Grape Tomatoes

When I don't see Isabel and Steve Murphy at our horticultural meetings in the late fall, I know they're in Florida. Studying plants? Yes, and eating them. Last November they enjoyed adding grape tomatoes to their meals. When they returned to Ottawa, they brought a pint of these small oval tomatoes with them.

Steve dried the seeds of one tomato. On January 20, 1998, he planted three seeds. Two germinated and one died. Then he planted six more, and five germinated. By August 14 1998, he had six plants. One was in the garden; the others, in huge pots. The plants were loaded with many clusters of bright red berries. The plant in the garden appeared healthier, and the fruit was almost twice as large (about 1.75 cm x 2 cm).

The Murphys said the grape tomato is noted for being a good keeper ("45 days on the kitchen counter"). I wouldn't be surprised if they still have a good supply of this outstanding tomato right up until they embark on their trip south this year!

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