![]() ![]() For this same reason, seeds should never be saved from double fruit of any variety. Varieties with larger tomatoes are more prone to outcrossing because their large flowers are more open and the stigma may extend beyond the flower. Reports of outcrossing in tomatoes range from 0 to 5 percent, with substantially higher rates seen in potato-leaved cultivars. Therefore, measures to control cross pollination are usually not necessary. SAVING SEEDS: Tomatoes are inbreeding plants with self-fertilization usually occurring before flowers have opened. Tomatoes should not be refrigerated as it inhibits flavor-enhancing enzyme activity and contributes to an unpleasant, mealy texture. If any fall before they have ripened, place them in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper and set in a cool, dark place, stem side up, until fully ripened. HARVEST AND STORAGE: For best flavor and texture, allow tomatoes to remain on the vine as long as possible. Excess nitrogen and/or insufficient phosphorous can cause tomato plants to become bushy and produce few blossoms. Blossom end rot is a common issue caused by calcium deficiency and/or insufficient water intake. Finally, removing plant litter in the fall along with proper crop rotation and tillage will further limit the spread of disease. Watering from below the canopy, mulching, and ensuring ample space between plants can also slow the spread of disease. To prevent common tomato diseases like Septoria leaf spot, anthracnose, tomato wilt and blight, avoid watering plants at night or on cool, cloudy days. Flea beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.ĭISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Contact your local university extension office to learn which tomato diseases are most prevalent in your area. INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effective in controlling climbing cutworms and tomato hornworms. Avoid over-application of nitrogen as this can cause vegetative growth at the expense of fruit set. ![]() Ensure that plants receive 2" of water per week. To encourage strong roots, pinch off all but the top three leaves and bury the bottom two-thirds of the plant. TRANSPLANTING: After danger of frost has passed, set transplants 30-36" apart in rows 48-60" apart. Water only as needed, as watering cools the soil and encourages fungal growth. Under ideal conditions, germination should occur in 7-10 days. For best results, place a growers heat mat beneath trays until germination has occurred. The ideal temperature for tomato seed germination is 80 degrees. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in well-moistened, sterile seed-starting mix. SOWING: For earliest harvest, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Mulching plants with poly, paper, or natural materials will ensure consistent moisture throughout the root zone, especially during dry periods. Tomatoes require about two inches of water per week, otherwise fruit may become prone to developing blossom end rot. Ensure that the planting site receives at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. 50 seeds/pkt.ĬULTURE: Tomatoes perform best in well-drained soil that contains plenty of organic matter and adequate phosphorous and calcium. One of the best cherry tomatoes we've tried. Indeterminate vines produce abundantly and consistently under a variety of conditions. Round, 1" tomatoes have firm texture and sweet flavor making them perfect for salads or for garden snacks. ![]() (Solanum lycopersicum) True to its name, Sweetie produces amazingly long clusters of super sweet cherry tomatoes. Cascading clusters of sweet cherry tomatoes ![]()
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