Juliet

[MikeInCypress]

I know some people hate this one but which Juliet. When I moved out here in 1999 I started some Juliet from Burpee. They produced mainly 1-1-1/4"l, 3/4" -1" in diameter grape shaped fruit with an "inney" at the base that I enjoyed in salads. I grew it until I was out of seeds. Then I bought transplants at a reputable nursery in 2003. These produced fruit almost twice as large. Thinking I got mismarked plants in 2004 I bought seed from TGS and started my own along with one transplant from that same nursery. Again all the large fruit - which I like a lot less than the smaller one. . Did the hybridizers change the original cross?

MikeInCypress

[carolyn137]

Juliet was bred by the Known-You seed caompany in Taiwan, who also bred Santa F1 and many others, and yes, there was a second version of Juliet and it's been discussed before, perhaps at GW, perhaps here, perhaps?????...... give me a break b'c it gets to the point where I can't remember everything I've read here and there since I went online in the mid-80's.

And there are those who agree with you that they like the original version better and you're also right that many can't stand the variety Juliet.

[Wi-sunflower]

I didn't know about a second version of Juliet. I've been growing it off and on for a long time and it's always been the bigger version. I believe I've always gotten my seeds from TT.

When it first came out, it was promoted as a "grape" back when grape was the new in thing. But the version I've had was way too big to be called a grape when people wanted the smaller stuff like they were getting in the stores. It is more about the size of a small roma but too juicy. More of a "saladette" tomato.

While it may not be the tastiest tomato you can grow, it is a nice market tomato because it produces tons and in bunches that can be picked rapidly. Hubby loves it for that reason. And I WILL have customers ask for the Juliet fruit at the market. So some people like it.

Carol

[BigdaddyJ]

I would be interested in the bigger Juliet version. The kids are getting bigger and I would like to throw a larger, heavier Juliet tomato for backyard batting practice...

[Granite26]

I grow 80 varieties for plant sales and then sell toms in season. Still my #1 requested variety in both plants and toms. I also usually bought seed from Totally Tomatoes but this year they didnt have any when I ordered. Luckily I found another source but yes...which one will it be?

Edit to add: Here in NW WI these really hit their stride in flavor when they have been left to hang for a long time and the later in the season the better they get. They hang as a nice red tom for a long time on the plant and like Carol said they are very heavy producers and very rewarding to pick with the big clusters.

[MikeInCypress]

Carol, Big Daddy, and Granite26,

I agree with the what you all say about the larger version. It is just that I feel that the taste of the small version was superior. I remember now the discussion Carolyn mentioned - I believe it was on GardenWay.

MikeInCypress

[carolyn137]

All well and good but I can't get past those thick skins on Juliet, which of course does make them good for markets.

Known-You bred Santa F1 which was the first grape sized variety as we know it, well, those who didn't know there already were some varieties with that shape. I have a pint of Santa Sweets out in the kitchen now, the F1's from the Procacci Bros who sued Andrew Chu in Fl, but I won't go into that now. And I'd forgettne how thick the skins were on those Santa Sweets as well.

Since the package says they can be from either FL, or NJ or Nogales, Mexico I suppose there could be some differences in growing methods b'c I don't remember the Santas being this crunchy.

[biscgolf]

i have bought juliet from johnny's for quite some time... it is consistently the most prolific tomato of any type i grow under a wide variety of conditions (i grow 15-20 types per year).. i cannot speak highly enough of it...

[KevinCT]

I got some Ferry Morse Juilet , I didnt think much of it at the time but they looked kinda big on the package. I just hope they taste as good as the Napas I've been eating all winter. The only thing I plan on doing with this mater is roasting it in olive oil with some Italian herbs, garlic and serving it over pasta.

[DuckCreekFarms]

I just finished my third of 4 plant festivals where I sell plants. I have never offered Juliet, but I had too many requests for it this year not to have it next year. My sales are way down for heirlooms this year, so I may not grow very many next year.

www.duckcreekfarms.com

[bboomer]

Originally Posted by Wi-sunflower

I didn't know about a second version of Juliet. I've been growing it off and on for a long time and it's always been the bigger version. I believe I've always gotten my seeds from TT.

When it first came out, it was promoted as a "grape" back when grape was the new in thing. But the version I've had was way too big to be called a grape when people wanted the smaller stuff like they were getting in the stores. It is more about the size of a small roma but too juicy. More of a "saladette" tomato.

While it may not be the tastiest tomato you can grow, it is a nice market tomato because it produces tons and in bunches that can be picked rapidly. Hubby loves it for that reason. And I WILL have customers ask for the Juliet fruit at the market. So some people like it.

Carol

I have been growing Juliet Hybrid, the grape version, for years now. The flavor is good and the plants disease resistant and very prolific--important features for gardeners with limited space. Although other varieties may taste better, a bag of Juliets in the middle of a Wisconsin winter sure does taste good.

I don't like the Juliet, but my daughter loves it so I have grown it for years. I started freezing some a few years ago and they work well to simply pull from the freezer and throw into any dish that needs some tomato while cooking. I usually drop them in boiling water first and the skins fall off. They are as good when cooked as Roma tomatoes.

This year, I am trying to seduce her away from the Juliet by planting some other varieties which she may like. I am trying Black Cherry, Sungold, Jaune Flamme, Tumbling Tom, and a few others. I simply need a variety she likes and I like which will produce cherry tomatoes all summer by the basket full. I also have Juliet growing again, and have told her to let me know if she likes one of the new ones better. I have my fingers crossed.

Ted