Micro Project

[Tormahto]

I've talked with dfollett, and we'd like to generate some interest in starting a "Micro Project" along the lines of the Dwarf Project? Any volunteers?

[HL2601]

YES! I have 4 varieties of Dan's going right now....It is such fun

[Rajun Gardener]

I'll play but I need to know what I'm doing. Are we growing out all the seeds and then selecting and how do I know what to look for? It might help everyone to explain the process.

Is the cross a micro X a full size or a cherry?

[dfollett]

We'll develop the processes as we get a feel for how much interest there is and how much help is available. Also, anyone who has made crosses with micros and is willing to contribute to the process is welcome. I am in the process of writing up a post explaining how I got to where I am and what I have available.

If anyone needs seeds right away to get a start on this season, let us know what you have an interest in (large/small fruit - color - leaf type - etc.) and I can send some seeds out right away. Otherwise, we'll get to seed sending as soon as we get things organized.

[TheDante]

Gonna sound daft … what are micro tomatoes? My first thoughts are currant sized toms or referring to the growth habit i.e. they are small and bushy type plants?

Only types I know are determinates, indeterminates and dwarf - duh!

[Whwoz]

Micros are not really my thing and are rarely seen in Australia, they are not common in sellers lists here. Having said that I have grown one or two in the last couple of seasons.

Having seen how well the Dwarf project developed, I can see a lot of benefits from this project and would like to participate but with the hassles of customs my participation will be limited.

Personally I am going to focus more on Dwarves.

[TheDante]

ok, I googled… I like em big and tall. unlike a midget like myself. sorry.

[Rajun Gardener]

ok, I googled… I like em big and tall. unlike a midget like myself. sorry.

Are you sure? Did you see the picture of this plant in the Let's try posting pictures thread? I grabbed it for everyone to see.

image.png

[TheDante]

That looks sooooooooo disproportionate

I know this is going to sound a tad offensive, it is like a really big head on a thin short body or vice versa.

Still like em big and tall

Moreover, wouldn´t it affect the taste of the toms. Ample leaves provide/affects the taste to the toms too - producing sugars etc.

[bjbebs]

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EFFECTS[2].jpg

Pictures of Dan's crosses. Been growing 3-4 years. Three leaf types, Fine, Fuzzy and Regular. Many are multiflora and produce non stop.

Dan, I'll message you. Could use some new ammo. Count me in on a limited scale for any grow outs.

[Nan6b]

I do have some unstable F4 micros if you want them. I grew out a batch of F4s in 2019 and got the following:
The fruit is red although with a possibility of pink.
Fruit shape is elongated or heart.
Weight of individual fruit varied from 12-66 gm.
Time from plant-out to first ripe was 56-66 days for most.

None of these had good taste, so I didn't save seeds from them but I have the seeds of the parent, so someone could re-do the growout of F4's I did to see if they have better luck. (I didn't give them prime spots in the garden.) I will not be pursuing this micro line.

The initial cross was Anna Maria's Heart x Hardin's Miniature. I have F2's from that if you want them, also F3 that is the parent of the above F4's. The F3 was given prime conditions and grew to be about 18", great flavor. For the whole story, here's the link on TV Crosstalk:
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.p ... %27s+Heart

[Tormahto]

There is no set description for what a micro dwarf is, although some use a maximum height of about 14" as a rough guide. My guess is that if a really great tasting variety eventually is discovered, with an average plant height of about 17", the bar will be moved.

[greenthumbomaha]

Your seeds are ready and waiting, Dan. I'll be back to gardening in a few weeks.

- Lisa

[SeanInVa]

Dan, I'm already growing a few of yours - most are just now starting to flower.

I would be happy to participate!

[zendog]

Sounds like fun. I'd be happy to grow out some seeds and report results, return seeds from selected plants or whatever is needed. Please let me know what is involved, etc.

[nagi999]

HI-I am new to micros and just ordered my first varieties the other day. Are you still looking for people to grow them? How many do we need to grow out if we want to participate? Thanks!

[OneoftheEarls]

Are there enough to define them as a foot or under? curious...

[dfollett]

I'm not aware of any specific definition, but it seems that under 18 inches is kind of the accepted definition. I'm trying to keep as many as I can under a foot or 15 inches tops.

[EdieJ]

I don't know if this counts but I ordered some Red Robin seeds to try to grow in the kitchen. Started 4 seeds about 10 days ago and none of them have come up but yet 9 year old big heirloom seeds did. All started the same way. Is this typical that tiny tomatoes are difficult starters?

[Nan6b]

Nope.