[Gardeningguru]

This year we have grown St Pierre, and Cuor di Beue tomatoes outside, along with some cherry type tomatoes.  All grown outdoors in the ground, in a sunny spot.

They (the fruits) all look normal in size, have coloured normally, in fact look perfect. However when we cut into them, all three types have little or no seeds, the skins seem quite thick, and the flesh feels pulpy, not very soft, but softer than expected.  When cooked they taste fine, but I wanted to use some in salads, and these seem unsuitable.

As I understood it, only the Cuor di Beue should have been almost seedless.

Is this a side effect of being grown outdoors, when they are perhaps greenhouse varities?  Or not watering enough?  Any ideas are welcome.

[gillie]

Did you get these from Seeds of Italy? I grew Cuor di Bue one year. 

I suspect you are letting them get over ripe.  As you see in the picture it should have green shoulders, if you have left the fruit in the hopes of these turning red I guess you have left them too long.  I seem to remember that ours, grown in the greenhouse,  were not impressive and we did not grow them again.

I understandthat St. Pierre is a favourite French garden bush variety, so would not normally be grown indoors.  I suspect that this year's miserable summer has not done them any favours.  You may yet get some decent fruit off them if we have a nice autumn.

Gillie

[Gardeningguru]

Did you get these from Seeds of Italy? I grew Cuor di Bue one year. 

I suspect you are letting them get over ripe.  As you see in the picture it should have green shoulders, if you have left the fruit in the hopes of these turning red I guess you have left them too long.  I seem to remember that ours, grown in the greenhouse,  were not impressive and we did not grow them again.

I understandthat St. Pierre is a favourite French garden bush variety, so would not normally be grown indoors.  I suspect that this year's miserable summer has not done them any favours.  You may yet get some decent fruit off them if we have a nice autumn.

Gillie

Thanks,  and yes I believe we did get them from Seeds of Italy.  Oh I see, just did a search for Cuore di Beu , and ours were very dark red.  So left them too long then.  That'll explain the soft flesh then.

It might be the same thing with the St Pierres which are supposed to be good for salads, I will try picking them much earlier.

Live and Learn, I will stick with Gardners Delight next year. .