I don’t typically write about tomato varieties that I am growing for the first time, especially when they are tiny seedlings in the first few weeks of growth. However, these two are visually unique and I thought it would be fun to share them with you now. Both are compact plants (a dwarf and a determinate) that I will be testing out in large containers this year.
A Tomato with Colourful Foliage
The first is a standout bushing determinate variety called ‘Cherokee Tiger Large’ that features chartreuse leaves. I have grown tomatoes with unusual foliage features that were either variegated (white and green), blue, ferny/wispy, fuzzy, or silver-toned, but this is my first time growing one with chartreuse leaves. I am always drawn to unusual colouration in any plant — edible or not. However, I tend to approach chartreuse plants with some hesitation since they can sometimes look sickly rather than stunning. ‘Cherokee Tiger Large’ is only developing its second set of true leaves so it remains to be seen how this tomato will mature into the yellowy-green colouration, but so far I am really digging it. It’s bright and cheery and I hope it packs a punch in the garden. I’ve photographed it here (see top of pages) next to a typical green tomato for comparison. The chartreuse really stands out against the reddish stems and leaf veining. The fruit is also supposed to be interesting. They are a ruffled shape (I adore ruffled tomatoes and specifically seek out these varieties) orangey-red tomato with golden orange stripes. My hope is that they are as tasty as the plant is beautiful, but all of that remains to be seen some months down the road. For now I am enjoying watching this plant develop.
A Fuzzy Tomato
The second variety is a dwarf with fuzzy leaves called ‘Persik.’ As mentioned, this is not my first woolly tomato. I’ve grown three others: two that I like (‘Garden Peach’ and ‘Red Velvet’) and a third that has inspired little more than a “meh” (‘Elberta Peach’). However, this is my first dwarf tomato with soft fuzzy leaves. As with the other fuzzies I have grown, this too will feature fruit covered in a layer of peach fuzz.
This year I’ve gone a bit mad and am attempting to test out 30 varieties that I have never grown in the past in addition to the others that I am continuing to test, grow out for seed, or are just favourites that I can’t do without. This is why I am so desperate for additional growing space! No matter the outcome, it should prove to be a fun and interesting year!
Wow – those sound really cool and interesting! I am curious to hear how they turn out. The first one sounds like an heirloom variety from the description – is it? I’m always interested in heirloom vegetables and saving seeds of cool open-pollinated varieties.
Rose.
How interesting – the colouring on the Cherokee Tiger Large is gorgeous. I had never heard of nor tasted a fuzzy tomato – it doesn’t sound like it would be that appealing to eat. What do you think of fuzzy tomatoes in the taste/texture department?
Good luck in your search for growing space!
Hi there,
I love the idea of growing my own plants/herbs/flowers but I have a huge problem – I live in an apartment that is facing North that gets almost no sun! The little sun that hits my patio is maybe a couple hours in the morning at best. I have tried growing some basil in a pot few months ago but because I also happen to live in the Midwest, not enough sunlight + cold weather = dead plant. Please advise what kinds of herbs/flowers/veggies I can grow with my situation! I’m beginning to be convinced that I might have black thumbs. :(
regarding finding additional growing space, maybe you could distribute paper flyers door to door in your neighborhood, just like takeout pizza place do, not everyone has the internet and knows of your blog, I bet someone, perhaps an elderly neighbor who is unable to garden herself, would love to benefit from a bumper crop of lovely tomatoes, best wishes for finding that elusive garden space, I admire your energy