Tomatoes Look Ripe – But Are Rock Hard

Question

Any clue about my tomatoes? They are being grown on a very sunny front patio in Southern California. Parent seeds were heirlooms. The tomatoes look gorgeous -very red, and one has even begun to split. But they are literally as hard as rocks! Will they soften, or should I pick them now and use them for cooking?

Answer 1

Some tomatoes are more stiff than others. This can be true of heirlooms, as well. It may be due to the type that you have.

You can pick that one whenever it seems ripe, then judge from there to figure out when will be appropriate in the future.

Usually, it is more common to pick it just a little early, and let it ripen off the vine, though.

Here is an article that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/harvest-time-for-tomatoes.htm