January 2009

January 2009 Tomato Diary

On January 1, 2009, I planted six different kinds of organic tomato seeds.  This is my first attempt.  I got them online at Tomato Fest

(click on images below for larger pictures)
Julia Child.  4-inch, deep-pink, lightly-fluted, beefsteak fruits that have the kind of robust tomatoey flavors and firm, juicy flesh that invites tomato feasting and seed-saving.

Pink Russian.  Medium-sized 10-14 oz. heart-shaped fruit that is very meaty low in acid and boasts an excellent flavor.
Black Cherry.  The only truly black cherry tomato. 1", round, deep purple, mahogany-brown cherry tomatoes. Fruits are irresistibly delicious with sweet, rich, complex, full tomato flavors that burst in your mouth, characteristic of the best flavorful black tomatoes. 
 
Mr. Brown.  6-foot tall,plants bears moderate yields of beautiful mahogany (chocolate-colored), 8-12 oz., slightly flattened, irregular-shaped, beefsteaks  that have big, wonderful, fruit-sweet, earthy, complex flavors. Many people include Mr. Brown in their annual selection for farmer's market because of the visual appeal and pronounced flavor. A good slicer that makes for a delicious sandwich tomato, or snacking fresh off the vine.
Cherokee Chocolate.  This 4-inch beefsteak variety has developed a great following among celebrity chefs because of its exceptionally rich tomato flavors and wonderful chocolate mahogany color.
Blue Fruit.  2 to 3", round, purple-gray with rich sweet flavors.
 1-5-09 - It is so exciting.  I have sprouts!  Julia Child emerged first.  Then by the afternoon, Black Cherry.
 1-7-09 - This morning I have 20 sprouts.  The only seeds that have not yet sprouted are Mr. Brown.  My sister told me I have to pinch off all but the strongest in each container.  I hate to kill them.  They are so cute!
1-8-09 - This morning I have 36 sprouts!
1-13-09 - The first true leaves are beginning to form.  Julia Child is really taking off!  Blue Fruit is second best.  I'll have to pick up some organic fertilizer. 
1-18-09 - The little seedlings are growing higher and I am going to have to plan a permanent place for them and divide them up without killing them.