Tomato question - whats going on?

[Chris Graham]

I have planted "Big Boys", "Shirly" and Tumbling Toms" outside on a South facing wall.

They seem to be growing really well and the stalks are getting very think and healthy although there are no flowers yet or fruit.

I'v planted them in grow bags and water them well. They were also bought as small plants.

I have read that you need to remove the trusses but what does this mean?

I'm very confused, and any help would be great.

Yup i know your not suppose to grow "big boy" outside, and may be that the problem.

Thanks everyone ;D

[Chris Graham]

[tim]

OK - you're in Scotland. Lucky you!

But things do take a wee while longer up there?

1. When did you plant them?
2. Beef toms ripen better indoors.
3. DON'T take out the trusses! Only the sideshoots. But Tumblers? Probably leave alone.

[Vez1]

Tim is right things take longer up here. My tomatoes are in a greenhouse and have fruit. Have not been brave enough to try them outdoors here. One of the men on my allotment has a few outdoors I will look at them later and see what stage they are at.

[MonsterMum]

I've got a Big Boy tomato plant outside, but I'm in East Anglia.  I also bought as a small plant and was told that you should only leave 3 flowers per truss so that the fruit get to a beefsteak size.

So far I have 3 small fruit and several more trusses  :D

[MrsKP]

most of my gartenperles are in the g/h and have wonderful flowering trusses by the bucketful but the only tom i've seen is on one in a pot outside.  i don't understand it and just keep looking everyday for a new one !  i have no idea what's going on.

if all the flowers fruit, i'll be selling them on the doorstep.

;D

[graham]

Exactly the same up here.  Toms very late - loads of flowers but no fruit yet! Very late! I'm hoping for a late burst but don't hold your breath

[Vez1]

Had a look at the outdoor one's the man on my site has. They are only at their first truss, quite small actually and only have little flowers at the moment. All the ones indoors are much further on. Hope this helps. :)

[cleo]

As Tim says-don`t take off the trusses-they carry the fruit :)

Big Boy?-all beefsteak varieties take a while to ripen it`s in the lap of the gods

Shirley?-well it`s better than Moneymaker-an honest tom that may ripen-don`t buy it again though :)

`Tumbler`-let it grow.