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'Rogue' tomato plant

ambodachambodach Posts: 20
in Fruit & veg
I planted a number of Ferline tomatoes this year in my polytunnel.  One out of 5 produced a slightly bigger (35gm) plum tomato rather than round, was much more vigorous and productive, plus didn't get infected by blight. 

Does this fit the general description of another tomato such that perhaps one seed of that got into the packet, or did I have a rogue that I should retain the seed of in the hope it might a worthwhile new variety.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Because Ferline is an F1 variety, the seeds produced from the fruit won't be Ferline, but will more likely resemble one of the two parent varieties which were cross-pollinated in order to create the F1 seeds.
    However, I would still save the seed and try growing a few of them next year, but wouldn't rely on them for your main plants, just in case they turn out to be something you're not keen on or don't grow well.  Certainly worth a try, though, as the blight resistance may get inherited.  Lots of folk do this though, often with supermarket varieties, and very often get good crops.  Saving seed from non-F1 varieties is much more reliable, as most tomato flowers are self-pollinated.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • charlottmia199charlottmia199 Posts: 1
    Glacier tomatoes are one of the best determinate tomatoes, because, unlike most other varieties, they will ripen throughout the season. The fruit is a reddish-orange color and has quite an acidic flavor. They are good for cooking and will add fabulous flavor to stews.
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    I had a rogue seed once in my tomato packet, it happens.  I suspect it's quite possible a few seeds get stuck on the processing equipment between batches or something.  
    Utah, USA.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    There can also be the occasional mutant seed in any packet, F1 or not - it's simply the way nature and genetics work.  Occasionally, whole runs of seed packets can contain the wrong seeds, as we have seen with the many reports of yellow fruited 'Gardener's Delight' on the forum over recent years.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ambodachambodach Posts: 20
    Many thanks guys, for the the discussion.  One thing I was hoping for was someone coming in and saying that that description sounds like 'xyz' tomato as that one plant hit a lot of pluses for me - vigorous growth, lots of fruit, tasty, blight resistant and keeping well.

    I've retained seed from 3 fruit - not terribly sure quite what I am going to do with ~100 seeds, but I will look forward to solving that problem next spring.
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