Seedless.
Very similar to, if not identical with, the Perfected. Fruit almost rose-red, solid, and with comparatively few seeds.
Tree-Tomato. Vil. Hov. Mag.
New Upright. Tomate de Laye.
A new variety, raised from seed by Grenier, gardener to M. de Fleurieux, at a place in France called Chateau de Laye (whence the name), and introduced by M. Vilmorin of Paris.
It is distinct from all others; rising quite erect to the height of two feet or upwards, with a stem of remarkable size and strength. The branches are not numerous, and comparatively short, usually eight or ten inches in length,—thus requiring no heading-in; leaves not abundant, rather curled, much wrinkled, very firm, closely placed on the sturdy branches, and of a remarkably deep, shining-green color; fruit bright-red, of large size, comparatively smooth, and well filled to the centre,—in many respects, resembling the Perfected, though more regular in form.
From the peculiar, tree-like character of the plants, the variety is remarkably well adapted for cultivation in pots; but its late maturity greatly impairs its value as a variety for forcing. It is a slow grower, tardy in forming and perfecting its fruit, and, for ordinary garden culture, cannot be recommended as being preferable to the Perfected and other earlier and much more prolific varieties. It has been described as strictly self-supporting: but, though the fruit is produced in a remarkably close and almost clasping manner about the sturdy stem and branches, its weight often brings the plants to the ground; and consequently, in exposed situations, it will be necessary to provide stakes, or some similar means of support; though the plants never exhibit the rambling, recumbent character of the Common Tomato.
White Tomato.
Plant similar in habit to the Large Red; fruit large, generally ribbed, often irregular, but sometimes comparatively smooth. Its distinguishing characteristic is its color, which, if the fruit be screened by foliage or if grown in the shade, is almost clear white; if much exposed to the sun, it assumes a yellowish tinge, much paler, however, than the Large Yellow. Flesh yellowish, more watery than that of the Large Red, and of a somewhat peculiar flavor, much esteemed by some, and unpalatable to others.
The variety is hardy, remarkably productive, as early as the Large Red, and equally large and solid: but its color, before and after being cooked, is unattractive; and it is rarely seen in the markets, and seldom cultivated for family use.