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Species photo — your cultivar may vary
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Solanum, Genus, lycopersicum, Species, 'Legend', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Legend Tomato
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Legend' is a determinate, open-pollinated tomato cultivar in the Solanaceae family, growing 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) tall. Developed at Oregon State University specifically for late blight resistance in the Pacific Northwest. Fruit are round, 3–4 inches (8–10 cm), 8–12 ounces (227–340 g), bright red — a full-size slicing tomato on a determinate plant. Days to maturity: 68–72 from transplant. The primary cultivar distinction is parthenocarpic fruit set — 'Legend' sets fruit without pollination in cool, wet conditions when bee activity is limited, and it carries late blight tolerance (not full resistance, but significantly delayed symptom development compared to susceptible cultivars). These two traits — parthenocarpic set and late blight tolerance — make it the recommended main-crop determinate tomato for the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades. Open-pollinated; seed can be saved.
Native Range
Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America. 'Legend' was developed at Oregon State University for Pacific Northwest conditions.Suggested Uses
Main-crop fresh eating tomato for the Pacific Northwest. The late blight tolerance extends the harvest window into September when susceptible cultivars are failing. The parthenocarpic set ensures fruit in cool, cloudy weather. Open-pollinated for seed saving.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant mid-May in PNW. Space 30 inches (75 cm) apart. Full sun, fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Water 1–1.5 inches per week. Cage for support.Pruning
Minimal pruning for determinate. Remove suckers below first cluster.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons
