Recall that the first week, the average height gain was 1.5 inches, and the second week saw the plants growing at an average gain of 3.5 inches. The data I collected this morning and analyzed show that the plants grew at an average rate of 4 inches, with most gaining 4 (14 varieties) to 5 (11 varieties) inches. The largest gains were by Sean's Yellow Dwarf and Dwarf Golden Heart (6 inches each), and Dwarf Pink Passion (7 inches).
The tallest at this point is Dwarf Pink Passion (23 inches tall), with Dwarf Golden Heart and Dwarf Emerald Giant at 19 inches. Most varieties are in the 15-17 inch range.
As far as the real payoff - the tomatoes! - I am happy to note that only 4 varieties are yet to show buds (three of them replanted, and only Sean's Yellow Dwarf lagging in that detail). The amazing news is that 12 varieties show buds, and 22 have open flowers. It will be very interesting to see the success of fruit set variety to variety, then the eventual ripening dates. But that's all to come!
I have good pictures of each of the plants (in most cases plants as well as buds or blossoms) - but don't feel a need to show them all. How about a few of particular interest!
Top Row - Yukon Quest from side, from Top, and Dwarf Beryl Beauty from the side
Second row - Dwarf Beryl Beauty from the top, Dwarf Jade Beauty from the side and top
Third row - Dwarf Sweet Sue, Sweet Sue flowers, Fred's Tie Dye
Fourth row - Fred's Tie Bye huge top flower, Iditarod Red, from side and from top
Fifth row - Rosella Crimson, Rosella Crimson flower cluster, Uluru Ochre
Last row - large flower on Uluru Ochre
I've noticed that the foliage of some of the Grumpy selections is prone to some leaf curl and unusual rounded shape (though still regular leaf, not potato leaf - check the Yukon Quest and Iditarod Red pics from the top.
When I selected Jade Beauty and Beryl Beauty, I noticed that the foliage is more crinkled (rugose) on Jade, when compared to Beryl - see the top views above.
Then of course are the huge flowers that show up on some varieties. Finally, Rosella Crimson (and Purple) always seem to throw clusters containing many flowers - you can see that in the pic.
Lots of fine detail, I know...but I am working to get to know and understand the personality of each one of these new varieties.