I have tomatoes on many of my plants already - this is much earlier than I have ever had tomatoes. Do these early tomatoes stunt the plant growth? Should I pick them off? It would seem that the plants are putting all of their energy into making these early tomatoes and not into growth of plant. Here in Atlanta we have had a great combination of rain and sun and not too hot. My past gardens were all part of the recent drought. Still it seems that 5 weeks is a bit early to see tomatoes on: Yellow Taxi, Solar Fire, Cherokee Purple, Sweet Million and Box Car Willie
Cindy: Any advice? Should I worry? Pick the tomatoes? Let them be?
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The only way that the tomatoes can stunt the production of the plant is if the plant is too small to support the growth of fruit. Generally if they stay out of the ground for too long, they can get warm enough to start producing flowers and fruit before the plants are even a foot tall. This is premature fruiting and they should be removed. If your plants are healthy and bushy and a couple of feet tall then leave them on, all will be fine. A photo would be helpful to see.
ReplyDeleteHow fun, though, to have tomatoes early!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am sure that is what happened, the fruit set before the plant had a chance to get very tall and determinate varieties like Yellow Taxi are especially vulnerable. The rain coming off your house may be causing the yellowing. Once we dry out good--this week!--all should be fine.
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