We have many tomatoes on large plants but no sign of ripening, is there still time for them to ripen?

Question

We planted them in the second week of June in the soil near a south-facing brick wall. The soil was amended with Miracle Grow garden soil for Flowers and Vegetables. Then in July they were fed once with Vigoro Tomato and vegetable food 12-10-5. We have 3 large full plants, 7' or more with clusters of large fruit, I would say about 20 among the three plants but no hint of color change! They are all green as can be and remaining that way. Am I just too anxious? We are in Southwestern PA, Zone 6b I believe. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yeah I know how you feel! We have a bunch of nice green tomatoes, and yes it does take awhile for them to change. But once they do start getting a hint of color they will be ready within a few days to a week.

I first started noticing almost a white hue on a few, after I saw this.. in about a week they all of sudden changed to a light orange overnight.

Once they have any color on them other then green, check them daily as they will ripen within a week or less depending on your plant type. After you start seeing a few ripen, many more will follow usually in groups, most likely more then you can use eventually. But the first few take the longest.

It sounds like to me, you still have at least a month and a half or more where you live, and that will be plenty of time for them to ripen.

But if it comes down to it, and your summer is running out.. (saying you only have a few weeks left before frost), a good way to get the last fruit to ripen is to dig a shovel into the ground around 3 sides of the plant about a foot away from the stem just to cut the roots and induce ripening. One slice into the ground around 3 sides will do, leave at least one side for the roots. Also do not do this to a plant that has plenty of time to produce more before frost, this is a last resort for the last 2 weeks before frost to help ripen the last bunch.

Hope this helps! Patience is the key, even though it sucks sometimes!

Answer 2

Yeah, I think there's time.  Ours just started to turn - we picked one, and it was a little green.  But soon -- soon!  (We're in Northeastern Ohio, somewhat colder than you, zone 5.

Answer 3

Too anxious.  Once they start turning red it doesn't take long....you have lots of time.  And then you'll have waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy more tomatoes then you know what to do with.  By the end of August you'll have ripened tomatoes every where.

Answer 4

Don't worry, you have until early October (when on average, your first frost occurs). generally maters don't get into ripening until mid to late august in your area. Be patient

Answer 5

I feel your pain.  This is my first attempt at gardening...I planted 4 plants in June and they too are about 6 - 7' tall.  I just had to resupport them yesterday as they are getting top heavy.  Plenty of small green tomatoes but no red ones.  

I'm going to pick some of the green ones and have some FRIED GREEN TOMATOES for breakfast on Saturday.  You cut them up, season them and put a coating of corn meal on them and then fry them in hot cooking oil...yummy

Answer 6

yes defidently

i still have a few that are still green and others that i have to go pick

so you have plenty of time cuz i am in missouri and some of mine still need a week or so.

good luck

Answer 7

You probably planted them too late in the year so they are going to be later developing.If they still look healthy and the foliage is not decaying leave them for now. When the foliage starts to decay pick them all and wrap each tomatoe in newspaper and place in a drawer.Then check them weekly at first untill there are signs of ripening,then more often.Don't worry you will be eating your own tomatoes.