Is there a trick to starting larger tomatoes from seed?

HudsonValley · June 10, 2016

Hi, all,
This was my first year starting tomatoes from seed, and my second year as a tomato-grower. I had good success using Jiffy organic seed-starting mix, standard-issue heat mats, and T5 lamps on a timer for 16 hours/day for cherry, paste, and small- to medium-sized tomatoes (Black Krim, Chocolate Cherry, San Marzano, Marglobe, etc.).

I had far less success with the larger-fruiting varieties. I managed to grow two German Striped plants and four Cherokee Purples, but that's about it. One Brandywine seed germinated of four, but the seed cap stayed on and after a week, I took away its real estate. Mortgage Lifter had similarly poor germination, but one grew for a while, and then died. For future reference, I'm wondering whether there is some trick I'm unaware of... I'd appreciate any advice that will help me join the big league someday!

June 10, 2016	#1
HudsonValley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Hudson Valley, NY, Zone 6a Posts: 626	Is there a trick to starting larger tomatoes from seed? Hi, all, This was my first year starting tomatoes from seed, and my second year as a tomato-grower. I had good success using Jiffy organic seed-starting mix, standard-issue heat mats, and T5 lamps on a timer for 16 hours/day for cherry, paste, and small- to medium-sized tomatoes (Black Krim, Chocolate Cherry, San Marzano, Marglobe, etc.). I had far less success with the larger-fruiting varieties. I managed to grow two German Striped plants and four Cherokee Purples, but that's about it. One Brandywine seed germinated of four, but the seed cap stayed on and after a week, I took away its real estate. Mortgage Lifter had similarly poor germination, but one grew for a while, and then died. For future reference, I'm wondering whether there is some trick I'm unaware of... I'd appreciate any advice that will help me join the big league someday!