Tasmanian Chocolate

[PaulTandberg]

I ordered a Tasmanian Chocolate dwarf tomato plant (seeds) from Johnny's. The description said the variety was developed by Craig LeHoullier as part of the Dwarf Tomato project. Is he one of you guys and is this plant one of the results from the Dwarf Tomato project I have read about on this forum?

I started several plants and will be giving many of them away to growers I know who enjoy trying new plants (and old), and I would like to include some of the plants "back story" along with the plant. What is this plant's story? And what are its characteristics? What are some of the plants in its lineage?

It's cool that Johnny's picked up this plant. I hope it does well and sells like hotcakes!

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetabl...eed-3558G.html

[Scooty]

Yes, it is one of Craig's (nctomatoman). It's an "ok" dwarf project tomato to me. But I prefer intensely flavored tomatoes, and Tas isn't one of them. That said it's probably one of the better ones of the project.

[KarenO]

https://www.dwarftomatoproject.net/p...ian-chocolate/

One of the early releases. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
KarenO

[Lee]

Better Summary of development:
https://www.victoryseeds.com/tomato_...chocolate.html


Very Detailed history/backstory etc....:
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=10427


I grew out the F3 and F4 generations in 2007/2008 that were used in final commercial selection.


The detailed link above shows some key information/pix I provided from that time period.


When trialed at Tomatopalooza[tm], many folks loved it and commented how it tasted as good as Cherokee Chocolate. I prefer a more assertive flavor like Summertime Gold or Rosella Purple, but it is
still quite good and popular.


Dwarf Mahagony is a similar variety that came from a different line, which I prefer due to its flavor and productivity. However, it is still unreleased as I've had to revisit older generations to stabilize out the desired traits.


Lee

[PaulTandberg]

Perfect! Thanks!

One of the growers I plan on gifting is fond of heirlooms and has tried a few crosses of his own. He'll appreciate the links and comments. Thanks.

[PaulF]

As one of those connected with Tas Chocolate, it is still one of my favorites in the Dwarf Project. Good choice!

[dorota]

Last year Tasmanian Chocolate was one of my favorite varieties. Collecting tomatoes for the salad, I made this photo - TCh, Old Ivory Egg and Emerald Cherry.

[hl2601]

Yummy looking salad! I am growing Tas Chocolate and will hope to replicate come August.

[jtjmartin]

I love dark when ripe tomatoes and Taz Choc grew and tasted great to me.

[Scooty]

To me, Wild Fred is hands down the best black/purple of all the dwarf project releases I've tasted: Rosella Crimson, R. Purple, Purple Heart, Wild Spudleaf, Boronia, B. Rumball, Velvet Night, Taz Chocolate, Sleeping Lady, Mahogony, Kookabura Cackle, Kangaroo Paw Brown, Chocolate Lightning, and a few more that escape my memory.

[Scooty]

Originally Posted by Lee

When trialed at Tomatopalooza[tm], many folks loved it and commented how it tasted as good as Cherokee Chocolate. I prefer a more assertive flavor like Summertime Gold or Rosella Purple, but it is
still quite good and popular.


Dwarf Mahagony is a similar variety that came from a different line, which I prefer due to its flavor and productivity. However, it is still unreleased as I've had to revisit older generations to stabilize out the desired traits.


Lee

Have you tried Wild Fred or Summer Sunrise? I grew the former side by side with Rosella Purple and Crimson. I still find WF much bolder. Same goes for Summer Sunrise grown side by side with Summertime Gold.

Wait I thought Mahogony was released? It was sold by Victory last year, which I grew out.

[sjamesNorway]

Originally Posted by PaulTandberg

I ordered a Tasmanian Chocolate dwarf tomato plant (seeds) from Johnny's. The description said the variety was developed by Craig LeHoullier as part of the Dwarf Tomato project. Is he one of you guys and is this plant one of the results from the Dwarf Tomato project I have read about on this forum?

I started several plants and will be giving many of them away to growers I know who enjoy trying new plants (and old), and I would like to include some of the plants "back story" along with the plant. What is this plant's story? And what are its characteristics? What are some of the plants in its lineage?

It's cool that Johnny's picked up this plant. I hope it does well and sells like hotcakes!

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetabl...eed-3558G.html

Here's Craig's website. https://www.craiglehoullier.com/ He's working on a book about the Dwarf Tomato Project. He has already published a great book: "Epic Tomatoes".



Steve

[PaulTandberg]

Thank you!

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Scooty

Have you tried Wild Fred or Summer Sunrise? I grew the former side by side with Rosella Purple and Crimson. I still find WF much bolder. Same goes for Summer Sunrise grown side by side with Summertime Gold.

Wait I thought Mahogony was released? It was sold by Victory last year, which I grew out.

Interesting... I guess you're right... I sent my seed to Craig for growouts and continued selection... Forgot about that path...


Anyway, the original was dwarf indeterminate. However, a growout in the F4 generation resulted in some determinate qualities that I had to go back and re-select out. Sounds like the line that Victory has didn't encounter that issue.


I have tasted many of the earlier dwarves... generally in their initial selection states at Tomatopalooza[tm]. Only really recall the ones that stood out for me. Never have tried growing Wild Fred myself, so might have to add that to the list.


Lee

[greenthumbomaha]

I am sorting out plants for shares and noticed that from a dozen Tasm Choc transplants I have three that are clearly PL. A quick search doesn't indicate any PL in the parentage. I will plant the PL myself for curiosity, but is this user error or could it be an unexpected mutation/cross?

- Lisa