Grow bold with tomatoes

By Mary Miller
Gardens on Spring Creek

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Tomatoes are capable of stirring passionate dialogues among both gardeners and aficionados of culinary delights.

A highlight of summer's harvest, anticipation for these delicious vine-ripened orbs starts in the deep of winter with the arrival of seed catalogues. Glossy photos of perfect, brightly colored tomatoes set the bar of determination high in the quest to grow the "best-ever" crop of tomatoes.

Whether as a gardener you choose to grow one or two tomato plants or long rows of them, knowing some basic cultural information can boost your success, yield and summer dining options.

Tomatoes are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, commonly referred to as nightshades, which also include potatoes, peppers and eggplant. Tomatoes are a warm-season crop, meaning they thrive in consistently warm temperatures and do not tolerate frost. Ideal daytime temperatures for hardy growth are in the 70-degree range. Above 90 degrees, tomatoes will cease growth, while temperatures below 55 degrees will stunt flower production and the fruits' ability to ripen.

These days there is much buzz extolling the absolute greatness of heirloom varieties of tomatoes. What is the difference between heirloom and hybrid? A hybrid (and this pertains to other crops as well) is a variety that results from the deliberate crossbreeding of parent plants. First-generation hybrids, signified by "F1," are generally considered more vigorous than the parents. Hybrids are bred for weather adaptability, disease resistance and larger and uniform fruits. While saving and planting seeds from hybrids will produce a plant, it will not grow "true to type." The seed will revert to one of the parents.

Heirloom tomatoes are those known to have been grown for generations with a documented history of at least 50 years. Often seeds from the home country were carried by immigrants to their new homes. Selecting and saving seed from the best fruits bolstered the longevity and popularity of differing varieties. Heirlooms often are regionally adapted; thus tomatoes from northern European countries and Russia will fare better in our climate than those commonly grown in southern Europe. Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated and will grow true to type.

The growth habit of tomatoes falls into two primary categories: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate varieties remain more compact in their entire growth cycle, usually growing to a height of 3 to 5 feet. Placing cages around these plants for support may be effective. Clusters of flowers set along the side branches in a concentrated time period. Fruits likewise ripen in a condensed time frame and then production diminishes. When growing tomatoes in containers, determinate varieties are easier to manage.

Indeterminate types of tomatoes continue to grow, flower and fruit throughout the summer season. Fruits form primarily along the main stem. These tomato vines are able to grow 7 to 9 feet in height and require significant support. Indeterminate tomatoes will outgrow cages. Allowing tomato plants to sprawl along the ground without trellising increases the likelihood of damaged fruits.

As tomatoes require 60 to 90 days to mature, they are planted in the garden as transplants. Choose seedlings that are stout, almost stocky in form, with four to six robust green leaves. Look for plants with stems at least the thickness of a pencil and 6 to 10 inches tall. Do not choose seedlings with flowers or formed tomatoes, as the transplant will put its energy into fruiting rather than rooting and growing. Plant your seedlings in fertile soil 24 inches apart and in rows that are 3 to 5 feet apart. Tomatoes send roots quite deep and prefer less frequent yet deep watering. Allow the surface soil to dry between waterings.

Tomatoes come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Fabulous-tasting heirlooms in which "black is the new red in tomatoes" include Black Krim, Black Prince and Japanese Black Trifele. Along with the reds of Brandywine and Mortgage Lifter, the yellows of Dr. Wyche's and Taxi, and Pruden's Purple and Cherokee Purple, these slicing tomatoes will "wow" everyone's palate. Ranging from 4 to 6 ounces to more than a pound each, they create a stunning summer harvest ensemble.

San Marzano, Opalka, Amish Paste, Ropreco, Bellstar and Speckled Roman are reliable and flavor-filled paste/roma type tomatoes. Weighing in the range of 4 to 8 ounces, these fruit shapes are oxheart, bull-nose, elongated and round. Paste tomatoes have a drier flesh and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salsas, marinara and canning.

Petite cherry tomatoes grow 1 to 3 inches across and may be round or pear shaped, sporting the colors red, yellow, burgundy and apricot. Riesentraube, Sweet 100's, Beam's Yellow Pear, Brown Berry and Sungold are certain to be your favorite summer snack.

Be bold and grow some of these "can't go wrong" varieties of tomatoes and enjoy summer's sublime harvest!

Mary Miller is the community garden and outreach coordinator at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins. She may be reached by e-mail at mmiller@fcgov.com or by phone at 416-2495.