Semi indeterminate tomatoes

[Incy]

I'm growing quite a few varieties of tomatoes this year, most of them for the first time. To make things a bit easier I checked whether each type was determinate or indeterminate so I could make 1 list to refer to. It seems that my Romas are semi-indeterminate
My question is whether these will need to be grown like cordons, taking out the side shoots, or like bush varieties that you just allow to get on with it?

[sarraceniac]

I grow the Roma Incy. It's full description is Roma Plum Bush Tomato. So just let it go.

[Incy]

Thank you so much sarraceniac. That's a weight off my mind. Do they get very big?

[SarzWix]

Semi-determinate usually means that they will 'stop' themselves eventually, but they're pretty bloomin' unruly - bush-like AND tall... Give them a decent amount of space, be prepared to prune them back a bit, and give them some support

[sarraceniac]

I was just outside (in the garden strangely enough - darn cold today) and came back in partly to see if you needed any further info. You have it from Sarz. You do realise that even in this part of the world, the frozen North, they are quite happy outside from mid-May, so I just give them plenty of room in my adequate garden. When I plant out I give a good mulch with comfrey leaves and then feed fortnightly with comfrey tea. Well it works for me.

[Incy]

Cheers Sarz. Sounds like they'll be wanting ground rather than pot space then. Lucky I got some GH clips to pass strings through for support

[SarzWix]

The Rio Grande that I used to grow were the same sort of habit. I gave up with them when they kept getting botrytis through bad airflow in my greenhouse, or blight if I put them outside... But, the quantity of the crop makes them worthwhile if you can keep them healthy. I just stick to Amish Paste for my standard cooking tomato now

[sewer rat]

You do realise that even in this part of the world, the frozen North, they are quite happy outside from mid-May,

Since when was Yorkshire the Frozen North ? I know the weather men (and ladies ) stop at Perth but at least they cross the border

[Incy]

You guys crack me up. Thank you.
I had great success by starting early with my toms last year having lost everything to blight the 2 previous years so although I still lost the last of the crop i had enough that we gave several kilos away. This year I'm being adventurous and yes everything was started early, and is now looking great. I'll probably do a bob flowerdew and comstruct some kind of protection over the outdoor toms but if not am confident of a decent crop. knowing the romas can work outside means I'll split them between outdoor and indoor space and will be able to compare so thanks again for the great advice.

[northepaul]

I have roma too, was planning on growing them in lean-to (like greenhouse) with my other toms....

[taff]

You do realise that even in this part of the world, the frozen North, they are quite happy outside from mid-May, so I just give them plenty of room in my adequate garden. When I plant out I give a good mulch with comfrey leaves and then feed fortnightly with comfrey tea. Well it works for me.

That's handy to know....cheers

[sewer rat]

I was given some Roma plants last year - put them in the polytunnel along with my own determinate plants - Roma grew into a jungle, so beware that if you grow them indoors, they may try and take over the world.

[northepaul]

I was given some Roma plants last year - put them in the polytunnel along with my own determinate plants - Roma grew into a jungle, so beware that if you grow them indoors, they may try and take over the world.

Cheers - its quite a big area so hopefully they'll be ok.

Strangely they are smaller than my other 'big plant' ones (ailsa craig and black russian)

[sewer rat]

Cheers - its quite a big area so hopefully they'll be ok.

Strangely they are smaller than my other 'big plant' ones (ailsa craig and black russian)

The Roma will not grow as high but will become incredibly bushy if you allow it to - this can cause problems with 1 - fruit ripening , 2 - access for easy picking and 3 - mildew.

[northepaul]

The Roma will not grow as high but will become incredibly bushy if you allow it to - this can cause problems with 1 - fruit ripening , 2 - access for easy picking and 3 - mildew.

Thanks for the warning!