2015 Surprises and Mysteries

Father'sDaughter · July 14, 2015

Like last year, I have a few mysteries that have resulted from planting seeds obtained from the Mostly Mystery Mater Mailing. Last year I received seeds labeled Russian 117 that grew an early-ish, medium-to-large, pink beefsteak that was one of the better producers and a very tasty tomatoes in my garden.

This year I have two apparently mis-labeled varieties from the swap --

Seeds labeled Super Italian Paste; plant is a very compact determinate that is growing small-to-medium plums. I only have greenies at this time, so we'll see what color they turn out to be in a few weeks.

Seeds labeled Chico Grande; plant is an indeterminate that is producing a lot of small-to-medium perfectly shaped round tomatoes. Again, no clue what the final ripe color will be, but obviously this is not a Chico Grande plant!

Like last year's pink beefsteak, I'll probably never know what they actually are. If they end up being good producers with good flavor, I may grow them again. If not, I'll probably toss the seeds and go look for the real things.

My husband was given seeds by an elderly Italian customer who very clearly labeled them Cuore Di Bue, which research showed is a red pear shaped paste. He originally got the seeds in Italy years ago, and has been growing them ever since. Now that I have fruit set on a plant, I see that they are most likely Cuor Di Bue, a pink heart. I'm glad for this because pear shaped pastes don't do well in my garden. My husband is even happier because it's one he can eat fresh!

After trying many different San Marzano varieties and not being successful with any of them, I gave up. On a whim I planted a San Marzano Nano from seeds I received from the MMMM in a grow bag this year. The darn thing is about three feet tall, three feet wide, and loaded with over 60 tomatoes to date. I think I've finally found a way to grow a San Marzano!

And finally, I ordered French Red Shallots from two vendors last year (because I forgot about the first order). They didn't look anything alike, but I planted five of each last fall and harvested them today. The ones from Peaceful Valley were red shallots, and they did quite well. The ones I received from Territorial Seed grew into clusters of four or five good sized rounds. I have now determined that they are in fact not shallots, but potato onions! Both will be back next year.

Ah, adventures in gardening!!!!

Anyone else have any mysteries or surprises this year?

July 14, 2015	#1
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,919	2015 Surprises and Mysteries Like last year, I have a few mysteries that have resulted from planting seeds obtained from the Mostly Mystery Mater Mailing. Last year I received seeds labeled Russian 117 that grew an early-ish, medium-to-large, pink beefsteak that was one of the better producers and a very tasty tomatoes in my garden. This year I have two apparently mis-labeled varieties from the swap -- Seeds labeled Super Italian Paste; plant is a very compact determinate that is growing small-to-medium plums. I only have greenies at this time, so we'll see what color they turn out to be in a few weeks. Seeds labeled Chico Grande; plant is an indeterminate that is producing a lot of small-to-medium perfectly shaped round tomatoes. Again, no clue what the final ripe color will be, but obviously this is not a Chico Grande plant! Like last year's pink beefsteak, I'll probably never know what they actually are. If they end up being good producers with good flavor, I may grow them again. If not, I'll probably toss the seeds and go look for the real things. My husband was given seeds by an elderly Italian customer who very clearly labeled them Cuore Di Bue, which research showed is a red pear shaped paste. He originally got the seeds in Italy years ago, and has been growing them ever since. Now that I have fruit set on a plant, I see that they are most likely Cuor Di Bue, a pink heart. I'm glad for this because pear shaped pastes don't do well in my garden. My husband is even happier because it's one he can eat fresh! After trying many different San Marzano varieties and not being successful with any of them, I gave up. On a whim I planted a San Marzano Nano from seeds I received from the MMMM in a grow bag this year. The darn thing is about three feet tall, three feet wide, and loaded with over 60 tomatoes to date. I think I've finally found a way to grow a San Marzano! And finally, I ordered French Red Shallots from two vendors last year (because I forgot about the first order). They didn't look anything alike, but I planted five of each last fall and harvested them today. The ones from Peaceful Valley were red shallots, and they did quite well. The ones I received from Territorial Seed grew into clusters of four or five good sized rounds. I have now determined that they are in fact not shallots, but potato onions! Both will be back next year. Ah, adventures in gardening!!!! Anyone else have any mysteries or surprises this year?