Just How Tough ARE Tomato Plants?

[so lucky]

I transplanted some Thessalonika tomato starts today, from seed that Cane Sisters graciously sent me. I think every seed came up, so I had four "doubles." Resolutely, I just pulled the extra seedlings out of the pots, leaving the largest ones in their peat pots. Well, the four little seedlings came out with most of their roots. I tossed them on the ground while I planted all I have room for, and did other stuff, then a little later saw the wilted little "throw-aways." Just for the heck of it, I decided I would test their hardiness, so I took them and put each one in a peat pot, and watered them well. They are perking up. Now, if they make it, I guess I will be responsible for them, since I saved their life. And I will know more about how tough a tomato seedling is! You know, a weed seedling will grow again if you just toss it on the ground, so tomatoes probably take a lot more rough handling than we know.

 

[thistlebloom]

I'm pretty sure my tomatoes are all sissy's.

 

[baymule]

I have some volunteers from last year's Celebrity tomatoes, peeking between squash, planted-on-purpose tomatoes, bell peppers, periwinkles and dandelions.

 

[MontyJ]

They are pretty tough. I have found culls growing on top of the compost pile.

 

[897tgigvib]

Yep, tomatoes are usually pretty tough. Course it depends on things like if they were grown right, are they loaded down with germs or bugs. They are one of the easier transplanters. Give them too many nights in the thirties or days in the 40's though and they'll languish down. Give them real great conditions and they'll look like they've been going to Gold's Gym all their lives.

 

[GrowLightGuy]

I know several growers that take cuttings and get them to root without ever using any rooting hormone. I'd say they're pretty tough.

 

[897tgigvib]

Howdy and welcome to the forum growlight.

 

[GrowLightGuy]

Howdy and welcome to the forum growlight.

Thanks!

 

[bj taylor]

i'm finding tomatoes pretty tough. I've transplanted a couple of volunteers that just kept going. last year mine kept making long after it had gotten too hot. they're tough in my opinion

 

[ducks4you]

Yep, tomatoes are usually pretty tough. Course it depends on things like if they were grown right, are they loaded down with germs or bugs. ...Give them real great conditions and they'll look like they've been going to Gold's Gym all their lives.

Glad you mentioned this. They were talking about diseased plants last week on "Mid-American Gardener." I was thinking that starting with seed is really a better idea bc you can avoid this, unless it's already in your soil. My tomato starts aren't going into the ground this year until June. Sunday morning and Monday morning it was 39 degrees F. I remember we had a Spring like this in 1995, when it was sweater weather on Memorial Day.