Livingston's Paragon Tomato
Price: $2.95
SKU: 3400761It marked Mr. Livingston's first success at intentionally and carefully selecting for specific traits and stabilizing them over time to develop a new variety. This selection process that he described as being "pure discovery on his part,"[1] and which he called his, "New Method," resulted in the 'Paragon' being the very first, "perfectly and uniformly smooth tomato ever introduced . . ."[1]
The fruit were described as "blood red"[1] or "glossy deep red."[3] They ripen between early and late varieties, are vigorous, and have sturdy stalks and heavy foliage.[2] Said to "endure early frosts longer . . ."
Introduced in 1870 as Livingston's first release in a long line of unique and commercially interesting tomato varieties, 'Paragon', like all new discoveries, "produced a revolution."[1] In this case, it was the last piece needed to begin the commercial tomato industry in America.
Our stock originated from the National Seed Storage Lab's accession number NSSL 27616 (PI 451990) that we received in 2002.
Special Groups: Livingston Tomatoes
Harvest Timing: Main Crop / Mid-Season
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:
- "Livingston and the Tomato," A. W. Livingston, 1893
- "Livingston's True Blue Seeds," A. W. Livingston's Sons, 1896
- "Livingston's Seed Annual," The Livingston Seed Company, 1900
Although the name of this variety contains a modern company's name, the seed we are offering is in no way sourced from, "owned by" or connected with that company. The name is simply the historically accurate, common name for the variety giving credit to the seedsman that originally released it.
Customer Reviews:
By Proud Okie on July 13, 2020
These are the biggest tomato plants I've ever seen, production is out of control crazy. We grow for production, hardiness/reliability, and taste - in that order - this one fits the bill and will be a staple from here on out.<br><br>We are totally amazed by the size of these monster plants, they need a lot of room and a lot of support - a standard cage and/or stake will not do. Provide at least three feet each way. We have taken to using soft ropes to tie up the wild octopus-like arms to our trellis system that was intended for vining squash. They have taken over the area.<br><br>Paragon is an appropriate name for these beauties - they are the model of tomato excellence - high production, great taste, disease and pest free. We've experienced mild splitting here and there after some surprise downpours but it's only been a few.<br><br>We did not do anything special with these plants - regular organic fertilizer we mix ourselves, regular watering. Prune the lower limbs early on, keep the limbs off the soil.<br><br>Pretty easy except for having to maintain it's crazy growth. Definitely a keeper, highly recommended.
By John Gupton on January 30, 2013
One of the best heirlooms as far as taste and production, great all purpose tomato. If you are looking for a tomato with sweetness as well as acid this is the one!
