Heirlooms are absolutely worth growing! They offer a range of colors, sizes, shapes, and flavors. It's fun to read about their histories and origins, and experiment with different varieties each year. I haven't found them to be any more trouble than hybrids or modern varieties, though. Last year, out of 15 plants, the worst blossom end rot was on the single hybrid variety I planted. Based on the few hybrids I've planted, the flavors are good if I eat them alone, and certainly much better than any supermarket tomato. But compared to the heirlooms I've grown, hybrids taste flat. Their flavor lacks the complexity and range of the best heirlooms.
But here are some reasons why you might choose a hybrid.
* If specific diseases run rampant in your area, such as late blight or early blight, you may want to plant at least one resistant hybrid variety to increase your odds of getting or sustaining a crop. ("resistant" does not mean "immune")
* If you value uniformity, some hybrids may be better choices -- they may be rounder, redder, smoother, firmer, have tougher skins, etc.
* If yield is the most important factor, certain hybrids are known for prodigious yields (depends on your area and on how you grow them).
I'd make my choices based on the intended uses. If you don't think you'll have time to tend plants, it's hard to beat indeterminate cherry tomatoes or smaller varieties. It does take a long time to pick them all, but if all you need is a handful for a salad now and then, you can pick as needed.
I have grown indigo rose before and really liked it, I recommend! almost 11 years ago.
Jenny, it looks wonderful, I think I might try it out
almost 11 years ago.