and gardens across Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world.
If you you would like to know more about Bert Porter’s breeding work, check out Honeywood Nursery https://www.honeywood-lilies.ca
Our original seedstock came from the Seed Savers Exchange (USA).
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How to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seed 5mm (¼ inch) deep. Keep moist. When true leaves appear, transplant to a larger container if needed. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed/later spring.
Photo caption: Gale’s Favorite, lily created by Pert Porter. Photo credit: https://www.arls-lilies.org/?photos=gayles-favorite
