We All Have Our Favourite, Whats Yours?

[Flummery]

I do so agree valmarg. Even your fingers after nipping out shoots smell so much of fresh tomatoes - the real thing is gorgeous! Tougher skins are a triviality really.

[Paulottie]

rose de bearne all the way

Great, a friend gave me some seeds from France. First time i've tried to grow Rose de Bearne. I am growing them as a bush type outside- is this right? There were very few Instructions in French! Thought about trying one in the greenhouse as a cordon but so short of space in there. Is it a good idea?

[Paulottie]

I would rather have a tough skinned homegrown tomato, than something that has been flown halfway round the globe!!!

valmarg

Isn't toughness to do with consistant watering? (I wasn't allowed to connect the irrigation to the mains last year) Anyhow, I find the outdoor ones have tougher skins but better flavour. I like to dip the big ones in boiling water for a moment and skin them...sliced with a little shallot, herbs, seasoning and olive oil...so looking forward to them! and I'm gutted when the toms run out each year. usually have a gallon of spaghetti sauce in the freezer by then. A home grown tom ripened on the vine is in a completely different league to an imported one.

The sweetness of those Sungold cherry toms takes some beating. I've taken to growing one by the back door for a little flavour burst in passing!

Terry, I Never much liked fresh tomato as a child and my kids are the same. I'm not sure if many children like them? perhaps they an acquired taste.

[TEB]

Alicante are my favourite, this year also trying Gardeners Delight to see what the fuss is all about and some supersweet cherries

[SueA]

I do so agree valmarg. Even your fingers after nipping out shoots smell so much of fresh tomatoes - the real thing is gorgeous! Tougher skins are a triviality really.

Flum, I hate the smell of tomatoes on my fingers when I pinch them out - it always smells like tomcat wee to me (perhaps it's just my nose!).
My favourite varieties are 'Moneymaker' & tumbler varieties because they are reliable,tasty & easy to grow.

[Headfry]

I liked the Marmande I grew last year, do I take out the side shoots out?
I hate the 'pappy' tomatoes, enough to put me off for life! even writing now about them............... yuck!!!

[Cutecumber]

Don't take sideshoots from Marmande. Having said that, if you leave them all you may not be able to cope with the huge plant that develops. Be sensible about how many stems you can support. It's not a real bush type, like tumbler, which produces lots of fairly short stems that are self-terminating - it's a monster!

I am growing 13 types of toms this year in the hope for one that I am actually pleased with - I think I've said before that I don't believe I've yet achieved the fantastic taste that people talk about. So it's fingers' crossed again for me.

In terms of performers, the small-fruited ones can't be beaten. I'm not keen, personally, but the friends to whom I supply plants always remember, and ask again, for Sungold.

[momol]

Hi All,

I have been growing Hybride Tom last year, this year will be growing only heritage ( Pink Brandy wine, Japanese Black Trifele, Black Cherry, Marmande and San Marzano ). I have no idea about their taste, haven't got any mature fruit. I will have it posted once I got my harvest.... It's great to read that you guys en gals have grown so many types of toms... I am looking forward for my favorite toms too.

Momol