Tomatoes that grow well in perth (forum)

milt starts with ...
I tried growing tomatoes in Perth this year, beefsteak, roma and money maker variety but found I only got fruit from December through to mid February. All plants really suffered through the hot summer. So my question is what heirloom varieties do well in hot weather? I'm after something like an ox heart that's big and sweet. Or should i just shade cloth the garden bed? My veggie patch is a raised garden bed with very healthy soil.

Time: 26th February 2012 6:07pm

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About the Author Milt
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nick giancola says...
Hi Milt.I have some beefsteak and siberian tomatoes in pots ready to plant
give me you email and i can organise some plants for you, i live in gwelup

Time: 26th February 2012 8:54pm

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amanda says...
hi milt...shade cloth for the hottest months of summer would help somewhat...I won't bother growing tom's from Dec-March up the road here (except cherry toms - which handle the heat very well)

Flowering can be affected by extreme temps and fruit can 'cook' on the vine. It's also more difficult to control blossom end rot and splitting of fruit due to moisture fluctuations.
(I don't grow many veg thru summer unless there is shade, actually!)

Something with good foliage cover helps too (tom's ripen by temperature not exposure to sunlight)

Grosse Lisse might be worth trying next time...?

(there are also types like Tropic, Red Cloud, Potatoe Leaf etc from Green Harvest and Eden seeds - that are suited to hot weather - haven't tried them myself though...)

Time: 27th February 2012 6:17pm

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About the Author amanda19
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Milt says...
Hi Nick,

My email is milt2002@hotmail.com write me an email and I'll see if I'm over your side of town next week? When do you plant your tomatoes here early spring late spring? Have you ever managed a winter crop? As my wife is italian e love our tomatoes so e must work out the secret to a good crop in perth. Amanda thanks for the advice I think I grew the Grosse Lisse variety and it did ok I bought a mixed bag punnet from bunnings so i cannot be sure as I cleaned out the shed recently. I had a little blossom end rot in the romas and i think shade cloth should help somewhat too keeping the stress on the plants down and potentially dropping the temperature slightly. I didnt get much split fruit though which i was happy about but I got alot of caterpillars in my fruit in February, i will do some more tomato dusting next season to limit the damage.

Time: 1st March 2012 1:52am

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amanda says...
Romas can be really prone to blossom end rot Milt...I grew Amish paste toms, from Diggers seed, over one summer - and they did very well for me...
The bushes were huge and foliage cover great. Productive and no splitting, BE Rot etc...
I tried the same variety from a Bunnings seedling and it was quite different...(so I am planning on trying the Diggers one again..)


Time: 2nd March 2012 10:42pm

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jakfruit etiquette says...
Yilgarn traders in Geraldton have H'loom seed for that area, tomatoes should be ok in Perth
http://www.permaculturenursery.com.au/

Time: 10th March 2012 12:13pm

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snottiegobble says...
Someone I met mentioned that a tomato called JOY grows well in our area, but its not even on google. Anyone hear of it?

Time: 11th March 2012 2:33pm

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jakfruit etiquette says...
camp joy ??

Time: 12th March 2012 6:17am

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snottiegobble says...
Could be J.e. The lady who told me was named Joy so she probably preferred to leave out "camp" . :-)

Time: 12th March 2012 5:49pm

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amanda says...
It's Camp Joy SG... :) Some nice North QLD blokes here on the forum sent me this seed to grow... ;)(if u are interested?) but they are cherry tomatoes...

I have tried a few beefsteaks here...but I am not sure they are so good for hot weather..? Mine just cracked at the top - and got all sunburnt on their shoulders... :-(
Maybe the ripening phase was just too long for the conditions....?

I also find that darker coloured purple/brown types, sunburn more readily too...

I wonder if there is a lighter coloured beefsteak/ox heart? (eg: yellow) I have had good results with yellow types of cherry toms and salad types...(eg: broad ripple yellow currant, green zebra, jaune flamme..)

Time: 12th March 2012 7:39pm

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snottiegobble says...
Amanda,I met Joy again, & she insists JOY is not a cherry tomato. I am hoping to get some seed from her if she remembers!

Time: 14th March 2012 6:49pm

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amanda says...
It was hard to find Joy SG...but this link was a good tomatoe read anyway :)

Here's what they said (about Joy/Vivian):

"Vivian is an F1 hybrid of indeterminate habit that grows from 1.5 to 2.0 metres in height and is also sold in Australia as Joy. It's an early and late season variety, with a huge set of 6-10cm globular fruits that have a mild flavour. It thrives in both glasshouses and outdoors but needs heavy pruning or the fruit set diminishes as the foliage runs away. Has resistance to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt"

http://www.greenfingers.com.au/services/digging_deeper/tomatoes_want_to_grow/4.htm

So u may find it again under Vivian also...



Time: 14th March 2012 7:35pm

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amanda says...
It was hard to find Joy SG...but this link was a good tomatoe read anyway :)

Here's what they said (about Joy/Vivian):

"Vivian is an F1 hybrid of indeterminate habit that grows from 1.5 to 2.0 metres in height and is also sold in Australia as Joy. It's an early and late season variety, with a huge set of 6-10cm globular fruits that have a mild flavour. It thrives in both glasshouses and outdoors but needs heavy pruning or the fruit set diminishes as the foliage runs away. Has resistance to Root-Knot Nematode, Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt"

http://www.greenfingers.com.au/services/digging_deeper/tomatoes_want_to_grow/4.htm

So u may find it again under Vivian also...



Time: 14th March 2012 7:35pm

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snottiegobble says...
Thanks for the info Amanda & yes it looks like it is the same. Joy didnt give me any seeds, but she gave me the faded label which describes JOY as medium sized, early tomato that needs staking. It is a SUNNYVALE plant www.sunnyvaleplants.com
Havent checked yet, just have friends call in!

Time: 15th March 2012 6:43pm

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amanda says...
U wouldn't believe it SG - but I was just in Bunnos and they have "Joy" in their 8 cell seedling punnets...and yes they are the Sunnyvale one's... :)

I can't decide which varieties I want to road test this autumn but I am going to check out Wayne and Brendans selections - and see if my heart shaped cherry tomatoe will produce a true 2nd generation.

Have u tried Tommy Toe in your sand yet SG..? I was reading that it can be used as a roostock due to it's disease resistance...

Time: 15th March 2012 8:10pm

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snottiegobble says...
Thanks Amanda I will check Bunnos in Busso for JOY also. The cherry toms including Tommy toe all succumbed after producing quite well initially! Its bloody frustrating & even the one capsicum that I kept from previous summer got infected also so no more overwinter caps for me! Funny that the eggplants are not affected at all & the chillis also seem to be free!

Time: 16th March 2012 11:32pm

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Julie says...
This year I grew Grosse Lisse and Roma. Both have done well, but a bit disappointing in flavour. I like a really sharp, full-on tomato flavour.

Any recommendations? Preferably non-hybrid.

Time: 23rd January 2013 10:30pm

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VF says...
Julie, Santorini might be one you like then. I got mine from Daleys. They're a tough little sprawling bush, withstanding heat and dry conditions well, the fruit is sort of flattened and irregular shaped. Are a heritage Greek? variety. Are you allowed seeds from Qld, coz I could send you some?

Time: 24th January 2013 6:51am

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Julie says...
I think toamto seeds are OK VF. I've never heard of Santorini.

I'll take you up on your offer, though too late for this season.

Thanks a bunch VF.

Time: 24th January 2013 9:59pm

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VF says...
No problem Julie. I'll start cleaning some seeds today. (I still have your address)

Time: 25th January 2013 6:59am

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amanda says...
Juanne Flamme might be worth a try for you Julie...I also like my tomatoes the same :-) I always grow green zebra and tommy toe also - as I find their flavours great for 'raw' eating.

I hoping to get more sorted with tomatoes next year - would love to hear what the santorini is like also.

I really need spots around the place for tomatoes where they can't access as many 'goodies' as they can at present (they are in mixed garden beds at present) I have been a bit dissapointed with my crops this season also - It's different down here with the extra shade and cooler weather also.

The front yard/"garden" (a very large area with loads of native trees...) has the best solar access - now if only I had a front end loader...hehe...

Time: 25th January 2013 11:14am

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Julie says...
Another one I didn't know amanda! Forgot to mention I also grew Green zebra and Black Russian. I'm wondering if my mix is lacking something, as they were also disappointing in flavour.

Both of them tasted better before fully ripe I found. Once ripe they were a bit mushy and tasteless. Roma is OK though.

Time: 25th January 2013 8:58pm

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Brendan says...
Hi Julie, to improve the flavour of my tomatoes, I always give them extra potash and a tiny bit of boron (borax).
I prefer Black Krim to Black Russian too. They don't like heat tho :-(
Years ago, I won 1st & 3rd place with tomatoes at the Mackay Show. I used yates Big Beef, a hybrid :-( The winner was around 800g, and the judge said he's never tasted tomatoes like that for years! (forgot to take a pic!)

Time: 26th January 2013 9:04am

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amanda says...
I agree Brendan :-) potash is a contributor to tom flavour also.
"Treat em mean and keep em keen" is my motto with tom's...too much food n water (especially when the weather is mild) makes them mushy - in texture and flavour...thats why the stupor market ones taste that way - cos the growers are feeding and watering like mad to get the crop to market etc... ;-)

Time: 26th January 2013 1:03pm

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Julie says...
Thanks Brendan and amanda. Mine are all in large pots, so really do need regular water, or they dry out.


I haven't given them potash for a while, so must add some. I think in this hot weather they are not making more flowers. Crossing fingers for a cooler break.


Time: 26th January 2013 9:36pm

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amanda says...
Oh...I have never grown them in pots Julie..(sorry - didn't catch that part) but yea I have noticed that they won't flower in prolonged hot weather also...
(that was a problem in Gero..not down here tho thankfully..!)

Why have you chosen pots for tomatoes Julie?

Time: 27th January 2013 11:08am

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snottiegobble says...
Thanks to marigolds & yates tomato dust I have at last a continuing crop of toms.
JOY is resistant to many diseases & does well for me along with the little yellow
pears!

Time: 27th January 2013 12:14pm

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Julie says...
amanda, I have problems with neighbour's Euc. Grandis (5 of the b***dy things!). The roots have completely taken over the garden, and are even into the pond.

So I have to plant in pots and boxes, on top of the raised beds. Even have to put bricks - with no holes - under the boxes, sometimes plastic under that, or the roots will grow up into them.

It's a pain, but can't do anything about it. I do wish people would be more responsible and thoughtful when they plant trees.

To make things worse, at the back, on the border, is a Camphor laurel. This has stunted my orange trees. I started a veg garden there when I first moved in, and in 6 months it was taken over by hungry roots. Sigh!!

PS So I'm right about the heat? They may flower again if/when it gets a bit cooler? Hope so.







Time: 27th January 2013 7:58pm

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amanda says...
An excellent list here for folks wondering about the root systems of various trees...a good read and an eye opener too.."Protect your Home. Select the Right Tree"

http://www.watercorporation.com.au/_files/PublicationsRegister/11/Select_the_Right_Tree.pdf


I remember your problem now Julie...I am very lucky not to have any red gums or other problem trees like that...a bad choice for a fire-risk area also...tsk tsk to the neighbours...

Time: 27th January 2013 8:28pm

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amanda says...
Julie (and Brendan) - this is 2months worth of growth at the base of a good sized healthy Jarrah tree...?!

I can grow up close to the base of the Peppy trees too...but judging by the dense undergrowth that was here when we arrived - I kind of figured these trees must be "friendly" like this...?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 28th January 2013 3:50pm

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Julie says...
Thanks for the link amanda. It should be made mandatory for nurseries to supply this info when selling trees.

I have a couple of printed copies of this, but haven't seen them around for a while.

Time: 28th January 2013 10:07pm

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Julie says...
VF, don't have your email, so I'm sending thanks for the tomato seeds through the forum. I look forward to growing them next season.

Thanks again.

Time: 12th February 2013 9:40pm

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snottiegobble says...
Julie, our new neighbours are lovely people & plan to drop the huge gum hanging over both our houses & to poison the roots! This will give me half a garden I never had due to the tree roots invading it & sucking up all the moisture & nutrients available! When it happens I can plant out a grumichama that Amanda brought down to me & other exciting trees like Rocoto chilli from seeds that Mary T sent me & maybe buy a dwarf lemon & a grapefruit for Jo!

Time: 13th February 2013 12:02am

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VF says...
You're welcome Julie. :)

Time: 13th February 2013 8:10am

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Alf says...
I have always loved tomatoes, uncooked mainly, but I like them fried as well. I usually like to grow "First Prize". I have made it a sort of challenge to grow them every year. I hope that I learn something from sights such as this one. There is always someone who passes on their experience. It's a wonderful "Hobby" and I always feel justly proud when a visitor makes favourable comment. I'll include a picture file when this season's crop have fully matured. Unfortunately, I started my crop a little late this year, owing to reorganizing my garden beds. Cheers and Happy Gardening to all.

Time: 26th February 2013 4:05pm

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Julie says...
VF, thank you for the seeds. Could you let me know your email, as I have a couple of questions.
julwood at iprimus dot com dot au.

Time: 26th February 2013 8:48pm

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VF says...
No problem Julie, email sent.

Time: 27th February 2013 8:01am

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MidwayMolly says...
Apparently the tomato variety Joy is available from Beaufort Garden World in Inglewood.

Time: 6th November 2014 4:42pm

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Tangles1 says...
Amanda Hi great page, I have a south facing bed that I want to use for tomatoes mainly because the beds facing north got the full sun and virtually cooked on the bush. The bed at the front only gets morning sun. If I use the diggers seeds you suggest when would it be best to start them off, and how high do they go.

Time: 30th July 2016 6:40pm

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Julie says...
Tangles, did you check the date on that post? 3 1/2 years ago! Amanda has not been on this site for a long time.

But maybe someone else can answer your question. BTW, I started tomato seeds last week in a warm spot. It's not too early.

Edit: Should have said - a warm spot indoors

Time: 1st August 2016 1:33pm

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Tangles1 says...
haha typical male never reads instructions, but thanks for the reply.


Time: 2nd August 2016 12:00pm

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