More than one type of tom in the same greenhouse?

[jands]

Is it ok to grow more than one type of tom in a greenhouse? or will my beefeaters get cross pollinated with my plums/cherries?

This is my first year with a greenhouse and am so looking forward to a good crop but just don't want to mess things up.

Many Thanks

[FionaH]

Flaming hope so, planning three types in mine! Someone will be along with a definitive answer soon

[Alison]

No probs at all, always grow several varieties together in mine although make sure you label properly so you know what to expect from each plant and treat it accordingly.

[FionaH]

Thanks Alison, I got worried for a moment there

[Paulottie]

No problem unless you wish to save seed, Toms are not exclusively in-breeders

If they are pollinated by another variety it will make no difference to the taste.

That said I have never grown just one variety in a house(even though I now am the proud owner of 4 greenhouses ...how dull life would be

[jands]

Flaming hope so, planning three types in mine! Someone will be along with a definitive answer soon

I bet I am growing the same free () ... did they come with a certain magazine?

[Snadger]

9 cultivars at last count!!

[Alison]

No problem unless you wish to save seed, Toms are not exclusively in-breeders

It depends on the type of flower, most varieties have flowers which insects don't really get to and they'll come true to type even if grown from seed saved from plants in mixed beds but there are exceptions.

[zazen999]

I believe that Beefsteak toms may cross, but others don't.

[Paulottie]

It depends on the type of flower, most varieties have flowers which insects don't really get to and they'll come true to type even if grown from seed saved from plants in mixed beds but there are exceptions.

As I say mainly but 'not exclusively'...I have had a few odd toms before saving a particular variety of beefsteak originally grown by Mrs P's French grandmother that we have kept going for many years.

It might be worth hand pollinating and isolating to be sure....I don't really think this was the point of the OP though.

Rather like the calling them 'beefeaters'...As it happens my great grandfather was a yeoman warder.

[northepaul]

So I gather from what everyone said then, that the best way to insure they dont cross pollinate, is to hand pollinate the ones you want to save seed from?

[Flummery]

Only if they are beefsteaks. These have the pollen receptor outsde the cone of anthers) it sticks out a bit on the pointy end of the flower, to get technical! With the cherry toms and more modern varieties the reprodictive organs are all enclosed so insects can't get in and the pollen is also inside.
In practice, I find if you space out your beefsteaky types with other toms, you get away with it.