Al, our outdoor frost date is June 6 but we can't count on safe weather for tomatoes until the 18th or 20th. I'm pushing the limits even for the greenhouse, hoping for a couple of nice enough days in a row, but my nights are still dropping in the 30's F this week.
Yeah, the early flowering basically means you can start later, and you can have them under lights indoors for less time. It's not the same as cold tolerance, and all the traits needed for a rugged early plant - ability to set in cold weather; ability to produce fruit in cool temperatures without defects (catfacing, mealy texture, poor taste, etc). All those traits are still to be looked for.
Last year none of my first early fruit were as sweet as normal. The first Whiskeyjack was a good shape though and a great smooth texture.. I think I hate mealiness in early fruit the most.
So goes the quest for the 'perfect' tomato...
