Tomato Germination Log

Hi all,

It's been a while so I thought I would kick off things with my tomato germination log.I am growing several other varieties this year some are not planted yet and some of them are on the way.As they are planted and germinate I will post here.This year should be interesting as I will have several new to me varieties some of which are stripped /Bi-color or green when ripe.When all is said and done I should have around 100 plants which will be the most I have ever had and as many as 40 varieties. I hope to sell some of my harvest this year and the rest use for fresh eating and canning.What is listed is my first planting of the year and should have some more to post about Saturday night.

Al-kuffa - 2-8

Abe Lincoln 8-8

Black Krim 10-10

Grandpa Willie 8-8

Grandpa Charlie 8-8

Thessaloníki 10-10

Italian Giant Paste 6-6

Terhune 6-6

Boyarsky 1-6

Soldacki 1-6

Pervaya Lyubov 1-6

Costoluto Genovese 8-8

Eva Purple Ball 1-6

Cowlicks Brandywine 10-10

Giant Belgium 4-8

Unknown Black 4-8

As you can see by the numbers several are at 100% germination..Still waiting on Omar's Lebanese. Some of my seeds are a few years old and are slower to germinate so I am trying my best to not panic I should have a really nice mix of slicers,monsters,paste and anything in between. Hope everyone has a great harvest this year.


Kevin

 

[robbyjoe01]

Great selection. I'm only growing three types. I'm gona save myself some time here and ask are you covering yourself with determinate and indeterminate, vine and bush, and large and small fruit ? or is your reason for so many a different one.

 

[wordwiz]

I'm growing only about five types, all determinates: Early Wonder, Celebrity, BHN 589, Bush Goliath and Rutgers. So far, my germ rates have been between 85-96 percent.

Mike

 

[franzb69]

Pix pix pix! Lol

 

[klorentz]

Great selection. I'm only growing three types. I'm gona save myself some time here and ask are you covering yourself with determinate and indeterminate, vine and bush, and large and small fruit ? or is your reason for so many a different one.

Yes I do have both determinate and vine. In fact Al-Kuffa is more of a patio type. One reason I am growing so many is many are extremely hard to find and hope to save seeds and also sell some of my harvest.Hope to get pics taken of the tomato harvest too.Going to be planting more today.

Grandfather Ashlock,Tarsenko6,Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red,Italian Market Wonder,Break O'Day,Druzba,Costoluto Fioentino,Hoy and Rose.Might get some others in too. Will let ya know.


Kevin

 

[klorentz]

Pix pix pix! Lol

Now how did I know that was coming LOL. I will see what I can do about that.


Btw Mike That is a nice selection. Celebrity has always been a good producer for me before.The flavor is not as good as several of the heirloom/OP varieties I now grow but still much better then store maters.I may sneak some of them and Better Boy as someone gifted me with seeds of these two.


Kevin

 

[wordwiz]

Kevin,

Celebrity must be one of those maters whose taste depends on the individual. I heard it is tasteless as well as the best they ever tasted and everything in between! I'll probably plant a couple of Delicious, Better Boy and Red Zebra in my back yard so if I need one for a sandwich I don't have to drive to the garden.

Mike

 

[mmcdermott1_thehothalf]

Are the Italian Giant Paste just like an Amish Paste? Grew the Amish a few years ago (got from local nursery) and had a huge yield. They were great for canning.

 

[klorentz]

Kevin,

Celebrity must be one of those maters whose taste depends on the individual. I heard it is tasteless as well as the best they ever tasted and everything in between! I'll probably plant a couple of Delicious, Better Boy and Red Zebra in my back yard so if I need one for a sandwich I don't have to drive to the garden.

Mike

Well Mike I think a lot depends on climate too. Some tomatoes do not always taste as in other areas. I know folks who swear by Early Girl and that one is on my never again list.And I grew it in Cali where it seems to be very popular.Brandywine I have had good results with but other folks say in the south can't grow them or get to few fruits.Just depends onds on where you live and the variety in question.


Kevin

 

[klorentz]

Are the Italian Giant Paste just like an Amish Paste? Grew the Amish a few years ago (got from local nursery) and had a huge yield. They were great for canning.

Amish Paste is one I have yet to grow.Italian Giant Paste I can say is better than Roma and San Marzano for flavor.I got mine out late last year so production was not what it should be but what I got where very tasty and I had some around the 1 pound mark.Not bad for a plum type.



Kevin

 

[wordwiz]

Well Mike I think a lot depends on climate too. Some tomatoes do not always taste as in other areas. I know folks who swear by Early Girl and that one is on my never again list.And I grew it in Cali where it seems to be very popular.Brandywine I have had good results with but other folks say in the south can't grow them or get to few fruits.Just depends onds on where you live and the variety in question.
Kevin

I can believe it! That's why when I rate a tomato, I don't include "taste." Tough or soft skin, resistance to cracking, size, pounds per plant, how seedy it is, amount of juice, sweetness or acidity - all these things. But taste is so subjective! The only tom I've grown that seems consistent from year to year, no matter what the weather is like, is Red Zebra. I love this mater for making juice, my neighbor swears it is the best tomato to eat straight from the garden.

The plants I selected were based on size, productivity and resistance to diseases.

Trust me, as this grow is a "demonstation project," I'll have in-depth records about growth, maturity days (based on Growing Degree Days) and total productivity.

Mike

 

[mmcdermott1_thehothalf]

Italian Giant Paste I can say is better than Roma and San Marzano for flavor.

Kevin

Thanks for the info...going to search the web for some seeds! Happy Growing!

 

[klorentz]

Sounds good Mike.I have heard good things about Red Zebra.May have to try it next year.I have its alter ego Green Zebra but have tabled growing it this year.


Kevin

 

[klorentz]

Thanks for the info...going to search the web for some seeds! Happy Growing!

Tell ya what PM me. If ya can send me an sase I will send ya some seeds.


Kevin

 

[wordwiz]

Kevin,

If you get a chance, try Green Sausage. A patio type of tom but it produces all season long. Next to no seeds or juice, but makes a great ingredient for Salsa Verde.

Mike

 

[klorentz]

Oh I love Salsa Verde. I will have to give that a try.Thanks Mike.



Kevin

 

[klorentz]

Well I have more maters coming up. Looks like I will be very busy soon and am already beginning to pot up the first wave of seedlings.Here is what is up right now.


Ispolin,Guildo Pietroboni,Green Grape,Sandul Moldovan,Palmira N. Italian Heirloom,Red Rock,Brandywine Sudduth Strain, Gary O'Sena,Michigan State,Hoy (one so far),Costoluto Fieorentino,Druzba,Break O Day,Italian Market Wonder,Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red,Spudakee,Cour di Bue,Stump of the World,Lincoln Adam,Great Devide,Homer's German Oxheart,Shumway's Sensation and Darth Mater (Anna Russian crossed with an unknown black).


Yeah I know I am nuts but at least it is healthy


Kevin

P.S
No show is Omar's Lebanese and looks like Ernesto so far.Gonna give Ernesto a few more days before I write it off .

 

[wordwiz]

I finally finished my watering/growing tray in the GH yesterday, it will hold 21 standard nursery trays. Just in time, too. Six trays started germinating Wednesday and I should have another six today. I'm hoping I have timed it right - I should have some toms ready to plant in a month (give or take a week) and my first major plant sale will be in five weeks.

Mike