Pixie vs. Pixie vs. Pixie... vs. Mano

[Greatgardens]

Decided to have a grow-off of the Pixie-type plants this year.

I have started OP Kelley's Pixie, Shirley's Pixie, Knapp's Pixie-II, Orange Pixie OP, Orange Pixie F1, and since it seems to be a fairly similar type plant, Mano. Mano is said to be a dwarf indeterminate while the others should all be dwarf determinates. If so, that would be a plus. All are doing well with the exception of Shirley's Pixie. It has lagged since germination, while the other have been quite vigorous. If it continues to not thrive, I'll try it again next year or perhaps later this season.

Most of these were planted on 2-24 and have been transplanted once to larger pots. The exception to that was Orange Pixie OP which did not germinate well and was replanted on 3-1.

At this point there are no real "stars," since they are doing so well. In addition to good taste, I'm also looking for good foliage cover, since sun scald was always an issue here with the original Burpee's Pixie. Early harvest and fruit size are also important to me.

Not in the same category, but I'm impressed thus far with Red Profusion (a basket variety). Quite a bit more compact than Tumbler and supposedly has very nice branching characteristics.

-GG

[Cole_Robbie]

Mano has a light, citrusy flavor. It's sweet, but it doesn't have the acid bite of what I think of as "old-time" tomato flavor. It and Cyril's Choice are my two favorite red dwarfs so far. I had to keep them both; the flavor is very different. Cyril's Choice tastes like the tomatoes my grandparents used to grow. Mano tastes like an exotic tropical fruit.

[Greatgardens]

I like sweet tomatoes, so am looking forward to Mano. Grew Cyril's Choice late last summer; recommended by several folks here. I didn't care too much for the flavor, but it probably suffered by comparison to all the tempting late season toms that were available by the time it produced.

-GG