skip to main content

Growing Tomatoes

tomatoes not growing/ripening

10 years ago

My Early Girl and Better Boy tomatoes set their first fruits about 5 weeks ago. The tomatoes haven't grown much and only around two inches wide. The other tomatoes seem to be fine. Also, my sungold tomatoes are about full size but aren't ripening. I remember last year at this time I was already eating tomatoes but now I'm way behind. What could be causing this and how can I get them to grow/ripen faster?

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

seysonn
10 years ago
The difference, could be the weather and temperatures. In warmer, sunny, dry conditions tomatoes ripen faster.

I have an Early Girl that was planted early May, with tiny fruits on it(67 days ago) now some of its fruits are breaking color.
digdirt2
10 years ago
What could be causing this and how can I get them to grow/ripen faster?

Any number of factors could be causing it. The unusual weather this past spring is the most obvious for most growers. Nutrient availability, soil moisture levels, excessive soil moisture causing root rot, sun exposure, the variety, stress from pests or weather, etc. etc. etc.

However, expecting ripe fruit within 5 weeks from fruit set is not realistic. Tomatoes run on an average of 6-7 week cycles and the average # of days between fruit set and ripening is 52-60 days. So patience is required.

What you can do is insure adequate nutrients and consistent but not excess soil moisture. The rest is determined by the genetics of the variety and the weather for the most part.

Dave

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

LIFE Kitchen Traditions: Tomato Season Meets a Family Legacy

By Tiffany Carboni

Somewhere a Sicilian great-great-grandmother is smiling at a bowl of American-made sauce

SPRING GARDENING Summer Crops: How to Grow Strawberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Pluck your own sweet strawberries right from the garden vine for smoothies, salads or eating then and there

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

FARM YOUR YARD 10 Easy Edibles to Grow in Containers

By Marianne Lipanovich

These herbs, vegetables and fruits are just as happy in a pot as they are in the ground

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Persimmons

By Marianne Lipanovich

Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Pumpkins

By Marianne Lipanovich

Start in spring to grow your own fall decorations and have plenty left for pies

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Apricots

By Marianne Lipanovich

Velvety fruit, pretty blossoms and interesting bark make apricot trees a delight — and they’re great for smaller gardens

GARDENING GUIDES Summer Crops: How to Grow Peppers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Some like 'em hot; others like them sweet. With the incredible range of peppers available for home gardens, you can have your pick

Sponsored

More Discussions

Has anyone heard of a storage tomato? Looking at Giallorosso di Crispi

4

"Purple" tomatoes?

4