Need help! Roma tomatoes dropping before ripe?
sharonP68
10 years ago
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seysonn
10 years agosharonP68
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Need advice about Roma Tomatoes
Comments (16)Keary, if somebody's handwriting was real bad somewhere along the chain -- and these are the most likely I've found (all open-pollinated) 1. Ventmarin (a French database with nearly 14,000 varieties) has a Genovese (aka Genevese) which they describe as "Flattened round red fruit. 3 cells. Acid flavor. 65-70 days. Italy." It was listed in an Italian catalog in 1931, which would qualify it as an heirloom in most people's minds. (Fruit rouge rond aplati. 3 loges. Saveur acide. 65 à 70 jours. Variété originaire d'Italie.) http://ventmarin.free.fr/passion_tomates/tomates_g/tomate_g.htm [Warning: the G's are not in alphabetical order or I might have told you this yesterday; if you don't see it, try your browser's Find option.] 2. An American database which can't be named or linked on GW lists a Genovese Fiorentino, which is described as a medium-to-large red beefsteak on an indeterminate 6-8' plant; ripens mid- to late-season; used for slicing or salad. A very experienced US gardener who also posts here described it as "a large flat Italian beefsteak." 3. Now, if "Grovarese" is in fact "Genovese" and someone didn't keep good records about the name, another possibility is a much more well-known variety, Costoluto Genovese, here described by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, a major seed catalog with nice descriptions and even a photo: http://rareseeds.com/costoluto-genovese-tomato.html But they don't tell you, so I have to add that it's indeterminate and 78 days. "Costoluto" is supposed to mean "ribbed" in Italian. There are several varieties that begin with "Costoluto" and apparently come from different regions of Italy....See MoreEnd Rot On Roma Tomatoes
Comments (10)There seems to be a misconception here that I am closed minded and set in my ways. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact my garden right now is pretty much an experiment to see what works and what doesn't. Considering that I am unemployed and have a limited budget for gardening supplies I am trying to save as much money as I can so I can invest in good soil. I know 5 gallon buckets might not be ideal for some plants but I have basically an unlimited free supply of them so that is what I am using right now. If I get half as much tomatoes as the plant normally produces it is better than no tomatoes. That being said there are a few reasons I came to the conclusion my end rot problem was due to a watering issue and not over crowding. First of all the roma plants have been healthy and showing new growth everyday for at least a month. Then a heat wave hits at the beginning of this week. That is when the problems started all of a sudden. I did not get around to putting wood chips in the containers for the romas and the soil dried out on top. By putting 2 and 2 together most people would come to the logical conclusion that the end rot is being caused by lack of water. Not to say that there isn't going to be issues in the future due to over crowding there very well could be. Like I said it is sort of an experiment right now. Some experienced gardeners have told me I could get away with 3 plants. Some people have told me it's too many. I guess I will have to just find out for myself. I have about 20 healthy cuttings from the romas I have propagated so I have a backup plan in case things go wrong. As I said earlier I will have access to a decent sized heated greenhouse for the fall and winter so this is basically a trial run for what I'm going to be doing in the greenhouse. I have been adding worm castings to most of my plants every couple weeks. I just got an aerator yesterday and I'm going to make some worm casting tea and try that. Does anyone know how much castings I should use for 5 gallons of water or any websites that might have more info about that? I pulled about 15 rotted tomatoes from the plants last night of various sizes (none full sized). I ended up cooking them under the broiler and cutting the rotted part off then put them in salsa. It turned out pretty good. I am probably going to have about 10-15 more to pull off today. Some of them with very minor rot I am going to leave on and see how they do. I will keep you all updated on what happens here....See MoreRoma Tomatoes--Bottom leaves have a purple edging
Comments (7)Many of my lower leaves show phosphorus deficiency this year Too much cool wet weather. Not one heat wave all year. One hot day and then a thunder storm at most a few times. Its that or 80 highs and 60 lows and getting drier. A handy list of observations this year. 1. I have powdery mildew on some grass and even some weeds where I used the milk defense. 2. Every single Lima rotted on me in the ground even in a raised bed. 3. I just pulled snow pea vines because they just never died until now. Bumper crops of peas... 4. My coworker still has lettuce that he says is not bitter. Its that kind of year. I will make sure I add a bit of bone meal to fight it off for next year but it will probably just be too hot next year. I am in a new spot and had to use crappy commercial compost somewhat as well but its the weather for the most part. No later heat waves made up lost time either. Here is a side by side for my area. May just killed all early growth for summer crop. If you were in the Midwest this may have been your issue. Last year was great year for Tomatoes. http://home.att.net/~chicago_climo/CHI2007.gif http://home.att.net/~chicago_climo/CHI2008.gif...See MoreGrowing Roma tomatoes in a stock tank question
Comments (11)Wow catherine! Congrats! Another kind and conscientious grower has come back to share what happened! Thanks, that is so helpful to others to share in your harvest experience! If you get a chance to get a pic of he plants that would be so interesting to see:-) Tasteless or not, everyone has their faves. But it's fun to see what else is out there. My season was over in June but I kept plants on life support and the maters keep trickling out. Here's a fun variety called Speckled Roman. Just as tasteless as Roma, but it a magnet for everyone walking their dog to come by and gaze at (while the dogs are unimpressed, but take advantage of the break lol). Costoluto is also a sweeter option and has a good fruit load. Sweeter but hard to peel. Then there's Rio Grande, a superb tomato with a little tangy-ness great replacement for some Romas and even better for chunky salsa, and out produces it here. Cheers, PC...See Moredigdirt2
10 years agosharonP68
10 years agoesbo
10 years agoC Baker
7 months ago
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daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)