I am growing Rosella Purple this year and it seemed slow to set.

As is often mentioned here, you just can't compare performance variables of different varieties with any reliability, even with the same growing conditions. And doing so is very misleading.

Growing conditions are secondary to genetics and genetics are unique to the variety, not to whether it is a hybrid or a heirloom, a determinate or a dwarf or an indeterminate.

That being said, as a very general guideline the dwarf varieties are slow growing, it is part of their genetic breeding and tied to their ultimate size. Consequently, they are also going to appear to be slow to set fruit when compared with standard varieties.

I have several New Big Dwarf growing this year and while we are already eating fruit from some other early, indeterminate varieties, NBD are just now beginning to set first fruit.

Dave

Thanks for the feedback . Patience is a virtue - I'll claim that for the dwarfs .

lakedeyes ,I am wondering why you added dolomatic lime to your mix ?

dickiefickle , I wanted to mimic Earthbox instructions as well as receiving advice from those on the tomato forums like Dave and Raybo that the lime helps to control ph and blossom end rot while supplying necessary nutrients . The model I used for the containers I found on globalbuckets.com -- thusfar , the plants are doing great . I believe that the bottom watering method makes a big difference .

I've grown New Big Dwarf several times, and it is usually slow to set fruit. But once it starts it should give you a good amount of wonderful tomatoes. I think NBD is a great variety, especially if space is an issue. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Lew