Tomatoes, how big?

[brooklynodog]

How big (how many trusses) should i let my cordon toms get before i pinch out the growing tip? 4 or 5 or more?

[tootles]

I believe the advice is 4 outdoors and 6 indoors. Mine are outdoors and already have 4 and I don't have the heart to stop them yet though!!!

[brooklynodog]

I wonder why there is a difference between in and outside?

[erik]

the difference is inside toms are grown in a more or less controlled environment due to opening vents and watering.the outside toms are subject to all the elements so grow less quickly

[brooklynodog]

Ah, makes sense. Thanks

[Kristen]

I disagree with this advice

I think it depends on how much growing season you have left.

My Toms have already hit the ridge and been lowered/layered to create more room. They have 7 trusses already (well, 7th just starting to flower, 6th has little mini fruits, already harvesting from 2nd truss)

I think what is important is that you can finish the fruit before the end of the season, and stopping them growing on 1st July seems awful early to me.

Certainly you want to stop them growing 4 weeks before the first frost, and then you may not have enough time to ripen them off - but I think "it all depends ..."

Also, if you are going to grow lots of trusses you also need to be prepared to "help" the plant carry that amount of fruit - with feed / watering / love!! etc.

[zazen999]

I have to say I don't agree with the number of trusses method - I stop mine off early - mid september and just take in what I can when the frosts are due. We've still got 8 weeks of good growing season yet...

[Tam]

I always have a lot of green fruit when I finally strip the tomato plants ready for the compost bins. The larger fruits are kept indoors to colour up and ripen, the smaller ones go into chutney. I only stop the plants when they hit the roof.

[Kristen]

"I only stop the plants when they hit the roof"

Mine did that a while ago, hopefully there won't be frosts soon?