True North Tomatoes

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by efisakov

Karen, I like a variation of colors on your countertop. Gorgeous fruits. Can be transferred onto a canvas.

thank you
Karen

[KarenO]

Originally Posted by Salsacharley

I get variation in shape even in long standing varieties, probably due to my environment. It is hard to see any shape variations in your pictures (from my eyeballs).

that is true, I find particularly in larger sized tomatoes there is more variability.
KarenO

[KarenO]

You know at this time of year I have a lot of options to choose from.
When I choose a tomato for my own lunch you gotta know it's a great tomato.
Not a heart but this unusual clear epi black beefsteak with ribbed shoulders is Polaris.
Just delicious. I would be comfortable to put it up against the best tasting tomatoes I have ever grown.
KarenO

[Salsacharley]

Oh heck ya!

[KarenO]

notice there's no seeds in my sandwich I have them saved because there aren't many seeds in these.
K

[sjamesNorway]

Originally Posted by KarenO

Thanks! I would live to see it grown in Alaska
KarenO

How about Norway?

Steve

[loulac]

Originally Posted by KarenO

notice there's no seeds in my sandwich I have them saved because there aren't many seeds in these.
K

This can be an important point. Some people can't eat tomato seeds, they irritate their digestive tract. They only eat varieties that have very few seeds. In an earlier post I asked about characteristics of a North tomato and was told that they would be given by the different tests made by growers. I suggest another point to check : summers can be hot in summer in Northern places with frost in the morning !
All the best

[KarenO]

More midnight sun.

They hold well, getting more colourful the riper they get. Remaining firm for quite a few days ripe.

[Fred Hempel]

Midnight Sun looks great!!

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by Fred Hempel

Midnight Sun looks great!!

They sure do! Can't wait.

[BlackBear]

Wow Wow Wow !

Great work and Pix. ...

Those Big Sandwich ones ....really seem to be the ticket !

Question : was this Season on Vancouver Island actually to "Hot "

for optimal garden efficiency ? In a Normal year do you suppose ...things would have been even farther along earlier due to optimal temps / sun. ?

[KarenO]

Definately too hot for tomatoes.
Good thing though because I am completely overwhelmed with them despite no blooms for 6 weeks.
Religious watering is the only reason I have any. It hasn't rained in Ladysmith basically at all since June. Brown grass and a tomato jungle is the state if my yard at present.
I like that my tomatoes bred in and for Zone 3 are doing well here too in this heat. You need to be tough and versatile to be a Canadian tomato
KarenO

[GrowingCoastal]

Yes, too hot this year and next year could be completely different. Lots of fruit set early this year and lots picked starting later than usual. Many fused blossoms early on, too.
I topped most of them a couple of weeks ago and took off any tiny fruit. Several plants are now done with potted hot peppers taking their place.
Since there might be a little rain I have put up beach umbrellas over a few exposed tomatoes. They make it look festive out there.

[BlackBear]

Originally Posted by KarenO

Definately too hot for tomatoes.
Good thing though because I am completely overwhelmed with them despite no blooms for 6 weeks.
Religious watering is the only reason I have any. It hasn't rained in Ladysmith basically at all since June. Brown grass and a tomato jungle is the state if my yard at present.
I like that my tomatoes bred in and for Zone 3 are doing well here too in this heat. You need to be tough and versatile to be a Canadian tomato
KarenO

yes it was quite noticeable ....every time there was a break down to

"normal coastal " temps ......the plants were reinvigorated enough to get back to normal growth .....

Imagine if it had been a bit more ideal (cooler ) for longer this year

wow !

Originally Posted by KarenO

It hasn't rained in Ladysmith basically at all since June. Brown grass and a tomato jungle is the state if my yard at present.

Typical summers have a couple of days of rain, but brown grass is normal.