Plant THESE Texas-TOUGH Tomatoes!

Now is a great time to plant tomatoes! Waiting until after Easter—especially in years like 2025 when Easter falls late on April 20—can cost you valuable growing time. While a late freeze is technically possible, the real threat is the imminent and unavoidable Texas heat! Tomatoes thrive when daytime temperatures are between 70-90°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. However, when average daytime temperatures exceed 90°F or nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 75°F, tomato plants begin aborting flowers– meaning they drop blooms before they are able to set fruit.

If you wait too long to plant, your tomatoes may still be young and unestablished when the first heatwave arrives– leading to a shortened harvest season or no fruit set at all. By planting now, you allow plants to mature, bloom, and produce fruit before the summer heat shuts them down. If a late frost does occur, young plants can be protected with frost cloths, buckets, or row covers, but once excessive heat arrives– there is no way to reverse flower loss.

The key takeaway? Get your tomatoes in the ground now to ensure a full and productive harvest!

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Understanding Tomato Growth Habits

Tomato plants fall into three main growth habit categories, each offering unique benefits:

• Indeterminate Tomatoes: These vine-like plants continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season until frost. They require staking or trellising and provide a long, continuous harvest. Best for those who want fresh tomatoes over an extended period.

• Semi-Determinate Tomatoes: More compact than indeterminate varieties, these plants still produce over a longer period than determinate types but on a more manageable-sized plant. They often need some staking and provide a balance between plant size and harvest duration.

• Determinate Tomatoes: Also called “bush” tomatoes, these plants grow to a set height and produce most of their fruit in a concentrated period. Ideal for those who want a big harvest all at once for canning, sauces, or preserving. These plants are typically more compact and require little staking.

*For the best success in Texas gardens, we recommend planting a diverse mix of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, as well as a combination of determinate and indeterminate varieties.

By planting a diverse mix, you reduce risk, extend your harvest, and ensure a more resilient and productive tomato season. Get your plants in the ground now, and enjoy a season full of fresh, delicious tomatoes!

 

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We have the following Tomato cultivars in stock, NOW!

 

Cherry, Pear & Grape Tomatoes

Micro Tom

Growth Habit: Dwarf Determinate
Size: ~1 oz
Shape: Cherry
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: 50–60 days
Flavor Description: Robust, juicy, and tangy—delivers a delightful burst of classic tomato flavor in miniature form.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for snacking, salads, or growing as an edible ornamental on windowsills and patios.
Notable Tolerances: Thrives in containers and small indoor spaces.

 

Red Centiflor

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~0.25 oz
Shape: Cherry
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Open-Pollinated
Days to Harvest: 70–80 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and juicy, with a flavor reminiscent of Sun Gold—excellent straight off the vine.
Usage Ideas: Great for fresh eating, tossing into salads, or as a colorful garnish.
Notable Tolerances: Prolific producer; suitable for a range of climates.

 

Yellow Pear

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~1–1.5 in
Shape: Pear
Color: Yellow
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 70–80 days
Flavor Description: Mild and slightly tangy with gentle sweetness; juicy and crisp.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for pickling, snacking, or adding bright color to salads.
Notable Tolerances: Extremely productive and hardy.

 

Golden Hour

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 1–2 oz
Shape: Oval / Grape / Roma
Color: Golden yellow with purple anthocyanin stripes
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~60 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and fruity with low acidity—juicy and meaty texture.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for snacking, salads, or golden tomato sauces.
Notable Tolerances: Excellent shelf life; crack-resistant.

 

Red Pear (Gransasso Strain)

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 6–12 oz
Shape: Large Pear, ribbed
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Rich, meaty, and sweet with an old-world heirloom character.
Usage Ideas: Great for sauces, slicing, or rustic tomato dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Strong, vigorous grower with good seasonal endurance.

 

Plum, & Sausage (Paste/Roma Type)

Streak Lightning

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 2–4 oz
Shape: Elongated / Roma
Color: Striped yellow with red marbling
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~70 days
Flavor Description: Balanced, sweet-tart with tropical fruit notes and a meaty texture.
Usage Ideas: Great for roasting, slicing for fresh dishes, or colorful sauces.
Notable Tolerances: Good crack resistance; high visual appeal and uniformity.

 

Piennolo del Vesuvio

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 2.5–3.5 oz
Shape: Small plum with pointed tip
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom (Italian regional variety)
Days to Harvest: 75–80 days
Flavor Description: Rich, dense, and savory with a deep umami flavor intensified by storage.
Usage Ideas: Exceptional for slow-roasting, pasta sauces, and traditional Neapolitan cooking.
Notable Tolerances: Very long shelf life; fruits can be hung and stored for months.

 

San Marzano

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 4–6 oz
Shape: Classic plum / paste
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 75–85 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and low-acid with rich, meaty flesh and few seeds.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for tomato sauces, canning, or oven roasting.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in warm climates; dependable Italian paste variety.

 

Supremo

Growth Habit: Determinate
Size: ~8 oz
Shape: Roma / paste
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: 70–75 days
Flavor Description: Bold and balanced, with thick flesh and low moisture content.
Usage Ideas: Excellent for sauces, salsas, and pastes.
Notable Tolerances: Good disease resistance; performs reliably in warm, humid regions.

 

La Roma Red (La Roma III Hybrid)

Growth Habit: Determinate
Size: 5–8 oz
Shape: Roma / plum
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: 70–75 days
Flavor Description: Mild and meaty with a subtle sweetness and low acidity.
Usage Ideas: Great for canning, drying, or making fresh tomato puree.
Notable Tolerances: Excellent disease resistance; suited for large harvests at once.

 

Handy Lady

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 5–9 oz
Shape: Long sausage / pointed plum
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom (European origin)
Days to Harvest: Mid-season (~75 days)
Flavor Description: Full-bodied, savory with a classic tomato brightness.
Usage Ideas: Great for sauces, grilling, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Reliable in various climates; known for productivity.

 

Santa Maria

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 5.3–7 oz (150–200g)
Shape: Oblong / Paste
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom (likely European heritage)
Days to Harvest: ~75 days
Flavor Description: Rich and complex with a dense, meaty texture—ideal for long cooking.
Usage Ideas: Excellent for sauces and stews; great for thick pastes.
Notable Tolerances: Tolerant of heat and consistent producer.

 

Michael Pollan

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 6–12 oz
Shape: Elongated / sausage
Color: Green with yellow striping
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom (Wild Boar Farms)
Days to Harvest: 75–80 days
Flavor Description: Tangy and fruity with bold green tomato character and sweetness when ripe.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for slicing, roasting, or green salsa.
Notable Tolerances: Crack-resistant; adapts well to heat and dry conditions.

Slicer Tomatoes (Medium Round/Globe)

4th of July

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~4 oz
Shape: Round
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: ~49 days
Flavor Description: Balanced, fresh, and slightly tangy with a burst of summer flavor.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for early salads, fresh slicing, and snacking.
Notable Tolerances: Very early maturing; dependable early producer.

 

Dakota Sport

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~5–7 oz
Shape: Medium slicer
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 65–75 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and tangy with a firm bite—great fresh or in sandwiches.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, fresh eating, and CSA/farmers market sales.
Notable Tolerances: Cold-tolerant, crack-resistant, and disease-resistant.

 

Peron Sprayless

Growth Habit: Semi-determinate
Size: ~6–8 oz
Shape: Globe
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~68 days
Flavor Description: Meaty with mild acidity; holds up well sliced.
Usage Ideas: Fresh slicing or light cooking; great for low-spray gardens.
Notable Tolerances: Naturally resistant to fungal disease—can be grown with minimal spraying.

 

Estiva

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~7–9 oz
Shape: Round
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: ~75 days
Flavor Description: Smooth, sweet flavor with a firm and uniform texture.
Usage Ideas: Market slicing, home gardens, or flavorful salads.
Notable Tolerances: Crack-resistant; high-yielding and uniform.

 

Celebrity

Growth Habit: Semi-determinate
Size: ~8 oz
Shape: Round
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: ~70 days
Flavor Description: Classic tomato flavor—balanced sweetness and acidity.
Usage Ideas: All-purpose: slicing, sandwiches, and light cooking.
Notable Tolerances: Highly disease-resistant; a garden favorite.

 

Trucker’s Favorite

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~6–12 oz
Shape: Globe
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Mild, smooth flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, old-fashioned tomato sandwiches.
Notable Tolerances: Great producer in hot Southern gardens.

 

Holyland Red

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: Medium (~6–10 oz estimated)
Shape: Globe
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~75–80 days
Flavor Description: Sweet, fresh, and juicy with smooth texture.
Usage Ideas: Fresh slicing, heirloom tomato salads.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in hot climates.

 

Louisiana All Season

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~4–16 oz
Shape: Flattened globe
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Rich, sweet flavor with heirloom depth.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, sandwiches, and warm-season gardens.
Notable Tolerances: Adaptable to long growing seasons and heat.

 

Marglobe

Growth Habit: Determinate
Size: ~6–8 oz
Shape: Round/globe
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~75 days
Flavor Description: Mild, classic tomato flavor; dense flesh.
Usage Ideas: Good for fresh use, canning, and sandwiches.
Notable Tolerances: Fusarium and Verticillium resistant.

 

Creole

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~8–12 oz
Shape: Globe
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom (LSU-developed)
Days to Harvest: ~78 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and full-bodied with Southern charm.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for gumbo, slicing, and summer salads.
Notable Tolerances: Heat and humidity tolerant; bred for the Gulf Coast.

 

Golden Jubilee

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~6–8 oz
Shape: Globe
Color: Golden yellow
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Mild, low-acid, and fruity.
Usage Ideas: Fresh eating, slicing, and colorful tomato platters.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in hot climates.

 

Arkansas Traveler

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~6–8 oz
Shape: Globe
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Mild and sweet with classic heirloom texture.
Usage Ideas: Fresh slicing and summer tomato sandwiches.
Notable Tolerances: Thrives in heat and humidity.

 

Gary Ibsen’s Gold

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~6–10 oz
Shape: Slightly flattened globe
Color: Golden-orange
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80–85 days
Flavor Description: Tropical and sweet with citrusy notes.
Usage Ideas: Fresh slicing, golden tomato bruschetta, and contrast in salads.
Notable Tolerances: Adapts well to a variety of soils; produces into late season.

 

Oxheart Tomatoes

Mrs. Houseworth

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 8.8–14 oz (250–400g)
Shape: Heart-shaped (Oxheart)
Color: Deep pink-red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Silky and sweet with low acidity—classic heirloom richness and a melt-in-your-mouth flesh.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for slicing, sauces, and summer sandwiches.
Notable Tolerances: Good heat and drought performance; consistent producer in variable soils.

 

Cancelmo Family

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 5–16 oz
Shape: Heart-shaped (Oxheart)
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~85 days
Flavor Description: Exceptionally sweet and well-balanced with a creamy texture.
Usage Ideas: Versatile—great raw or cooked; especially well-suited for thick sauces or slicing.
Notable Tolerances: Resilient in hot conditions; good yield throughout long seasons.

 

Kim’s Civil War

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 9–21 oz (250–600g)
Shape: Heart-shaped (Oxheart)
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~85 days
Flavor Description: Mild and sweet with a dense, creamy flesh; very low in seeds and water.
Usage Ideas: Excellent for fresh eating and gourmet slicing.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in both high heat and variable summer conditions.

 

Giant Heart Climber

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: 1–1.5+ lb (16–24+ oz)
Shape: Heart-shaped (Oxheart)
Color: Pink-red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~85–90 days
Flavor Description: Bold, old-fashioned tomato flavor—sweet with slight tang, and intensely meaty.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for slicing thick sandwiches or making luxurious tomato sauces.
Notable Tolerances: Vigorous vines; dependable even in warm, humid climates.

 

 

Beefsteak Tomatoes

Lucid Gem

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~5 oz
Shape: Slicer
Color: Yellow to orange with dark purple shoulders
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~75 days
Flavor Description: Sweet, fruity, and juicy with thin skin—award-winning flavor.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for slicing, colorful salads, or showy fresh dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Handles heat well; long shelf life.

 

Black Krim

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~8–12 oz
Shape: Flattened globe
Color: Maroon to nearly black with green shoulders
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 70–90 days
Flavor Description: Deep, rich flavor with salty-sweet notes and mild acidity.
Usage Ideas: Great for slicing, caprese salads, or gourmet dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in diverse climates; needs staking.

 

Jolene

Growth Habit: Determinate
Size: ~8–10 oz
Shape: Round
Color: Deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Hybrid
Days to Harvest: 73 days
Flavor Description: Classic tomato flavor—balanced, firm, and juicy.
Usage Ideas: Fresh slicing, market sales, and hearty salads.
Notable Tolerances: Disease-resistant; great for Southern climates.

 

Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~8–12 oz
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Port wine with green metallic stripes
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 70–75 days
Flavor Description: Complex, sweet, and earthy; crowd favorite in taste tests.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for slicing and gourmet sandwiches.
Notable Tolerances: Compact, productive; needs support.

 

Black Stripe

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~5–10 oz
Shape: Round to slightly flattened
Color: Dark red with green stripes
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~75 days
Flavor Description: Balanced and meaty with subtle sweetness.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, salads, and visual appeal in fresh dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Performs well in varied climates.

 

Andrew Rahart’s Jumbo Red

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~8–18+ oz
Shape: Oblate
Color: Bright red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~90 days
Flavor Description: Meaty, juicy, and bold with a classic tang.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for sandwiches and fresh slicing.
Notable Tolerances: Strong grower; requires staking.

 

Earl

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~10–26 oz
Shape: Oblate
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: New Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~76 days
Flavor Description: Sweet, mildly tart, and dense with few seeds.
Usage Ideas: Thick slices for sandwiches or platters.
Notable Tolerances: Heavy producer; requires support.

 

Paul Robeson

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~7–10 oz
Shape: Flattened globe
Color: Dark red with green shoulders
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 80–90 days
Flavor Description: Smoky, rich, and sweet with subtle acidity.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for slicing and gourmet preparation.
Notable Tolerances: Thrives in cooler climates.

 

Carbon

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~8–14 oz
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Dark purple-black
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 80–85 days
Flavor Description: Bold, sweet, and meaty with great depth.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, sandwiches, and standout fresh dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Extended production; needs staking.

 

Striped German

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~12 oz to 2 lb
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Yellow-orange with red marbling
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Fruity, sweet, and tangy with smooth flesh.
Usage Ideas: Gorgeous slicing tomato; great for platters.
Notable Tolerances: Strong growth; large support needed.

 

Pink Love Apple (Missouri Pink Love Apple)

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~1 lb
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: 75–85 days
Flavor Description: Sweet and juicy with smooth texture.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for fresh eating and slicing.
Notable Tolerances: Large plant with consistent yields.

 

Arkansas Marvel

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~16 oz
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Yellow-orange with a red blush
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Rich, low-acid, buttery-sweet flavor.
Usage Ideas: Slicing and summer tomato platters.
Notable Tolerances: Reliable in heat; requires staking.

 

Neves Azorean Red

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~16–20 oz
Shape: Large beefsteak
Color: Red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~78–85 days
Flavor Description: Intensely tomatoey and robust with perfect balance.
Usage Ideas: Slicing, sauces, and showy dishes.
Notable Tolerances: Thrives in heat; heavy producer.

 

Black Giant

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~16–20 oz
Shape: Flattened beefsteak
Color: Dusky maroon to dark purple
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~85 days
Flavor Description: Bold and earthy with smoky undertones.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for slicing and rich sauces.
Notable Tolerances: Vigorous vines; long harvest window.

 

Beefsteak Sacred Heart

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~1–2 lb
Shape: Beefsteak, often heart-like
Color: Pink to deep red
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~85 days
Flavor Description: Classic heirloom sweetness with creamy flesh.
Usage Ideas: For sandwiches, fresh slicing, and presentation.
Notable Tolerances: Strong grower; may benefit from pruning.

 

Earl’s Faux

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~16–24 oz
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Deep pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80–85 days
Flavor Description: Sweet, rich, and buttery; a Brandywine-type standout.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for fresh slicing and summer platters.
Notable Tolerances: Consistent in warm climates; needs strong support.

 

Stump of the World

Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Size: ~10–20 oz
Shape: Beefsteak
Color: Pink
Heirloom/Hybrid/New Heirloom: Heirloom
Days to Harvest: ~80 days
Flavor Description: Rich, smooth, and sweet with dense flesh.
Usage Ideas: Excellent for sandwiches and thick slicing.
Notable Tolerances: Reliable producer with strong plants.

 

 

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations,  prized for their superior, rich and complex flavors. They are true to type, meaning you can save seeds and expect consistent plants each year. However, heirlooms can sometimes have lower disease resistance, and depending on the cultivar, can be less productive than hybrids– even though the fruits generally taste better.

New Heirloom Tomatoes

New heirlooms are open-pollinated varieties that have been developed more recently (less than 50 years), often bred for unique color, superior flavor, or performance while keeping the true-to-type nature of heirlooms. They are more productive and sometimes more resistant to diseases than older heirlooms. Their flavors tend to be bold, complex, and extremely unique, often making them standout choices for gourmet dishes!

Hybrid Tomatoes

Hybrids are bred for disease resistance, productivity, and uniformity, often outperforming heirlooms in yield and resilience. (and for decades didn’t seem to be bred for flavor) While their flavors may not always match the depth of heirlooms, many more modern hybrids balance flavor with reliability in extreme weather conditions. Since hybrids do not grow true to type, saved seeds will not produce identical plants.

 

And we have EACH FOR SALE this week at Rooted in for $2.50 each!