Solanum lycopersicum Origin: Marblehead, Mass. (via Wyoming) Improvement status: Cultivar Germination tested 09/2025: 80% Seeds per packet: ~25 Life cycle: Annual EFN RE-INTRODUCTION. We believe this very rare tomato — which we got from the USDA, and they got from the Cheyenne (Wyoming) Horticultural Station in 1963 — is the same 'Alpha' tomato introduced by legendary seedsman James J.H. Gregory of Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 1880. Gregory considered 'Alpha' to be unique both for its earliness and its toughness, withstanding cracking even after a big rain. The fruit is medium-sized to large, round, symmetrical, and bright red, with a rich flavor to match. A great heirloom red tomato for the market farmer or home use. GROWING TIPS: Start seeds indoors in March or early April, transplant outside after danger of last frost. Space plants 24-36 inches apart. They will benefit from a trellis or tomato cage. Full sun preferred.
