Need some advice on growing Sara's Galapagos

cythaenopsis · June 12, 2014

Last year I learned about Sara's Galapagos and wanted to try out this variety next growing season. So despite the difficult germination rate, I gave it a go. And what I read was correct--I had only 10% germination! But thankfully I got what I did, which was 7 healthy sprouts. In contrast, the seeds I harvested from Black Krim fruit last year had like an 80% germination rate!

Anyway, I ended up with 4 really good plants, gave away 3 and kept 1. I transplanted it from the 4" pot into a sub irrigated container about 5 days ago and it is doing very well. I'm starting to see flower buds now.

However, I'm getting lots of low lying branches, right at the soil level. I've heard all the horror stories about soil contamination and how you should prune the lowest branches to help shield the leaves from soil splash. But if I did that, I'd lose over 40% of leaf coverage! For the time being, I put down a plastic barrier between the potting mix and low branches. But I'm wondering if I should prune those lower leaves, or if this is "typical SG growth". I have no prior experience growing this variety. Are there any other considerations that are special to this variety over your traditional heirloom tomato plants?

June 12, 2014	#1
cythaenopsis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Hoboken, NJ USA Posts: 347	Need some advice on growing Sara's Galapagos Last year I learned about Sara's Galapagos and wanted to try out this variety next growing season. So despite the difficult germination rate, I gave it a go. And what I read was correct--I had only 10% germination! But thankfully I got what I did, which was 7 healthy sprouts. In contrast, the seeds I harvested from Black Krim fruit last year had like an 80% germination rate! Anyway, I ended up with 4 really good plants, gave away 3 and kept 1. I transplanted it from the 4" pot into a sub irrigated container about 5 days ago and it is doing very well. I'm starting to see flower buds now. However, I'm getting lots of low lying branches, right at the soil level. I've heard all the horror stories about soil contamination and how you should prune the lowest branches to help shield the leaves from soil splash. But if I did that, I'd lose over 40% of leaf coverage! For the time being, I put down a plastic barrier between the potting mix and low branches. But I'm wondering if I should prune those lower leaves, or if this is "typical SG growth". I have no prior experience growing this variety. Are there any other considerations that are special to this variety over your traditional heirloom tomato plants? __________________ I'm GardeningAloft.blogspot.com (container growing apartment dweller)