By Hank
Cheshire, United Kingdom
Trouble at t'mill. The label on the packet said these guys were Tiny Tim toms, and they did seem to be different at first. But I've had my suspicions for a couple of weeks now and if they're not T.T.s, some surgery is necessary.
Can anyone confirm they're not what it said on the packet and I'll get on with it.
- 1 Jun, 2017
Answers
Ahem! Aside from the lack of gravity...er, gravitas, on this site, the foliage looks about right, though slightly lacking in sunlight. :)
1 Jun, 2017
So they're T.T.'s ? I thought they only grew to a max height of 18 inches. I can put them right once I know for sure.
Sorry about the table Tug, I've only had it for about 30 years.
1 Jun, 2017
Sorry, I meant the comment for B, and I'll try to do a little better next time T.
1 Jun, 2017
I did wonder if it isn't something to do with the size of pot that you are growing them in. The plant in the largest pot appears to be slightly smaller and spreading, whilst the two others in smaller pots look drawn. I would, perhaps repot into pots the same size are the larger one and see what happens.
1 Jun, 2017
I agree w Jimmtheone. The pots look too small. Go up a few sizes.
1 Jun, 2017
Thanks both for the comments, have just done what you suggested, but the question is still - are they Tiny Tims ?
1 Jun, 2017
I can't tell what kind of tomatoes these are. They all look alike to me at this stage. However, they are good looking healthy plants and you will find out very soon.
1 Jun, 2017
I'd used up all my big pots, so 1 of these is now in a full size pot, patched with Aldi duct tape, another is in a full size pink pot, borrowed from my son (he doesn't know yet ) and the 3rd is in a pot cobbled up from 5,bottomless ones, inside a larger normal one. I'd show a photo but it's on the same table with which "B" was unimpressed. 'Nuff said.
1 Jun, 2017
The bigger the better. You won't have to water as often.
1 Jun, 2017
Well, they have "potato-leaf" foliage, like 'Tiny Tim', but that goes with many varieties, from 'Stupice' to 'Brandywine'. The internodes are long for 'Tiny Tim', but that could be caused by environmental factors, such as low light levels, close spacing, or high humidity, as may be in a conservatory, or the wrong space in a greenhouse.
2 Jun, 2017
Thanks T, the internodes were worrying me, but should I cut them out ? And should I get it out of the greenhouse ?
I'd really like to get to the bottom of this,
2 Jun, 2017
Umm, Hank, the internodes are an integral part of the plant: they're the length of stem between the leaves. That is partly set by the genetics of the plant, but it can be affected by environmental factors, as the plant adapts to where it is growing. Have these plants been growing well spaced on the table as shown, or have they been jammed in among ten other plants, on the floor under the grape vine? :)
2 Jun, 2017
Thanks T, I understand the internodes and remove them normally - sometimes re-setting them in compost to grow a late tomato plant ( I have 4 just now).
And the 3 plants in question have been spaced apart, untouched,in the conservatory on a wide window sill.
2 Jun, 2017
Well, they might not be 'Tiny Tim', then, unless the the conservatory is shaded or whitewashed. Hopefully not a big issue, outside of not trusting whoever you got the seed from. Fortunately, most "potato leaf" varieties either bear early, or are able to ripen fruit in cool conditions.
Just to set the record straight, the internodes are the spaces between the leaves, not the sprouts from above each leaf.
3 Jun, 2017
Thanks again T, you've been very patient with me. Have just googled " parts of a tomato plant" and now realise they're suckers, and now know all about nodes, internodes etc. But am at a funny age and could easily forget again.
3 Jun, 2017
It's easy to do, Hank, and if I wasn't a bit "odd" about plants and nature, I probably would too. A former co-worker used to call me "the Rain Man".
3 Jun, 2017
For all these years I've overlooked internodes-never giving them a second thought. They are amazing.
4 Jun, 2017
They make the difference between alpine tufts and giant redwoods! Watching what they do can tell you volumes about what your plants want and need.
4 Jun, 2017
amazing!
4 Jun, 2017
Previous question
« Hi my Dad has a plant growing in his garden that he doesn't recognise. ...
No idea about the variety, Hank, but I think that they would grow better if you turned the table the right way up :-))))
1 Jun, 2017