Questions about multiflora tomatoes

[BigVanVader]

Thanks for all the responses, this is the kind convo I was hoping for. So Kay you haven't noticed a flavor reduction in the ones you grow compared to regular cherries? And yes ChrisK I looked a TTB and I really want to try a few of those but I figured there had to be others and wondered if anyone had actual numbers on % of flowers that set fruit, total fruit prod in different zones etc. Any information is appreciated and I will definitely be growing some this year to learn more.

[Salsacharley]

I grew Zluta Kytice this past year. It was prolific and the flavor was good, but like maf says, it is difficult to harvest because unripe fruit and stems and leaves block the ripe ones. The fruits are small so harvesting takes time. I actually dreaded it because I had 140 other varieties to harvest and the Zluta Kytice took a lot of time bent over. I'm passing on it next year.

[kayrobbins]

I actually think the flavor of Coyote and Everglade are very intense. I grew them at the local extension office's demonstration garden and the Master Gardeners loved both of them. The problem with both of them is a short shelf life. I call them yard candy since I normally them or feed them to the chickens when I am working in the garden. Riesentraube has a better shelf life.

[KarenO]

One that I have grown that hasn't been mentioned yet is "red cluster pear". Very prolific bloomer, I once lost count at around 180 blossoms on one cluster although clearly it didn't set nearly that many. Flavor was OK but the fruits were cute little wee red pears so something different anyway. It was actually quite an attractive plant when in bloom.
KarenO

[maf]

Originally Posted by Salsacharley

I grew Zluta Kytice this past year. It was prolific and the flavor was good, but like maf says, it is difficult to harvest because unripe fruit and stems and leaves block the ripe ones. The fruits are small so harvesting takes time. I actually dreaded it because I had 140 other varieties to harvest and the Zluta Kytice took a lot of time bent over. I'm passing on it next year.

This harvesting problem is why the multiflora types are not grown in commercial operations.

I believe a multiflora is a good parental trait for F1 crosses. It has been recommended to me by a man who should know the diffference. The impression I get is that an F1 between a multiflora and a regular cherry tomato will be more productive than the regular line but will not result in the abysmal multifloral shizzel.

[ChrisK]

PM me your usps mailing addy and I'll send you some of the dwarf multiflora I'm working on. No need to prune, in fact I'd discourage it on these!

From the micro-tomato thread page 9:

Originally Posted by BigVanVader

Thanks for all the responses, this is the kind convo I was hoping for. So Kay you haven't noticed a flavor reduction in the ones you grow compared to regular cherries? And yes ChrisK I looked a TTB and I really want to try a few of those but I figured there had to be others and wondered if anyone had actual numbers on % of flowers that set fruit, total fruit prod in different zones etc. Any information is appreciated and I will definitely be growing some this year to learn more.

[BigVanVader]

Originally Posted by kayrobbins

I grow Riesentraube, Coyote and Everglade. I find Riesentraube very manageable and I love the flavor. Coyote over grew a 5 ft tall cage and made its way past the cool deck into the pool but next time I will find a better location because I love the flavor. Everglade is my tomato wild child. You go out and pick all the red tomatoes in the morning and by afternoon there are more. Once you have it will self sow but is so slow to germinate when you want to plant it. I like the flavor but if you don't pick them early they will burst in your hand when picking giving you even more volunteers.

I am growing Coyote this year and I have Zluta Kytice as well. The Everglades and Reisentraub I hope to try next year. Everglade sounds very intriguing.

[Bipetual]

Chris, what kind of containers are you plants growing in? I like the framework you have there. Does it help keep the pots from tipping over, or is it to facilitate drainage or just make it easier to reach the plants?