[Arid_gardener] tomato plant question

[Janet Howe]

Original Question:
Greetings,

It appears that that I have a tomato plant that has found a home in an area between two rose bushes. I did not plant the tomato plant and have no idea where it came from. It started growing a few weeks and I wasn't sure what it was so I let it grow. The plant has small, bell shaped yellow tomatoes on it.  Can anyone tell me what type of tomato this is? Also, when do these plants typically grow in the AZ desert? I almost hate to ask if there is anything special I should do since all I have done is water it and it appears to be doing quite well. I have attached a picture of the plant. It gets full sun.

Thanks,
Jean
Jean Pahlke [jpahaz at hotmail.com]


Answer:

Jean, I can't tell from your photo what type of tomato plant you have, maybe someone else on the list serve can help with that.  Tomatoes in the desert have two growing seasons, basically spring and fall.  Obviously, the plant is very happy where it's at.  Don't expect it to set fruit this summer, but if you let it grow, you should have a bumper crop this fall.  One year I started my tomato seeds and got them in the ground too late for them to set fruit that spring, I left them alone, kept them well mulched (3-4", not touching the stems), fed and watered all summer long and was amazed at how many wonderful tomatoes I had that fall.  Good luck!


Janet Howe
Master Gardener volunteer
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension


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