Tomato Roma

Lycopersicon lycopersicum - Roma

Belongs to the Solanaceae family. Originates from Central and South America. Plants grow up to 2m high, covered with fine hairs. Leaves are deeply lobed and pinnate. The inflorescence is a cyme with three to twenty bisexual flowers that are yellow in colour. The fruit is a berry, commonly known as a tomato. Both staking and bush varieties of tomatoes are grown, producing fruits in red, yellow, orange, pink and white.

Besides being very healthy, they also have their specific taste. Their use in culinary preparations is manifold. They contain vitamins C, E, A, potassium, iron, carotene and a large amount of fibre. They support blood formation and benefit skin, hair and nails. They strengthen the organism. Plants can be grown not only in the traditional garden way, but also in containers, for example on a terrace or balcony!

How to Grow Tomatoes

• They require a sunny and sheltered location. Ideal temperature conditions for growing are between 21 and 24 °C. Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse or polytunnel is also an option, but we should note that at temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius tomatoes stop growing. Higher temperatures can even cause them to dry out. Abundant watering is also necessary. We avoid watering the leaves, as this could cause fungal infections. Regularly pinch out side shoots to promote fruit growth. For staking tomatoes and those growing to greater heights, it is essential to provide support and tie them up so the plants don't break.

• Tomatoes are sown at the earliest in mid-February, but preferably in early March into seed and propagation substrate. After 1-2 weeks, the plants must be pricked out into seedling trays - the substrate is the same. After 3-4 weeks, transplant the plants into pots of at least 8×8cm with horticultural substrate. Low temperature and moderate watering are suitable for growing tomatoes. For plants in pots, a temperature up to 15°C is sufficient. Harden off plants very early - ventilate or place them outside during the day. Plant out in polytunnels in April, and in open ground in May after the last frosts.

• Plants are demanding in terms of organic matter and nutrients, so it is necessary to mix manure into the growing substrate. It is advisable to use granulated manure - add 300-400 g per plant to the substrate.

  Tomatoes grown in beds require soil preparation before planting. On good, humus-rich soils, it is not necessary to apply manure or compost. On poor soils, work 2-4 kg per m² of well-rotted compost or manure into the soil in autumn.

• Feed plants regularly. Application in the form of liquid fertilizer such as Kristalon Start or Plod a Květ is suitable. Fertilize with Kristalon START mainly at the beginning of plant growth, and once the plants start flowering, you can begin using Kristalon PLOD a KVĚT. Prepare doses according to the instructions on the product packaging.

• The most common disease affecting tomatoes is tomato blight (late blight). It can be recognized by characteristic brown spots on leaves, stems and fruits. This disease needs to be tackled preventively. If rainy weather is expected, treat plants with products such as Acrobat, Alliete, Ridomil, Kuprikol, etc.

  Blossom end rot is a nutritional disorder - calcium deficiency. It affects the fruits, which become deformed and a black spot appears at the tip of the fruit. Feed plants regularly. If the disorder appears, treat plants with calcium nutrition products, such as InCa.

  Sucking pests such as aphids or spider mites attack tomatoes very often. It is also suitable to use Agro NATURA Symfonie 3 in 1 against fungal diseases and sucking pests.

  For tomato blight, DITHANE is a suitable product. For organic farming, Bioton and Bioan products are suitable.

• Bush varieties of tomatoes are harvested approximately 8 weeks after planting. Staking varieties are harvested from the 10th to 12th week. Always follow the appearance of the harvested fruit. Tomatoes should be red, firm and not overripe.