I just planted around 400 plants of 20 different varieties but was wondering why they all look so different… some seem to be doing great where others haven't even grown true leaves yet? I was wondering if others have noticed such large differences between cultivars or if I'm doing something wrong… thanks! (Varieties include many of Brad gates' as well as some classic heirlooms).
by Papesisme
6 Comments
Tomato varieties have substantially different leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits. Totally normal.
I doubt that you are doing anything seriously wrong, since they all germinated. I think it’s difficult to try to draw conclusions about the plant’s growth habits at such an early stage. Keep up the good work!
I’ve definitely noticed this the past couple of seasons where I started growing 10-20 varieties at once. For example, I have a batch of Better Bush Hybrids that are so lush, sturdy and chunky while Persimmon looks so sickly and weak. Same conditions for all.
They look healthy to me. Whatever that potato leaf variety is, it’s super happy!
Best wishes for your season.
You can also see big differences with the same variety between different vendors. If you end up growing one that does really well make sure to save the seed!
In my experience, there’s a huge variation in how different varieties grow even at an early stage like this. The example that always sticks out to me are Kimberleys, a very early variety that always looks to be facing eminent death until planted out; then once you plant them out they immediately set a mess of fruit. I’ve learned not to worry too much about these sorts of differences, but they are endlessly fascinating to me.