I usually grow only Sungold - and swear by them - very successful -
in both green house and outside.

This year also bought a cheap packet of mixed (in separate
mini-packets) from a supermarket - unbranded.

POMODORO
MARMANDE
TIGERELLA
ALICANTE
GARDENERS DELIGHT


They were all treated in exactly the same way as sungold - seeding,
watering, potting on etc etc.

All of the five newcomers leave much to be desired.

They are typically two weeks behind the sun-gold in flowering and
ripening.

There are no really tasty ones - some of the pomodora look OK on
outside - nice colour - quite firm - but are actually black inside.

I wondered if it was the fact that the mixture were a cheap bag from a
supermarket - sungold were Suttons

I have heard many swear by Alicante and Gardeners Delight - but I will
need persuading to try them again next year.

I would be interested in other's experience of those types I tried -
and also is it better not to use unbranded seeds.

Does seed quality vary that much depending on where you get them?

"Judith M Smith" wrote in message
...

Does seed quality vary that much depending on where you get them?


I believe that you have answered the question that you should be asking,
yourself !

It is not where you get them that matters so much, as compared with the
producer/supplier named on the packet.
I have never come across an unreputable brand retailed at any garden centre
or garden shop.


As a warning to others here, you could name and shame - what was the
producer/supplier
named on the packet and the supermarket name that retailed it ?

You could also let them know how unsatisfied you were with the purchase.
If they get enough grumbles - they will hopefully withdraw the item for
future years.

Regards
Pete
www.thecanalshop.com

You could take the tomatoes you didn't like and throw them at the store
window you bought the crappy seeds at. Bring a few friends and beer and
make a party out of your displeasure.

On 2009-08-31 22:53:29 +0100, Judith M Smith said:



I usually grow only Sungold - and swear by them - very successful -
in both green house and outside.

This year also bought a cheap packet of mixed (in separate
mini-packets) from a supermarket - unbranded.

POMODORO

Pomodoro means tomato. ;-)) On the food group I asked someone about
the favourite tomato grown by Italians and the answer was San Marzano,
so I'd like to try that next year.


MARMANDE
TIGERELLA
ALICANTE
GARDENERS DELIGHT


They were all treated in exactly the same way as sungold - seeding,
watering, potting on etc etc.

All of the five newcomers leave much to be desired.

They are typically two weeks behind the sun-gold in flowering and
ripening.

There are no really tasty ones - some of the pomodora look OK on
outside - nice colour - quite firm - but are actually black inside.

I wondered if it was the fact that the mixture were a cheap bag from a
supermarket - sungold were Suttons

I have heard many swear by Alicante and Gardeners Delight - but I will
need persuading to try them again next year.

I would be interested in other's experience of those types I tried -
and also is it better not to use unbranded seeds.

Does seed quality vary that much depending on where you get them?

Yes. Which (IIRC) did a survey on various places and some had a truly
disgraceful germination rate.


--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon