Tomato 'Husky Red'

Grew 2 of these in homemade, upside down hanging planters. The containers were approximately 1.5 gallons each. I grew these in our fall...Read More planting season so heat, and sunlight, decreased as the plant started fruiting & the tomatoes matured.

Under the above conditions, these plants did well. The plants grew to about 3 feet each, growing a strong central stem. Any leaves or offshoots lost to pests, disease or frost were replaced in a moderate amount of time. Not as quickly as some cultivators, but the leaves/shoots were definitely replaced. No problems with BER.

The yield of both plants were average at best. I got 10-12 tomatoes per plant (I get reduced production from most varieties due to the limited size of the hanging planter and the need for the plant to grow stronger vines to support the tomatoes). The tomatoes varied from 6-10 ounces with fairly smooth shoulders, were uniformly red in color & still firm when ripe. I had no issues with cracking. The flavor was okay. Above store bought but not something you can compare to most heirlooms or the exceptional hybrids. But, the limited amount of light in our fall season definitely affects the plants sugar production so it probably affected both the flavor & the production.

Although I prefer the Husky Cherry (either red or gold) to this cultivator, I would try Husky Red again. If simply because it survived pests, some blight and fungus problems as well as a few frosts (with protection).

Like I said, both of these plants survived our mild winter and they are now growing new tomatoes. If I get any improvement in flavor, production, etc. during the spring/summer season, I'll come back and update this post.

One of the best tasting tomatoes I have tried. Grow them every year in large pots, staked, on either side of the front door. Yes, nice-...Read Morelooking enough plant for the neighbors to see.

This plant is a lethargic producer of more than its share of mishapen tomatoes with a mealy texture and no flavour. Unless you intend to ...Read Moreuse it as a potted ornamental, don't waste your time. (Canadian Zone 6b)

*** this report is based on a single specimen, grown in a container. I dont feel one can properly evaluate a variety under such condition...Read Mores***

But for what its worth: I grew the one plant in a five gallon container with the plan of giving the container to my black-thumbed mother when it was in all its glory. The glory never came. I got maybe 3-5 little jewels before it finally keeled over.

The few tomatoes I did get were some of the sweetest I had ever eaten at the time (2002). And the fact that I still remember that sweetness is a testament to the taste potential.

Another plus was the plants appearance - Thick stems and super dark foliage. The plant was very upright and stiff. It got a lot of compliments from family and friends. A conversation piece at the least.