Propagation of roma tomatoes

I have learned that determinate plants set out their fruit all at once, and then start to decline. I have 3 roma tomato plants , and they are all setting out fruit. I did not plan ahead and do successive plantings, but I want romas the entire season. So I was wondering what was the best way to get successive crops?

I have several ideas and I would like some input:

1. Air layer a few suckers, taking off the flowers. Allowing it to root, and then transplanting it to the ground. Keep removing flowers until it reaches an appropriate size. Then allowing it to produce flowers and set fruit.(I have done this with cherry tomatoes, but since it is a determinate plant I am concerned that if the cuttings are allowed to set fruit too early, the lifespan of the roma will be cut short.)

2. Allow a few suckers to come up around the base, and when the main plant is done producing, just lop off the top and allow the suckers to start a new plant. (I think this solution wont work well if I wait for all the fruit to ripen, because the entire plant will be in decline.)

None of the articles I read on determinate tomatoes go into detail of what "decline" is. Is decline just the halting of production? Or does it mean the tomato plants still produce fruit, but in much lower quantities than before?


I thank everyone ahead for their tips and input.

I have grown Roma and while it is determinate I found the fruit ripened over a long period and all the tomatoes will not ripen at the same time. I had an extended harvest and had all the tomatoes I could use. I had them in a dedicated bed and planted 24 plants which is too many. They kept producing all summer for me but as stated did slow some after the first flush. I live in Rhode Island so my season is probably is most likely shorter than yours. The decline in production for me was due to lower temps and shorter days heading into fall. I still had unripened fruit when I pulled them out in late Sept.

If you have the space, and an extended season, and do not want all your tomatoes at the same time, why limit yourself to Roma?

There are hundreds upon hundreds of tomato varieties with the classic Roma shape that have a far superior taste to the typical Home Depot "Roma VFFNT" hybrid.

Ones that immediately come to mind are Sarnowski Polish Plum, Kalman's Hungarian Pink, Wes, Linnie's Oxheart, Prue, Tony's Italian, etc. They are delicious for fresh eating, and meaty enough to make some great sauce.

Just be aware that these varieties should be picked a little bit past what most folks consider ripe. The bottom of the tomato should be starting to get pretty soft.

http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/photos/v/memberphotos/suze/Spring+2007/Ripe+fruits+and+sliced+pics/wes.jpg.html
http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/photos/v/memberphotos/suze/Spring+08/Aunt+Astrida_s+Latavian+Oxheart+sliced.jpg.html
http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/photos/v/memberphotos/suze/Spring+08/mike_s+australian+sliced.jpg.html

This message was edited Jun 9, 2009 9:33 AM

This message was edited Jun 9, 2009 9:36 AM

Great lookin' 'maters, feldon!!

Thank you everyone for your input. This is my first time growing tomatoes, and i raised all of them from seed. Next year I will probably try to grow more varieties than 3. Average highs in the summer is around 100, so fruit set is rare past July. So I have to do my research to find out what varieties do best here. Beefsteak-type for example are in general a major fail here. Luckily my growing season is around 240+ days, so I have time to experiment with different varieties. Thank you again for the tips!

I would plant large plants earlier and protect from cold. I get beefsteaks in Houston. Shared a 1 lb Gregori's Altai (extremely reliable variety) with friends last night.