Tomatoes. So many varieties and styles. What is your favourite?.
By Colmuc
@Colmuc (707)
June 2, 2009 10:56am CST
The humble tomato is probably the most versatile fruit we have. I have been growing them for over 50 years. Today there exists so many varieties with different sizes, shapes and colours. On my balcony I grow a special type, suitable for a restricted space, which forms a small bush and produces dozens of small very tasty fruits. In my garden I grow the conventional type which requires support and is kept to one main stem my snipping out the side shoots.
Despite the wide range of types available today I still consider the variety "Ailsa Craig" which was grown in the Clyde valley of my native Scotland 30 to 50 years ago as the best I ever tasted. "Clydeside " tomatoes which were grown in large heated glass house were the best available. I don't know whether "Ailsa Craig" is still grown today or not but it would not be suitable for my balcony or open garden here in Germany. I have to be content with the modern varieties that grow well here. This year my plants are looking good and I should have the first pickings in two or three weeks. See the attached picture of some of the 13 plants I have on my balcony.
Do you grow tomatoes? What is your favourite variety? Do you get good results?.
2 people like this
5 responses
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
3 Jun 09
I got 8 plants this year all the same kind trying like heck to think of the name some my mom likes and grows good in Utah I have 2 tomatoes that are getting ripe and 3 more just growing and lots of blooms.
and they stand about 3 foot high the ones I sticked but some I just let grow the have really spread out.
Look good just hope the blooms dont lop off like all the rest of mine have done thru the years here . Have to really figh to keep them alive thru the heat here!
@peavey (16936)
• United States
3 Jun 09
I haven't been growing them as long as you, but I love to grow tomatoes. Not only do I enjoy eating them and putting them up for the winter, I love the smell of tomato plants. My favorite is Brandywine, for the flavor. I much prefer heirloom types and Brandywine is the easiest of those to grow in this area. There was only one year that I didn't get a good tomato crop and it was my own fault. Since I have a limited area to grow things, i thought I'd be smart and put tomatoes in containers. It just didn't work for me. I put them in the ground this year, and I always let them go wherever they want. Tomato cages cut down production whenever I've used them.
@Colmuc (707)
•
3 Jun 09
hi Peavy. I get good results on my balcony using containers but I grow the special small bush type. I don't know Brandywine but if they are doing well stick with them.
I too love the smell. It used to be really strong when I had a heated glass house in Scotland after I watered them.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Jun 09
Ahhh someone that actually calls it a fruit which it is, not a vegetable. My fave is Roma then grape tomatoes. Here's a shot of one of my Grape Tomato plants bearing fruits already here in Minnesota. I have a large garden with maybe 10 or so tomato plants. Mine have always done well each year also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@Colmuc (707)
•
2 Jun 09
Hi Grandpa Bob, I must have been responding to your discussion at the same time you were answering mine! The problem here is that tomatoes which are not undercover get a blight disease from the rain in August. Growing the major part of my crop on my covered balcony avoids this but limits my choice of varieties. I have seen your Roma variety in my seed catalogue. It claims they are almost seedless with a different flavour.
Do the plants grow quite large?
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Jun 09
I have had a Roma plant get as tall as 4 feet in the past.
Most grow to about 2 feet tall and produce many fruits.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@Archie0 (5636)
•
2 Jun 09
Wow i have never heard diffrent types of tomatoe nor did i seen them any time.i just know there are normal tomatoes that my mom uses to cook and one cherry tomatoes which i get because i like to pop them in my mouth as they are like some candies.rest if there are more its great and i think they must be tasting the best i like tomatoes but not always.
@paulakool17 (123)
• Philippines
3 Jun 09
I love red tomatoes that are big. I love them raw and sometimes I want them grilled or mixed in the cooked food. I love tomatoes because it tastes very good and it is very healthy too. I would love to grow tomatoes but we have no space. I will just eat them :)
