Ace 55 VF Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Price: $2.95
SKU: 3400021Choose a variant:
85 days, determinate - Also known simply as 'Ace 55', it is a dual purpose variety used for both fresh and processing. The medium-late, red, firm, oblate-shaped fruit are moderately smooth. The plants are relatively compact, medium to large for a determinate variety, and are tolerant to Verticillium and Fusarium.
'Ace 55' is a variety that has had misinformation published about it in the past that has resulting in some merchants incorrectly reporting that it is "low acid" or "low in acid." They are incorrectly extrapolating this from poorly reported articles that circulated in the early 1970s about "modern" tomato varieties having a lower acid content, 'Ace 55' was specifically named, and then warnings were issued about the danger of botulism to grow in home-canning using the hot water bath method. To address this "news," the USDA conducted extensive collaborative research which refuted the information and was published in the Horticultural Science Journal in June of 1977.[1] And still, this misinformation is perpetuated to this day. You can find a link to the study in the informational references tab above.
Although canning any food at home should be done with careful consideration, tomatoes all generally have about the same acidic pH levels no matter what variety. It is not a bad idea to check with your local extension office for up-to-date home canning information from time-to-time, but your grandmother's recipes and procedures that were handed down to you probably have served your family for generations and are likely to still be perfectly acceptable.
'Ace 55' was bred and introduced by Asgrow Seed Company in 1964.[2]
'Ace 55' is a variety that has had misinformation published about it in the past that has resulting in some merchants incorrectly reporting that it is "low acid" or "low in acid." They are incorrectly extrapolating this from poorly reported articles that circulated in the early 1970s about "modern" tomato varieties having a lower acid content, 'Ace 55' was specifically named, and then warnings were issued about the danger of botulism to grow in home-canning using the hot water bath method. To address this "news," the USDA conducted extensive collaborative research which refuted the information and was published in the Horticultural Science Journal in June of 1977.[1] And still, this misinformation is perpetuated to this day. You can find a link to the study in the informational references tab above.
Although canning any food at home should be done with careful consideration, tomatoes all generally have about the same acidic pH levels no matter what variety. It is not a bad idea to check with your local extension office for up-to-date home canning information from time-to-time, but your grandmother's recipes and procedures that were handed down to you probably have served your family for generations and are likely to still be perfectly acceptable.
'Ace 55' was bred and introduced by Asgrow Seed Company in 1964.[2]
Tomato Uses: Paste
Tomato Uses: Slicing
Fruit Color: Red
Special Groups: Market Growers
Special Groups: "Epic" Tomatoes
Harvest Timing: Main Crop / Mid-Season
Days to Maturity: 85
Growth Habit: Determinate
Disease Resistances: Fusarium Wilt
Disease Resistances: Late Blight
Tomato Uses: Slicing
Fruit Color: Red
Special Groups: Market Growers
Special Groups: "Epic" Tomatoes
Harvest Timing: Main Crop / Mid-Season
Days to Maturity: 85
Growth Habit: Determinate
Disease Resistances: Fusarium Wilt
Disease Resistances: Late Blight
Sow seeds indoors (do not direct sow into the garden), using sterile seed starting mix, 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant 1/4" deep, water lightly but keep moist until emergence.
Full light and cooler temps (60° to 70°) will help to prevent the seedlings from becoming too leggy. If plants become rootbound before you can safely set them into the ground, transplant them into larger pots.
Harden off plants before planting outside. Young plants are very susceptible to frost and sunburn damage. Avoid too much nitrogen. Water evenly but not in excess.
Click here to view our full tomato growing guide.
Full light and cooler temps (60° to 70°) will help to prevent the seedlings from becoming too leggy. If plants become rootbound before you can safely set them into the ground, transplant them into larger pots.
Harden off plants before planting outside. Young plants are very susceptible to frost and sunburn damage. Avoid too much nitrogen. Water evenly but not in excess.
Click here to view our full tomato growing guide.
Informational References:
- "Tomato Acidity and the Safety of Home Canned Tomatoes," G. M. Sapers, J. G. Phillips, A. K. Stoner, HortScience, Volume 12(3), June 1977, pgs. 2014-208. [This is a PDF document. You may Right-Click on the link and save to your computer.]
- "Vegetable Cultivar Descriptions for North America – Tomato (A-I): Lists 1-27 Combined," Edited by John W. Scott, Gulf Coast REC, University of Florida, Bradenton, Florida.
Customer Reviews:
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★★★★★ Very complex flavor profile. Highly recommend.
By D. Nickles on February 28, 2021
By D. Nickles on February 28, 2021
In the 80's we exclusively grew Ace and sold them locally; they had a reputation and were sought after. Years have gone by and I rediscovered them and forgot what I was missing. They have a mild and delightful flavor and grow well in our sandy soil. Highly recommend trying them. Germination rates were very good.
