Kellogg’s Breakfast Heirloom Tomatoes deliver one of the most stunning and delicious tomatoes in the heirloom world — enormous orange beefsteaks that ripen to a deep, glowing tangerine color with a flavor so sweet and rich it earned this variety its name. Open-pollinated, non-GMO, and beloved by gardeners who want a showstopper that actually delivers at the table.
History
Kellogg’s Breakfast has roots in Michigan family gardening, where it was saved and passed down through generations before making its way into seed saving circles in the 1980s. Named for the brilliant orange color reminiscent of a sunrise breakfast, this variety became a favorite at seed swaps and farmers markets for its jaw-dropping size and unusually sweet, low-acid flavor. It’s the kind of tomato that converts even committed red-tomato gardeners on the first bite.
Plant Profile
-
Days to Maturity: 80–85 Days
-
Fruit Size: 1–2 Pounds
-
Plant Size: 5–7 Feet Tall
-
Plant Type: Indeterminate
Flavor Profile
Kellogg’s Breakfast is exceptionally sweet with very low acidity — making it one of the most crowd-pleasing heirlooms for fresh eating. The flesh is dense, meaty, and juicy with a bright orange color throughout. It’s mild enough for those who find red tomatoes too sharp, and complex enough to satisfy experienced heirloom growers.
When to Plant
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find your zone.
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart in full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep at 70–80°F for germination in 7–14 days. Sturdy caging or staking is essential — fruit can exceed two pounds on vigorous indeterminate vines. Water at the soil level (never overhead), rotate crops annually, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce disease pressure. Good airflow between plants keeps foliage healthy throughout the season.
🌱 Gentle Cover Germination 🌱
Into the surface — thin cover only, no light needed
Kellogg’s Breakfast seeds are small but vigorous — given the right start, they germinate reliably and grow into productive, long-season plants. Follow these steps for the best results.
How to Germinate Successfully:
- Start with the right foundation. Use a fine seed-starting mix — not garden soil or coarse potting mix. Sift it if needed. Small seeds need a smooth, even surface to make good contact and germinate reliably.
- Cover lightly — just barely. Press seeds onto the moist surface and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of finely sifted mix. These seeds don’t need light to germinate but they don’t want to be buried either.
- Mist, don’t drench. Use a spray bottle to keep the surface evenly moist. Watering from above can wash small seeds away before they ever get started.
- Warmth is your friend. These seeds germinate best at 65–70°F — basically normal room temperature. A heat mat can help if your space runs cool.
- Trap the humidity. Cover your tray with a humidity dome or a loose piece of plastic wrap. This keeps moisture and warmth stable while you wait.
- Give them time. Keep conditions consistent, resist the urge to overwater, and trust the process — they will sprout.
- Thin with scissors, not fingers. Once seedlings appear, snip extras at the soil line rather than pulling. These roots are close together and pulling one can disturb its neighbors.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Kellogg’s Breakfast is an indeterminate variety — plants keep growing and fruiting all season long until frost. Expect generous yields of 1–2 pound fruits on strong, sprawling vines that benefit from consistent pruning and sturdy support.
Knowing When to Harvest
- Skin transitions from green to a deep glowing orange — pick when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch
- Shoulders should show no green tinge when fully ripe
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season
- Store at room temperature for best flavor — refrigeration dulls the sweetness
- Handle gently — the skin is thinner than commercial varieties
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
-
Basil — classic pairing, may deter certain pests, improves garden biodiversity
-
Marigolds — deter nematodes and harmful insects, attract beneficial pollinators
-
Borage — repels tomato hornworm, attracts bees, edible flowers
-
Carrots — loosen soil beneath tomato roots, grow well alongside in raised beds
-
Garlic — strong scent discourages pests, maximizes garden space
How to Enjoy
- Fresh thick slices on sandwiches or burgers — the orange color is a conversation starter
- Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil
- Roasted tomato soup — the sweetness deepens with heat
- Fresh salsa with a sweeter, milder profile
- Stuffed tomatoes — the size and meaty flesh make them ideal
- Raw eating straight off the vine — the sweetness is unmatched
Order Today
Add Kellogg’s Breakfast Heirloom Tomato Seeds to your garden and grow the orange beefsteak that stops people in their tracks. Order today and taste why this Michigan heirloom has been treasured by seed savers for generations.
