Tomato stake TORNADO F1 field

Lycopersicon esculentum - Tornado F1

Belongs to the nightshade family. Originates from Central and South America. Plants grow up to 2m tall, covered with fine hairs. Leaves are deeply lobed, pinnate. The inflorescence is a cyme with three to twenty bisexual flowers, which are yellow in color. The fruit is a berry, also known as a tomato. Both indeterminate (cordon) and determinate (bush) varieties of tomatoes are grown, producing red, yellow, orange, pink, and even white fruits.

In addition to 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 fiber. They support blood formation and benefit skin, hair, and nails. They strengthen the organism. Plants can, besides traditional garden cultivation, also be grown 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 a possible option, however, we must note that at temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius, tomatoes do not grow. Higher temperatures 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 indeterminate tomatoes and tomatoes that grow to larger sizes, it is essential to provide support and tie them up so the plants don't break.

• Tomatoes are sown earliest in mid-February, but better at the beginning of March into substrate for sowing and propagation. After 1 – 2 weeks, we must prick out the plants into seed 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 reduced 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 frost.

• Plants are demanding in terms of organic matter and nutrients, so it is necessary to mix manure into the growing substrate. It is suitable 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, incorporate 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 with Kristalon Start or Fruit and Flower is suitable. Fertilize with Kristalon START mainly at the beginning of plant growth; once plants begin to flower, you can start using Kristalon FRUIT and FLOWER. Prepare doses according to the instructions on the product packaging.

• The most common disease in tomatoes is tomato blight (potato blight). It is recognized by characteristic brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. This disease needs to be tackled preventively. If we expect rainy weather, treat plants with products like Acrobat, Alliete, Ridomil, Kuprikol, etc.

  Blossom end rot in tomatoes is a nutritional disorder - calcium deficiency. It affects fruits, which then 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 product is suitable. For organic farming, Bioton and Bioan products are suitable.

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