Thread for posting assessment of the new Dwarf Project varieties - Page 9

rsg2001 · June 30, 2011

New Big Dwarf Update: Two of them are in a 3' x 3' self watering planter, in opposite corners (there are 7 tomato plants of different varieties in that planter - it gets very impressive-looking as the summer wears on). However, the NBDs are both experiencing yellowing on middle to lower level branches - not the whole plant. On two of the branches, leaves on one side of the stem were yellow while the other side was normal. I've removed these branches and now waiting to see if it continues. Is it possible that they just don't like the 'wet feet' that they can experience in a self-watering pot? I have one other that is planted in a plain pot and thus far it has not experienced this. (FYI, both plants in the self-watering pot are beginning to fruit - each with two tomatoes en route at this juncture.)

**nctomatoman** · June 30, 2011

Jeannine, it all depends upon what the current growers find.....amongst the possibilities are Rosella Crimson, Dwarf Kelly Green, Summer Sunrise, Perth Pride, Sweet Adelaide, and Dwarf Sweet Sue (these are the most advanced). A bit less advanced but at least very promising and getting close are Sarandipity, Dwarf Blazing Beauty, Wherokowhai, Sleeping Lady, maybe Boronia....off the top of my head, anyway!

But that's pretty good, meaning that within a few years we could be adding 11 to the existing 9 - 20 new dwarf tomato varieties is rather remarkable, when you think about it!

Jeannine Anne · June 30, 2011

Oh Craig, I am sure thinking about it !!

Thank you so much, now when I find out who will be handling them I shall be camping on their doorstep, there is now way I am risking losing them or getting them late next year.. if I have to read this post ten times a day LOL

Thank you as usual Craig, you know you always answer and you must be so busy, it is really appreciated.

XX Jeannine

Duh_Vinci · July 8, 2011

Tasmanian Chocolate made it on to the plate today!

Rather surprise, since these were seeded much later (due to availability), and Craig, your were absolutely right, you actually have to "look" for them sometimes, due to the dense foliage... Actually noticed it from the inside the room, looking through the window, could not see it at all outside!

I tell you, handsome little "devil"! Brownish/orange color darker skin, deep pink center and dark green gel, a little smaller than the tennis ball size. Very very nice flavor, I'd honestly give it an 8, even being the first fruit.

It first, very sweet notes are pronounced, then the deep (not acidic) but pleasant rich tartness comes in, and still hints of sweetness. I really can't compare it to anything I've tasted before. No cracks so far, no imperfections... Now we wait for more

Regards,
D

July 9, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duh_Vinci

Tasmanian Chocolate made it on to the plate today!
snip
D

Very nice mater DV. So the big question is... Are you going to grow this mater next year too?

Jeannine Anne · July 9, 2011

Can someone ntell me if fused flowers are common the dwarf project tomatoes please, I seem to be getting quite a few

XX Jeannine

delltraveller · July 10, 2011

I'm getting some fused flowers, too. I don't think it's unusual for these dwarves.

Don't worry, you're doing just fine.

**nctomatoman** · July 10, 2011

Many of the larger fruited dwarfs will do that - just like their indeterminate daddies!

Jeannine Anne · July 11, 2011

Thank you for the replies,funny little things these dwarfs, I have never had so many fused flowers in one greenhouse before.

Oh well,love my babies..and boy are they growing fast,considering how late they were going in.

XX Jeannine

DogsandDirt · July 11, 2011

I would like to try some dwarf variety next spring since I grow primarily in containers. I was wondering what current growers are using for growing media? Duh Vinci's plants look beautiful! And that Tasmanian chocolate looks delicious!

roper2008 · July 18, 2011

Unfortunately stink bugs are ruining all my tomatoes that
the blight isn't killing. I saw one decent Rosella Purple
that they did not damage as much. I sliced the good parts
out and took a taste. Very good, I liked it. A little sweetness
with a nice tang to it.
I will grow this again next year and cover it with tulle. Maybe that
will keep the stink bugs out.

**Patrina_Pepperina** · July 28, 2011

OK, so I'm wondering how the production is for all you lucky folks who are testing the first run on these new dwarf varieties? Please can you do a rough fruit count for me? I'm interested in them all of course, but especially want to know how Rosella Purple performs up there in the Northern Hemisphere

I posted this request in the "First Dwarf Project releases...." thread yesterday but think it could also be here.

Patrina

Heritage · July 28, 2011

Patrina,

I think every blossom on the first truss of my Rosella Purples set fruit. In retrospect, I probably should have pruned the first truss to develop a larger plant before allowing fruit set. (but who can do that?) I think fruit development competed for plant resources, slowing new fruit set because there was no more fruit set until the original trusses began to ripen. Each truss was a mass of 6 fruit, probably a total weight of 3 lb. per truss. If the new fruit (that has already set) gets as large, I will end up with a total of 5-6 lbs of fruit per plant. That's about the middle range for the first 7 dwarfs I'm growing.

I'll post my impressions and tasting scores for the first 7 dwarfs in a week or so... I'm still waiting on Summertime Gold to ripen.

Steve

jenniedhs · July 31, 2011

I had the same results with Rosella Purple as Steve. At fifteen inches high, almost every bloom had turned into a tomato! It didn't start growing again until all of those were harvested, probably about 8 or 9 in that first group. Now it is about 2 1/2 foot tall with lots of new blossoms. The tomatoes were very good, almost like a Cherokee Purple!!! Opposite of the Rosella Crimson is Summertime Gold. Now at 5 foot tall, we wrestled it into a large texas tomato cage as the stakes weren't strong enough!
You sure have succeeded in the flavor department. I have really enjoyed the three I am growing, Summertime Gold, Summertime Green and Rosella Purple! Outstanding flavor.
Jennie

jenniedhs · July 31, 2011

One more observation that I'm not sure is useful.....the dwarfs I have are very resistant to herbicide damage. As is my Cherokee Purple. I got all of my plants except the two hybrids I grow from Craig, in all 11 plants. Earlier this spring I had three plants that showed definite 2-4D damage. I suspected the neighbors landscape maintenance company. I got three replacements from Craig. Those replacements and all the other tomato plants began to show the same damage. Long story short, the NC Ag. inspector did a thorough investigation and is almost certain it is from the manure I dug into each hole in the spring. The three dwarfs and the Cherokee purple worked through this and are now thriving and producing well, whereas the other plants only continued putting out deformed new growth and no new tomatoes. So, from my not very scientific observation I have found the dwarfs I have and the Cherokee Purple to be hardier and have some sort of resistance to herbicide damage.
Jennie

June 30, 2011	#122
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	Jeannine, it all depends upon what the current growers find.....amongst the possibilities are Rosella Crimson, Dwarf Kelly Green, Summer Sunrise, Perth Pride, Sweet Adelaide, and Dwarf Sweet Sue (these are the most advanced). A bit less advanced but at least very promising and getting close are Sarandipity, Dwarf Blazing Beauty, Wherokowhai, Sleeping Lady, maybe Boronia....off the top of my head, anyway! But that's pretty good, meaning that within a few years we could be adding 11 to the existing 9 - 20 new dwarf tomato varieties is rather remarkable, when you think about it! __________________ Craig

July 8, 2011	#124
Duh_Vinci Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Locust Grove, VA Posts: 292	Tasmanian Chocolate made it on to the plate today! Rather surprise, since these were seeded much later (due to availability), and Craig, your were absolutely right, you actually have to "look" for them sometimes, due to the dense foliage... Actually noticed it from the inside the room, looking through the window, could not see it at all outside! I tell you, handsome little "devil"! Brownish/orange color darker skin, deep pink center and dark green gel, a little smaller than the tennis ball size. Very very nice flavor, I'd honestly give it an 8, even being the first fruit. It first, very sweet notes are pronounced, then the deep (not acidic) but pleasant rich tartness comes in, and still hints of sweetness. I really can't compare it to anything I've tasted before. No cracks so far, no imperfections... Now we wait for more Regards, D Last edited by Duh_Vinci; July 8, 2011 at 09:01 PM.

July 10, 2011	#128
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	Many of the larger fruited dwarfs will do that - just like their indeterminate daddies! __________________ Craig

July 18, 2011	#131
roper2008 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Virginia Bch, VA (7b) Posts: 1,337	Unfortunately stink bugs are ruining all my tomatoes that the blight isn't killing. I saw one decent Rosella Purple that they did not damage as much. I sliced the good parts out and took a taste. Very good, I liked it. A little sweetness with a nice tang to it. I will grow this again next year and cover it with tulle. Maybe that will keep the stink bugs out. Last edited by roper2008; July 19, 2011 at 08:23 AM. Reason: wrong info

July 28, 2011	#132
Patrina_Pepperina Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Project™ Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New South Wales, Australia Posts: 3,094	OK, so I'm wondering how the production is for all you lucky folks who are testing the first run on these new dwarf varieties? Please can you do a rough fruit count for me? I'm interested in them all of course, but especially want to know how Rosella Purple performs up there in the Northern Hemisphere I posted this request in the "First Dwarf Project releases...." thread yesterday but think it could also be here. Patrina __________________ Truth is colourful, not just black and white. PP: 2005

June 30, 2011	#121
rsg2001 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Zone 6 Posts: 479	New Big Dwarf Update: Two of them are in a 3' x 3' self watering planter, in opposite corners (there are 7 tomato plants of different varieties in that planter - it gets very impressive-looking as the summer wears on). However, the NBDs are both experiencing yellowing on middle to lower level branches - not the whole plant. On two of the branches, leaves on one side of the stem were yellow while the other side was normal. I've removed these branches and now waiting to see if it continues. Is it possible that they just don't like the 'wet feet' that they can experience in a self-watering pot? I have one other that is planted in a plain pot and thus far it has not experienced this. (FYI, both plants in the self-watering pot are beginning to fruit - each with two tomatoes en route at this juncture.)

June 30, 2011	#123
Jeannine Anne Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,553	Oh Craig, I am sure thinking about it !! Thank you so much, now when I find out who will be handling them I shall be camping on their doorstep, there is now way I am risking losing them or getting them late next year.. if I have to read this post ten times a day LOL Thank you as usual Craig, you know you always answer and you must be so busy, it is really appreciated. XX Jeannine

July 9, 2011	#126
Jeannine Anne Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,553	Can someone ntell me if fused flowers are common the dwarf project tomatoes please, I seem to be getting quite a few XX Jeannine

July 10, 2011	#127
delltraveller Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 481	I'm getting some fused flowers, too. I don't think it's unusual for these dwarves. Don't worry, you're doing just fine.

July 11, 2011	#129
Jeannine Anne Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,553	Thank you for the replies,funny little things these dwarfs, I have never had so many fused flowers in one greenhouse before. Oh well,love my babies..and boy are they growing fast,considering how late they were going in. XX Jeannine

July 11, 2011	#130
DogsandDirt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas/FortWorth, TX Posts: 116	I would like to try some dwarf variety next spring since I grow primarily in containers. I was wondering what current growers are using for growing media? Duh Vinci's plants look beautiful! And that Tasmanian chocolate looks delicious!

July 28, 2011	#133
Heritage Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,255	Patrina, I think every blossom on the first truss of my Rosella Purples set fruit. In retrospect, I probably should have pruned the first truss to develop a larger plant before allowing fruit set. (but who can do that?) I think fruit development competed for plant resources, slowing new fruit set because there was no more fruit set until the original trusses began to ripen. Each truss was a mass of 6 fruit, probably a total weight of 3 lb. per truss. If the new fruit (that has already set) gets as large, I will end up with a total of 5-6 lbs of fruit per plant. That's about the middle range for the first 7 dwarfs I'm growing. I'll post my impressions and tasting scores for the first 7 dwarfs in a week or so... I'm still waiting on Summertime Gold to ripen. Steve Last edited by Heritage; July 28, 2011 at 05:01 PM.

July 31, 2011	#134
jenniedhs Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Chester, Ohio Posts: 21	I had the same results with Rosella Purple as Steve. At fifteen inches high, almost every bloom had turned into a tomato! It didn't start growing again until all of those were harvested, probably about 8 or 9 in that first group. Now it is about 2 1/2 foot tall with lots of new blossoms. The tomatoes were very good, almost like a Cherokee Purple!!! Opposite of the Rosella Crimson is Summertime Gold. Now at 5 foot tall, we wrestled it into a large texas tomato cage as the stakes weren't strong enough! You sure have succeeded in the flavor department. I have really enjoyed the three I am growing, Summertime Gold, Summertime Green and Rosella Purple! Outstanding flavor. Jennie

July 31, 2011	#135
jenniedhs Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Chester, Ohio Posts: 21	One more observation that I'm not sure is useful.....the dwarfs I have are very resistant to herbicide damage. As is my Cherokee Purple. I got all of my plants except the two hybrids I grow from Craig, in all 11 plants. Earlier this spring I had three plants that showed definite 2-4D damage. I suspected the neighbors landscape maintenance company. I got three replacements from Craig. Those replacements and all the other tomato plants began to show the same damage. Long story short, the NC Ag. inspector did a thorough investigation and is almost certain it is from the manure I dug into each hole in the spring. The three dwarfs and the Cherokee purple worked through this and are now thriving and producing well, whereas the other plants only continued putting out deformed new growth and no new tomatoes. So, from my not very scientific observation I have found the dwarfs I have and the Cherokee Purple to be hardier and have some sort of resistance to herbicide damage. Jennie