| my tomatoes are not growing like i thought they would. tell me what to do to get big red tomatoes. do tomatoes require lots of water or what? |
| Some tomatoes are simply larger than others so you may have a variety that reaches only 3-4 ounces at maturity rather than the gigantic beefsteak size. If the tomatoes are ripening, harvest and enjoy. Next year you can look for the larger beefsteak varieties. Here are a few suggested varieties for your growing region: 'Big Beef'. It is an excellent producer, is disease resistant, and in our nonrigorous taste tests it rates better than 'Celebrity' does. Our choice for early-season production is 'Burpee's Early Pick' hybrid. It was bred for cool night conditions and has consistently produced beautiful scarlet 8-ounce fruit 60 days from transplanting. The flavor is good, more sweet than acidic. 'Park's Whopper Improved' and 'Red Sun' are hybrids that have done well for other farmers around here but haven't impressed us yet. 'Red Sun' is supposed to have equal or better flavor than 'Celebrity' and not be as susceptible to cracking. Still not satisfied, we have begun to try some of the many heirloom varieties now available. While usually not as disease resistant or productive as the hybrids, they offer the promise of great flavor. Beefmaster VFN Hybrid Is one of America's favorites for the solid, meaty, flavorful red fruit that weighs up to 2 lbs. Vigorous vines and outstanding fruit taste and quality. Indeterminate. 80 days. Tomatoes do require lots of water. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy wet and your tomatoes will grow large and flavorful. Enjoy! |
