Vine-ripened tomatoes.
With so many tomato varieties available to gardeners, it is difficult to know just when fruits are ripe enough to pick. They have different sizes at maturity and may come in colors from yellow to purple-red when ripe. Many factors influence ripeness from weather and soil conditions to the variety of tomato and the grower's personal preferences. Some simple guidelines help determine when tomatoes are ready for harvesting.
Normal Ripening
The tomato plant goes through a series of developmental stages. These stages are influenced by the variety, the geographical location and the environmental conditions contributing to its growth. In spite of all these differences, most tomatoes are ripe enough to pick two months after their flowers are pollinated, assuming they have developed in ideal situations.
Ripeness Indicators
Understanding the attributes of the variety of tomato you are growing is important. Cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes and other varieties each have a standard size they reach at maturity. The size, color and texture are indicators of ripeness. Fully colored tomatoes that are firm to the touch are generally ready for picking.
Green Tomatoes
Some tomatoes are picked green for flavor and use in recipes. Even green tomatoes have to reach a certain level of ripeness for the desired taste. Green tomatoes should achieve at least 75 percent of their total size before picking. These fruits should have a glossy-green appearance. If they are picked when smaller, they will not ripen properly and may not develop a quality flavor.
Ripening Considerations
Ripening can slow or even halt if above-ground temperatures are consistently above 85 degrees. This is because the plants stop making carotene and lycopene pigments. Soil temperatures above 80 degrees force the plants to put their energy into root development and slow the ripening process. Mulch helps reduce soil temperatures. Removing damaged fruits also helps improve ripening for the remaining fruits.
Early Frosts
An early frost means fruits may have to be picked before reaching full maturity and ripened indoors. In these situations, spread the fruits out in a single layer in an area where temperatures remain between 65 and 70 degrees. Exposing them to sunlight is not necessary. It takes approximately two weeks for green fruits to ripen. Dispose of those that have not yet ripened.
Tags: above degrees, enough pick, ripe enough pick, variety tomato
