Tomato Growing 2024

Sadly it's not just golden sunrise, the RHS removed the AGM (Award of Garden Merit) designation from gardeners delight a few years ago. Their comments were that it had lost a lot of the characters that had made it so good, they felt it had been re-selected from too narrow a range of stock plants. I note since then several seed companies now offer an "improved " version .

 

I sometimes think the hardest part of tomato growing is the choice available. Unless you experiment with loads of type over several years, it can be hard to choose what will suit you. We all have different taste.
I noticed that when I picked some of my Sungolds, which are technically the only ones in the gr'house, that some of them were quite red, rather than that lovely golden colour. They also taste different, so something's happened somewhere. I'm always careful about collecting the seed, so it's not another tom in there with them. I had some s'market ones outside and nearby, last year, but not in with them. Is it possible there's been a cross with those somewhere?
They're all fine though, and I'm just glad I've got a decent harvest coming now!
The single outside one this year has only had one ripe tom, and I don't think many more will ripen with the temps etc. I might have to get them inside, although most haven't started to change yet.

 

Why have Tom's not turned red on the vine this year??

 

As said, the weather hasn't been kind to Tomatoes this year but if you have any fruit formed, they should be at least beginning to turn by now.
Whether you grow in a GH or outside is also a factor as is your location. Some varieties will also ripen earlier than others so it can also depend on which type you are growing.

 

Thanks for that message @JWK. I always bought my Sungold seed fresh, and a packet would certainly last a good while, but I think this might be the 2nd year of using saved seed, so that sounds like the problem there.

 

@JWK where do you get your tomato seed please? I have mostly bought from Premier as they are good value, but always looking for other good sources!

 

I've used King's Seeds for various things, and been happy with them @CarolineL

Buy Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Herbs, Plants, Fruit | Kings Seeds

 

@JWK - I hadn't realised Kings were also suppliers to other types of outlet, until I looked so that I could do a link for @CarolineL . That's really good for the allotment societies.
I also use Premier and find them very good, and Chilterns are also good for various things.
I've now got a page opened on Kings - for the tomatoes!

 

That's interesting JWK, I think my brother in law has saved his own seed for a long time. I must say to me his Golden Sunrise are a bit insipid but taste is very individual. My husband likes toms that are quite sharp tasting. Gardener's Delight is supposed to have deteriorated too. When I tried it they got greenback, admittedly in a hot summer. Toddler is supposed to be a replacement. Done well inside and outside for me. I shall just grow them outside next year.

 

Toddler is one I noticed on Kings @Baalmaiden, as a possibility for trying next year, so I might get new Sungolds and some of those. I only have room for a small amount of toms, but I love Sungold, and just eat them straight off the plant whenever possible, which doesn't help if you want them for the dinner!
We made bruschetta last night with the nice little bundle of S'golds that were ripe enough. Very nice, if a little later than usual for getting enough for doing that.

 

My Tumbling Tom has loads of flowers but no sign - yet - of the fruits.
Does anybody think I'll be lucky?
The plant is in a hanging basket, in full sun (when it's out!) and is well-watered and BIG.