Early Detroit No. 17 Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Price: $2.95
SKU: 340275170 days, indeterminate - The globe to oblate-shaped fruit weigh in the two to five ounce range, are pink colored, firm fleshed but reasonably juicy and have a good flavor with a slightly sweet finish.
We are still researching the exact history of this variety but do know the following. In 2003 we obtained samples from the USDA and trialed both 'Early Detroit' (GRIN accession number PI 355097) as well as this variety, 'Early Detroit No. 17' (GRIN accession number NSL 43543). The were very similar but obviously different. Different enough that the D. M. Ferry Seed Company gave them different names when they released them in 1909[1] and 1931 respectively.
Sadly, the USDA for whatever reason, has discontinued maintaining 'Early Detroit No. 17' incorrectly stating that it is a "duplicate" of 'Early Detroit'. We are doing our best to keep it available to our gardening friends, but if this is one of your favorite varieties, you may want consider saving seed.
We are still researching the exact history of this variety but do know the following. In 2003 we obtained samples from the USDA and trialed both 'Early Detroit' (GRIN accession number PI 355097) as well as this variety, 'Early Detroit No. 17' (GRIN accession number NSL 43543). The were very similar but obviously different. Different enough that the D. M. Ferry Seed Company gave them different names when they released them in 1909[1] and 1931 respectively.
Sadly, the USDA for whatever reason, has discontinued maintaining 'Early Detroit No. 17' incorrectly stating that it is a "duplicate" of 'Early Detroit'. We are doing our best to keep it available to our gardening friends, but if this is one of your favorite varieties, you may want consider saving seed.
Fruit Color: Pink
Fruit Color: Purple
Harvest Timing: Early/Short Season
Fruit Color: Purple
Harvest Timing: Early/Short Season
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.
- USDA Yearbook of Agriculture, 1937.
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