Hearts and vine ripening

[SharonRossy]

I have grown Russian 117 which is a very prolific and sturdy heart. Frankly, I pick all my tomatoes, except cherries, generally at first blush because the squirrels here are very aggressive and could care less if you are standing 1 inch away from them. Like Worth said, whenever I think I’ll give it another day, I find it on the ground/or vine, half eaten or gone completely. Haven’t found anything yet to deter the rascals.

[Nan_PA_6b]

I pick at first blush and my hearts are fine. Maybe it's the varieties? I've had good success with Dotson's Lebanese Heart and highly recommend it for taste, productivity, and continuing to produce all summer/fall even if hit with disease.


Other successful ones for me have been Orange Strawberry, Inima de Bou, and Pomodoro "Sorrento" selection (not Pomodoro di Sorrento).

[Worth1]

Orange Russian 117 best hands down in my opinion.

Originally Posted by SharonRossy

I have grown Russian 117 which is a very prolific and sturdy heart. Frankly, I pick all my tomatoes, except cherries, generally at first blush because the squirrels here are very aggressive and could care less if you are standing 1 inch away from them. Like Worth said, whenever I think I’ll give it another day, I find it on the ground/or vine, half eaten or gone completely. Haven’t found anything yet to deter the rascals.

Lol, I could loan you my cat Spencer.