Tomato Shirley F1: bit disappointed

[GardenNinja]

A fine looking tom, perfectly round and beautifully crimson red. We've been picking about one or two a week. Got to pick three today, and so far the skin is really thick. The taste is too acidic, which is something we usually like in a tomato, but there's no balance of sweetness which makes it unpleasant to eat raw. I cooked it in a pasta and it was much better this way. Ours have been growing in a tomato growhouse on the balcony, which might have affected its development (in addition to the poor weather). I'd be interested in hearing what others on this board who have grown this in a greenhouse think.

[Paulottie]

Grown Shirley before...A good tom....I haven't even picked a ripe one yet. Frankly are you suprised it is not too sweet in this weather...should improve with this promised sunshine.

[Gemmalaveen]

I grew Shirley outdoors last year and it was delicious - so good that I bought a plant this year to go with the toms I have grown from seed. Lack of sunshine would be my guess.

[chris]

I'm surprised you even have ripe ones yet!

[greenfingers23]

I'm growing Shirley this year. Looks like I'll harvest my first toms at the weekend. I'll report back.

GF

[lottie dolly]

don't know about shirley,but,my toms are not big enough to get ripe yet,ti's a very bad year indeed,

[Snadger]

Shirley are a really good F1 hybrid. I've grown them from seed myself (bit expensive) and had great results.
Last year I spotted some supposedly 'Shirley' at a GC. I bought two plants and was very disappointed with them.
What I think people must do is grow Shirley one year then keep the seeds from them. Then wonder why the resultant plants grown the following year are nothing like Shirley!

I made the same mistake with Cedrico (another good, but expensive F1 hybrid) I was given some seeds from last years crop, grew them on and they are carp...................................lesson learned!

[Chocolate8me]

I found the germination rate a huge success with my Shirley F1 and they have plenty of trusses. Lots of tomatoes have formed and decent sized ones too, but nothing is red yet so I can't comment on the taste YET! (Aren't I being optimistic?).

[GardenNinja]

Really looking forward to your results, everyone. I grew them from seed which I bought from a reputable merchant. They were the most expensive seeds purchased so I had really high hopes for them. Looks like it might just be the weather (though this doesn't seem to be affecting the taste of the sweet millions and sungold) *fingers crossed* they will get better as the weather (hopefully) improves.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Tomatoes need the warmth for growth and the sun for sweetness deffo the weather this year.

Colin

[greenfingers23]

Ate my first few Shirley tomatoes yesterday. With the exception of one that I think I let get too ripe they tasted great. If my cucumbers actually did something I could have fully home grown salad!

GF

[Thelma Sanders]

I agree with the thick skins, but they are a very reliable tomato...............
you pays your money etc etc