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Growing Tomatoes

Jet Star in Georgia?

12 years ago

I'm trying Jet Star for the first time this year. So far, the plants look great, healthy. They have had blossoms for a few weeks. The blossoms open, fade and so far no fruit showing. I am concerned because we have had an unusually hot May. Day time temps in the 90's, night time upper 60-s to low 70's. The heat is only going to get worse with projections of mid-upper 90's for the first ten days of June. Will Jet Star set fruit under these conditions? Our Better Bush and Jelly Beans have small fruit already. (I grew the Jet Star from seed purchased at our local Lowes)

Comments (7)

digdirt2
12 years ago
Sounds like you are experiencing 'blossom drop' - common with such temps as you are having. I linked the FAQ here on it below and you can Google lots more info on it using that term. Many prior discussions here about it too if you want to review them.

Cherry and bush varieties are more tolerant but yes, once the weather cooperates your Jet star will do fine as well assuming the other cause factors are under control. Are your plants in containers or in the ground? Container plants are more stressed.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom Drop FAQ
nhardy
12 years ago
Early in the season, I like to cover all my bases. I like to stray blossom set on all my tomato flowers. I plant Jet Star every year. They do pretty good in the heat here in StL. They are my cornerstone tomato in my small garden.
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That's what I thought Dave. I grow 95% of my plants from seed but once in awhile I see a nice specimen at my favorite nursery (They start theirs in their own greenhouse) and I'll find space. I saw this Jet Star and thought I'd try it again based on Carolyn's and other's praise. I think you should give a variety a second or third chance if so many people rave on it. But it's feeble...AGAIN! Maybe mislabled? Maybe the variety just doesn't like me? LOL
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You can get them rather cheaply at Walmart when the season starts but then I'd worry a little about disease since last year was a disaster with store bought tomato plants. I've been absolutely no help to you I know but when I see Jet Star it catches my eye they are my (only) favorite hybrid tomato with super production and taste. At least my post will keep your thread bumped to the top, good luck. :)
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jmhewitt
12 years ago
I have grown Jet Star for about 6 years, and they have always been pretty reliable here.

but you are right noticing that not much fruit is set this year.

I will check in more detail tomorrow.

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opal52
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone for responses.

Dave, the tomatoes are planted in the ground. I read the link on blossom drop. I think I'm doing everything recommended to prevent this. I water deeply a couple times a week (we are getting little to no rain) and I have been careful with fertilizer. I apply a good layer of mulch also. The plants look healthy so far. Very sturdy. Our crazy weather has been keeping our daytime temps 10 plus degrees above normal.

It's still fairly early in the season. Since I can't control the weather, I will hope for a break soon and keep looking for those first tiny tomatoes to show up.
jmhewitt
12 years ago
checked my Jet Stars this PM.....I have one big pot with 3 plants nad it has about 6-7 fuits set and another pot with one plant and it has 2-3 set. they have been more productive in past years.

have you been shaking the plants to aid the flowers in setting fruit - I have started doing that everytime I am out in the garden.

the best fruit setters in my climate are Goose Creek (amazing crop coming), Fourth of July and Big Beef. even the cherries have not been that spectacular this year.

where you are you really need to try some Goose Creek plants from Laurel for next year.

don't know how GC tastes, but it sure loves the south!!!

tried to buy some GC seeds on Ebay, but NONE germinated. seller returned my money....
opal52
Original Author
12 years ago
jmhewitt,

Thanks for the info. I have visited Laurel's web site in the past. I think I will try the Goose Creek next year, Lord willing. I've lived in Georgia all my life and have always looked forward to the return of warm weather after our short winter. I just hate it when we go from Winter to Summer, skipping Spring. I haven't been shaking the plants, but will give that a try. Thanks again.
raisemybeds
12 years ago
I do be lovin' the Jet Star indeed - plant one or two every year and they are good "filler" tomatoes, giving lots of fruit mid-to-late season. Good flavor, good disease resistance and reliable fruitset. But it is cooler here than where you are. I would just wait out the hot spell and see if things don't improve as the temps drop into the 80s. Nothing you can do about the weather, as they say....

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