I live in zone 8b in a dry climate. Cherokee purples are my favorite variety that I've tried thus far and I've been growing them for a couple of years now, but this year for some reason the fruit on my two CP plants have not ripened yet. The seeds sprouted in mid May and both plants have so much fruit on them but refuse to ripen. This one tomato seems that it may be finally turning the corner but none of the rest are. I rather let them ripen on the vine instead of picking them and bringing them inside as I dont have pest pressure. I topped all my plants as the first frost in my area is usually in October, hoping that will help.
It's been 4 months now that these plants originally sprouted and not one ripe mater yet. Is anyone else experiencing late ripening?
by Sjrevog
11 Comments
Wondering about this too cause I have a couple. I believe you pick it off while green and let it ripen but I would get a second opinion on that (this is my first time growing them.
Ours have been taking forever this year too. The plant itself isn’t growing great but the Green Giants literally right next to it and thriving.
Honestly? Forever. I wish I had a better answer but that’s seemingly it. The waiting game, especially before a frost, is kinda torturous.
I read something interesting the other day. If you’re playing beat the clock with frost in your case and you have a bunch of unripened fruit, stop watering. It stresses the plant and speeds up ripening.
Following bc I am wondering about this myself
It seems like forever
Mine have taken a while this year. Just be patient with it. I believe they will ripen on the counter as well if you need to pick them now due frost threat or something.
Idk Abt those but my Beefsteaks are taking forever…. And then when they do start, something always gets into them … Pretty sure groundhog
Mine are just now starting TO after planting them in EARLY SPRING…. So like probably soon for you too.
That looks more like a Cherokee Green rather than a CP. is it softening or still firm?
Mine take about 3-4 weeks to ripen after they reach full size. This feels longer than previous years.