Did I plant my tomatoes too late?

Question

I bought some tomatoe plants from a local home supply center ed them 1 month ago 8/20/08. They were about a foot and a half tall at the time. I bought some of the beefsteak variety and some of the cherry variety. I have watered them daily, and they are in direct sunlight for most of the day. I live near St. Louis, Missouri. The plants have just now begun to produce flowers. How long can I expect before I see actual fruit?? It just seems awfully late in the season, for the plants not to have bloomed until now. Did I get too late of a start? Whats the normal planting season or time of year for tomatoes in my area?

Answer 1

Yup, you're too late.  Sorry, you need nearly 70-90 days from planting to harvest.

Next year, get them in around Memorial Day, earlier if the danger of frost has passed.  Also, don't water daily -- it promotes shallow roots.

Answer 2

Yes, unfortunately you're too late.  I'm in the UK and always sow the seeds in March, then the plants are big enough to go outside at the end of May.

They've done really well this year and we have lots of small Gardener's Delight tomatoes, which I've been picking for about three weeks.

Next year, if you want to buy plants, get them in May, unless you have a greenhouse where you can keep them warm until the risk of frost has past.

Answer 3

They should have been in the ground in May and already picked by now.

You may be able to make them work but not as likely.