Terhune: The star of my seed tray

[Spartanburg123]

Thanks JLJ- yes, I believe that was "Darwinslair", if my memory serves me right.

The sowing height could be the reason, but only the Terhunes came up- all three of them. I since have one Early Girl and a Dotson's Lebanese Heart that has germinated.

Mark- good Lordy, that is a hoss!!! Do you think the seeds I got from Marianna's are from you, or that tomato? The stem on the tomato is as big as most of my vines!!!

Thanks

Darin

[carolyn137]

http://tatianastomatobase.com/wiki/Terhune

..... the original is above and yes, I have grown it many years ago.

But what pray tell is a competition Terhune, since I'm not going to Marianne's website to check.

Should it be any different from the original, and if so,why, or is it just in a list of tomato varieties that usually do grow big ones?

If the latter Dale Thurber at Delectation of Tomatoes has a list like that as well, primarily for those who enter fruits in contests ,which I presume that Marianne's/darth list is as well.

Yes to the purpose of the competition one?

Carolyn

[Spartanburg123]

Originally Posted by carolyn137

http://tatianastomatobase.com/wiki/Terhune

..... the original is above and yes, I have grown it many years ago.

But what pray tell is a competition Terhune, since I'm not going to Marianne's website to check.

Should it be any different from the original, and if so,why, or is it just in a list of tomato varieties that usually do grow big ones?

If the latter Dale Thurber at Delectation of Tomatoes has a list like that as well, primarily for those who enter fruits in contests ,which I presume that Marianne's/darth list is as well.

Yes to the purpose of the competition one?

Carolyn

Yes, I would like to have at least one plant that produces extra-large tomatoes. And yes, Marianna's has several varieties of seed that were taken from extra-large examples that fared well in size competitions. There are other examples from Hoy, Delicious, etc with the "Competition" moniker.

I see no obvious reason why these Terhune plants will produce oversized tomatoes, but thought they looked interesting. Most importantly, all reviews state that the taste of these fruits is good, which makes me happy.

[Spartanburg123]

OK, all three Terhune seedlings are coming up PL, which is consistent with some others. I believe AKMark had RL plants, however.

One question: some seedlings are having trouble splitting the seed coat- is there a way to coax this along, tweezers perhaps? I lose a few seedlings every year due to this. Any advice? Thanks!

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by Spartanburg123

OK, all three Terhune seedlings are coming up PL, which is consistent with some others. I believe AKMark had RL plants, however.

One question: some seedlings are having trouble splitting the seed coat- is there a way to coax this along, tweezers perhaps? I lose a few seedlings every year due to this. Any advice? Thanks!

Take some of your saliva on a finger and dab it on the seed coat, wait a few minutes and do it again.The enzymes in the saliva will soften up the seed coat and most of the time one can usually just take it off manually with your thumb and index finger.

Repeat above if necessary, which it has been for me when I'm dealing with some very rare varieties, especially those that are sent to me directly with few seeds.

If not, then gently use tweezers to do the same.

[Spartanburg123]

That's excellent advice- thank you very much

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by BigVanVader

My Esterina were up in 3 days. There are usually a few varieties that seem to be up in 3-4 days every year. My new saved seeds usually or a hybrid variety.

My Esterina and Cuostralee popped up in about 3 1/2 days.
50% of varieties germinated within 5 days.
25% of varieties in day 6
25% yet to pop up as of day 6.

[Spartanburg123]

Originally Posted by Gardeneer

My Esterina and Cuostralee popped up in about 3 1/2 days.
50% of varieties germinated within 5 days.
25% of varieties in day 6
25% yet to pop up as of day 6.

Interesting! Here is my tally, after 6 days:

Terhune (competition): 3/3
GGWT: 0/2
Rebel Yell: 1/6
Early Girl: 1/2
DLH: 5/16
Barlow's Best Black (3 d): 0/1
Lithium Sunset (3d): 0/1
Thai Chilis: 0/3


Overall, things are pretty sluggish this year!

[KarenO]

6 days isn't sluggish.
6 weeks is sluggish.
Do you use bottom heat Darin? if not a week is very normal
KarenO

[Spartanburg123]

No Karen, just a fluorescent light (now a few inches from the surface as you recommended .

6 weeks? Egads! I may try the heating method to speed things along.

D.

[KarenO]

lol don't get excited.

Always sow extra. If you want one plant sow at least 3 then choose the best and either give away or compost the others seed is cheap and that way generally at least one will germinate.

KarenO

[MissS]

I don't have the space to start too many plants at one time, so.... what I do is place them on top of my grow lights or into the oven they go with the light on to give them warmth.

[Spartanburg123]

I have got to get a long fluorescent shop light! In my lab, I just have this circular magnifying job that only lights up about half the tray- and the others get leggy as a result... Terhunes are outgrowing everything by a long shot...

[Spartanburg123]

Finally got a shop light! Keeping it about 2 inches above the plants. Here's my current tally as of today:

Terhune (competition): 3/3
GGWT: 2/2
Rebel Yell: 5/5
Early Girl: Removed
DLH: 6/16
Barlow's Best Black (3 d): 0/1
Lithium Sunset (3d): 0/3
Thai Chilis: 0/3
Sgt. Pepper's: 0/4 (sowed 2/23)

[KarenO]

They look great Darin, time to pot them up

KarenO