A national tomato growers supply company honors a Missouri Advanced Master Gardener this spring by selling tomato seeds she saved for decades. On the cover of its 2017 catalog, the Tomato Growers Supply Co. features “Mrs. Maxwell’s Big Italian,” an heirloom beefsteak tomato prized for its flavor. The dark pink tomato is the result of seed-saving by the late Sally Maxwell of Mexico, Mo.

“Heirloom tomato varieties have become increasingly popular among gardeners,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “In addition to being prized for their taste, many heirlooms have historical significance and sentimental value, having been passed from generation to generation over the years.”