From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ar

If I grow this variety and do get a monster out of it will I have to add supports or will it hang itself?

1/10/2020 12:12:45 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I looked a bit at what Dale Thurber wrote about the Epstein potato leaf. It sounds like it is most capable of reaching sizes requiring tomato support. I usually start to hammock the tomatoes at about 14 inches cc (1 pound). A single stem will not support much more than that. If I have a what looks like a very strong ribbon, I might wait a bit longer. Epstein looks like a 2-4 pound range, maybe related to the Big Zac. I would give that one a try if you have the seeds. Living in Arkansas, you need to find the best hot weather variety. If it was me..I would try as many varieties as you have room for. Remember, soil prep and pruning technique is probably more important than variety.

1/10/2020 6:09:21 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

Hey TheOzarkan, I get your joke. It was a funny Robert. Good info though.

1/10/2020 9:29:52 PM

Central NY

Lol

1/10/2020 9:35:52 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

i am lost

1/10/2020 10:55:19 PM

Grittyville, WA

Those Epstein plants dont bear as heavy as, say, a Roman Polanski. They dont kill themselves...

1/11/2020 12:11:24 AM

Lebanon, Oregon

Robert. A big news story in the last few months. Google “Did Jeffery Epstein kill himself”. I usually don’t explain jokes, yet I don’t want you to be lost.

1/11/2020 12:21:33 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

thanks, rick...it took me too long to figure out the reference. I made the mistake to scan read the post and then jump into finding information on the variety. Reading about the characteristic differences between the Epstein potato leaf and big zac caused everything else to go over my head.

When did humor start to be allowed on the tomato board :) We have never had fun here.......

1/11/2020 1:28:47 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Isn’t having fun what it’s all about ?

1/11/2020 8:44:20 PM

Torino, ITALY

I have a couple of Epsteins plants flowering right now, if I will get fruits I will have seeds for you, Robert; as far they were first to sprout and to grow, now Brutus grew bigger (crazy roots) but they are still nice second, and again first to flower

1/12/2020 8:37:00 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

Thanks Carlo, I do not know what I will be growing yet next year. I think if you sent it and I didn't grow it, it would be a waste. That is really nice blossom on your hydro plant.It looks like you are the new leader in the winter competititon.

1/12/2020 9:50:20 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

lol

1/12/2020 9:56:40 AM

central Nc

Carlo look out. Epstein usually is one big monster but then lots of little cherry tomatoes show up underneath him. Might need to rescue them before things get worse.

1/12/2020 10:35:01 AM

Torino, ITALY

Thanks Robert, but it looks like Glenoma Kins is the leader, with a 6inch already; I would be happy just to get pollination; Wolfpack, not sure I understood your advise, but I plan to do a lot of pruning if I get a fruit to grow

1/13/2020 2:00:26 AM

Grittyville, WA

Pulled the plant due to BER. You know... Bemoan, evacuate, resuscitate... Sorry for the lack of pics someone cut the wires to my camera.
...Dont know what else to say. Just take my word for it... His final measurement was 6 1/4 inches... Not bad... but hopefully one of you guys can beat that? Lmao... Good luck!

1/13/2020 4:44:55 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

lol... No, an Epstein variety is like an Early Girl variety, nice and small and cannot possibly kill itself. Geaux Tigers!

1/13/2020 4:50:34 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Winter growers are talking about winter growing...and everyone else is making jokes. It is all good. I am impressed with Carlo..I think he is a force in winter growing to be reckoned with in the future..if not today. Grow that Epstein big Carlo. Get that big epstein blossom set...and don't follow Glenomkins experiments. Spray that baby tomato with calcium chloride. This is crunch time...you can not afford BER.

1/13/2020 6:30:23 PM

Torino, ITALY

C'mon Robert, you make me blush :) I'm a total newbie in winter growing, and my summer PB is just above 2 lbs, nothing to be impressed with; anyway, thanks for the ecouragemente and of course, if that Epstein blossom will set, I will try to take good care of it, and respectfully let you know how it will do

1/14/2020 11:19:39 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

Epstein's is a potato leaf sport of Big Zac.
I have a plant growing now that I have been performing some crosses, but no fruit yet.

1/17/2020 1:29:45 PM

Lakewood, WA

Great job with your first winter grow, Carlo!

1/17/2020 10:51:52 PM