Great Tomato Plant Sale introduces new tomato and pepper varieties for 2026

Glenda Humiston, Vice President of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
Glenda Humiston, Vice President of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
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The 2026 Great Tomato Plant Sale (GTPS) in Contra Costa County will feature a variety of new and returning tomato and pepper plants. Organizers have announced several new cherry, paste, beefsteak, slicer, sweet, and hot pepper varieties for the upcoming sale.

New cherry tomato offerings include “42 Day,” “Chocolate Pear,” “Eagle Smiley (Dwarf),” and “Mary’s Cherry (Dwarf).” The paste tomato selection is expanded with the addition of “Blue Beech.” Organizers say these new varieties are suitable for small gardens and containers due to their compact size and early maturity.

For those interested in larger tomatoes, the sale introduces the beefsteak variety “Jolene” and slicers such as “Beauty King (Dwarf),” “Enroza,” “Estiva,” “Jetsetter,” “Mountain Sunrise,” and “Wild Fred (Dwarf).” Several of these are dwarf types, which organizers note are ideal for gardeners with limited space who still want flavorful harvests.

A range of new peppers will also be available. Sweet pepper additions include “Paradissom,” “Pimento Elite,” “Corno di Toro Rosso,” and “Escamillo.” Hot pepper enthusiasts can look forward to varieties like “Habanada,” “Super Thai,” and “Jalapeño Pantera.”

Organizers encourage customers to explore the full collection online, where each plant variety is presented with photos to help with selection.

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources enhances lives statewide by sharing science-based practices through research and outreach initiatives. The organization maintains nine Research and Extension Centers across diverse ecosystems in California and operates offices in all 58 counties. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is affiliated with the University of California. Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of the organization. According to its official website, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources has provided creative resources in nutrition, food networks, youth education, farming, environmental conservation, wildfire protection, and economic opportunities for more than a century. More information about their work can be found at https://ucanr.edu/.

“We can’t wait to grow with you in 2026!” organizers stated.



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