Iris

Iris is an early, low-growing East German selection bred for strength, reliability, and sheer yield. Heavy, sturdy stems carry so many fruits that the plants seem to anchor themselves to the ground, pumping out harvests even in tough weather. The small red fruits are dense and surprisingly transportable, with occasional fine surface checking that doesn’t lead to rot or storage issues. In side-by-side trials the variety has been praised for standout productivity and genuinely good, classic tomato flavor. It performs beautifully in greenhouses but also proves itself outdoors, shrugging off seasonal swings with notable disease tolerance. Growers report that even in extreme sun and heat, plants stayed vigorous and set continuously. Fruit quality is consistent across the plant, making it a dependable choice for fresh snacking, salads, and quick sauces. If you want an early, compact tomato that just keeps coming, Iris is an easy favorite.

Days: 60–65
Species: Solanum lycopersicum
Growth Habit: Determinate (low-growing)
Plant Size: Compact, ~18–24 inches
Fruit Size: Small, dense; bite-size/mini saladette
Color: Red
Flavor: Classic, balanced “old-fashioned” tomato; pleasant aroma
Tomato Type: Small saladette / cherry-adjacent
Leaf Type: Regular
Creator: Old East German selection; stabilized heirloom lineage