A Big Monster is in My Garden

[ContainerTed]

I was harvesting beets this morning in a very wet and muddy garden. Regardless of the mud, I always do a "walkaround" to make sure nothing catastrophic happened since my last visit. That's when I saw this monster.

It's name is Belmonte and it was a "megabloom". Tatianna's Tomatobase says the fruit were large and get up to 20 ounces. Well, that number ain't gonna be enough for this monster. Before now, the biggest tomato I had harvested from all my gardens weighed right around 32 ounces (two pounds of Chapman). This green monster is already over 2 pounds and is still growing. With all the rain we're having, it will also add a lot of weight to its physical size. I am hoping it won't split.

There is no sign of any color change at all, so this baby is still growing. The other tomato you can see below the subject will easily go over a pound. I can't wait to see where this one finishes.

[Redbaron]

That's a monster alright!

[PA_Julia]

This is my main focus in tomato growing.

Do you have a cloth or vinyl tape measure that you could take the circumference??

[ContainerTed]

Originally Posted by PA_Julia

This is my main focus in tomato growing.

Do you have a cloth or vinyl tape measure that you could take the circumference??

I'll see if the DW will allow me to use hers. If I can, I'll try to get a picture. I don't want to disturb this big fella too much. it's been fine up to now without my interference. But, I'll try.

[KarenO]

Wow, that's a beAut and not too lumpy for a fused fruit either. I have seed for Palestinian. Going to give that a try next year!
KarenOl

[Worth1]

Ted you can get the diameter and multiply it by 3.14 to get your answer.
Or you can use a string and then measure it.
Just from what I can see the tomato is about 19 inches around.
Worth

[ContainerTed]

Thanks, Worth, I had already thought of that. The problem with using the string method is that this tomato is wedged in tight by the white string you see. It is holding the large stems and some leaf branches tight against the fruit. I managed to get around the "easy access" end and and that's what you see in the first picture below. Factor in that the measurement is done on the end that tapers down - reducing the overall diameter. I would be guessing, but I would estimate the mid section circumference is going to be 17" to 20". The second pix below shows the length of the curved outer face. It is only the exposed and does not include the rollover to the mid section. The third pix gives a better look at the companion fruit. That one measured (with a string) at 17 1/4" around its middle.

It's hard to use the string method on the big one because of the stems and leaf branches inside the taut string. These measurements are not exact. Exact will happen when harvest time is here.

Dang, I hope it tastes at least decent.

[Salsacharley]

That string might cut into the monster as the tomato softens. That would be no fun.

[KarenO]

You can measure it when you pick it. It seems happy enough to be left alone to grow some more
KO

[PA_Julia]

Excellent!!!

Very nice and it appears to still be growing.

My 4.46 LB Big Zac was 23.5 inches in diameter so that should give you a bench mark in which to measure.

It was a completely different shape then yours. Yours appears to be nice and dense which in the end will weigh heavier at the same circumference.

Here's a photo of my 4.16 LB Big Zac with the tape measure.

[Starlight]

Awesome! I wonder what it will finally weigh in at. How much more growing do you think it might have? Sure hope for your sake it is good eating too. Is this the first time you have grown that variety?

[ContainerTed]

Originally Posted by Starlight

Awesome! I wonder what it will finally weigh in at. How much more growing do you think it might have? Sure hope for your sake it is good eating too. Is this the first time you have grown that variety?

We'll have to see where it goes to. All I know is that it is past 2 lbs and headed for 3. Whether it gets to 3 or who knows what is in the hands of Mother Nature. I'm just going to do everything I can to give Mother a lot of room to "expand" her project.

[ContainerTed]

Well, it won't be long now. Look at what I found this morning.

[Worth1]

Ted I know you know what you are doing but I would pick that thing before some critter gets it.
The very thought of it horrifies me.


Worth

[ContainerTed]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Ted I know you know what you are doing but I would pick that thing before some critter gets it.
The very thought of it horrifies me.


Worth

I appreciate your concern and good advice. But, I want it to be on the vine a little longer. I'm checking on it at least twice a day.

BTW, I was able to loosen up that string a tiny bit. That allowed me to get my hands closer to the stem. It's much bigger around than I thought. Your statement of it being 19" or more may not be adequate either.

So, let's sit down and chew off the rest of our fingernails and let this puppy do a little more growing. My heart skips a beat each time I dream up another total disaster that "could happen" to it. But I think it's going to be okay. I'm trying to make sure the sun doesn't scald it.

Thanks for caring.