A tomato medley. photo: University of British Columbia

Here’s HerbDoc with exciting news for homegrown tomato lovers. (aren’t we all?)

For all of those gardeners who lost their tomato crops to the late blight (Phytophthora) during the 2009 or 2010 seasons, Johnny’s Seeds has developed “Defiant” PhR (F1).  This tomato was developed in cooperation with North Carolina State University and has high resistance to late blight and intermediate resistance to early blight.

It is said that Defiant is high yielding with 6-8 ounce globe shaped fruit borne on medium determinant vines.  The tomatoes are deep red, medium firm and have good texture.

I didn’t have any problem with blight during the past couple of years, but since I always grow at least one determinant, I’m tempted to order this one. Since it’s a first year offering, I’m sure it will sell out quickly.  The price starts out with a mini package (20 seeds) at $4.95…a bit pricey, but probably worth it if you’ve had the heart break of late blight!