Thomas Jefferson was a pioneer in tomato culture. He documented planting this relatively unfamiliar vegetable in his kitchen garden from 1809, the first summer of his retirement, until his death in 1826. In his Notes on the State of Virginia, 1782, Jefferson noted that tomatoes were grown in Virginia gardens.

A New World species, the first tomatoes grown in Europe were called "love apples" because they were related botanically to the mandrake, or "love plant," which was noted in the Bible for its reputed aphrodisiac qualities. In 1553, Swiss naturalist Konrad Gessner depicted the small-fruited "love apple" in a watercolor, and identified it in Latin as "poma amoris."

Pomme d'Amour (French for "love apple") is similar to these small-fruit tomatoes that were mostly grown for ornament; however, the mild, pinkish-red tomatoes are ideal for garden snacking, salads, and drying.

Seeds of this indeterminate variety should be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Sow 1/4" deep in flats or pots, keeping the soil mix moist but not soggy. When several leaves have developed, harden off the seedlings outdoors, then transplant to the garden 18"-36" apart. zone1,zone2,zone3,zone4,zone5,zone6, zone7, zone8, zone9,zone0
Not available for 2009.