Many gardeners are essentially experimenters. Few people will refuse to grow a new variety of tomatoes on their plot in order to appreciate the taste of the new product. And thanks to the breeders, the choice before them is very difficult. After all, the variety of varieties is simply amazing. Some species have not only an unusual taste, but also an unusual shape and color. The yield and agricultural practices of many plant species differ significantly. One of these new products is the Banana Legs tomato variety. The name of the variety is intriguing and there is a desire to learn as much as possible about it: look at photos, read reviews of gardeners who have already grown it in a greenhouse or in open ground, compare characteristics.
Description of the variety
Despite the fact that the “Banana Legs” tomato was bred back in 1988, interest in it has not dried up to this day. And for good reason. Although it was bred by American breeders, it has become quite widespread in the southern regions, in central Russia and even in areas with a rather harsh climate. And all this is thanks to the advantages that the tomato has in full, with the complete absence of any disadvantages.
At the moment, the Banana Legs tomato is particularly popular. Determinant. It is easy to care for. Refers to mid-season varieties. In catalogs it can be found in the section of “yellow-fruited” varieties. The official name is "Banana Legs". Agricultural cultivation technology is practically no different from growing traditional varieties.
There is a slight difference when growing tomatoes in open ground and in a greenhouse. Under film or in a greenhouse, the bushes grow up to 1.5 m high. In open ground, the bushes barely reach a height of 0.8 - 0.9 m. The branches and leaves are quite thin and graceful.
Interesting! The “Banana Legs” tomato growing method (seedlings or non-seedlings) does not affect the yield, taste and quality of the fruit.
Tomato ripening begins at 65-70 days. They are also distinguished by their high yield - from one bush, if you follow the growing rules, you can harvest at least 4-6 kg of tomatoes.
Diseases and pests
The “Banana Legs” tomato is resistant to diseases and pests, but it won’t be superfluous to carry out simple prevention. Experienced vegetable growers recommend the following methods of combating fungal diseases:
- In open ground, white mustard is sown between rows of tomatoes. When the sederat reaches a height of 15-20 cm, it is cut off and used as the first layer of mulch. Mustard actively resists the proliferation of pathogenic fungi.
- To combat late blight, open vials of iodine are suspended from the upper beams of the greenhouse. Iodine vapor significantly reduces the risk of disease.
Breeders all over the world work tirelessly to develop new tomatoes, offering more and more hardy and unusual varieties and hybrids every year. Despite this, the old selection variety “Banana Legs” remains very popular and beloved among vegetable growers and is gaining more and more loyal fans every year.
Characteristics of fruiting and tomato fruits
First of all, gardeners pay attention to the shape and brightness of the color of the fruit.
The shape of tomatoes is truly unusual - somewhat reminiscent of an exotic fruit. Probably, it was precisely this circumstance that played a role when the breeders chose such a bizarre name for it. But when describing the variety in online stores, the icicle shape is mainly mentioned.
The bright yellow color is a distinctive feature of Banana Legs tomatoes. Slightly unripe fruits have small flashes of soft green color that disappear as they ripen.
The plant belongs to the raceme varieties. One bunch grows from 7 to 13 tomatoes. They ripen almost simultaneously, which makes it possible not only to feed the family with delicious tomatoes with a slight hint of citrus, but also to prepare all kinds of preparations for the winter.
The weight of one tomato varies between 50-80 grams. But when growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, with excellent care and timely watering, gardeners note that the weight of the fruit can reach 110-130 grams.
The length of tomatoes also depends on growing conditions. On average they reach a size of 8-10 cm, but in greenhouses they can grow up to 12 cm.
Tomatoes of the “Banana Legs” variety differ from traditional ones in taste. Fleshy, tender pulp with a minimum of seeds - this is their feature. The skin of tomatoes is quite dense, which plays an important role when canning. The taste of tomatoes is sweet with barely noticeable sourness and a slight lemon flavor.
Interesting! Tomato bushes “Banana legs” do not need pinching, but they need to be pruned regularly.
Tomatoes can be stored for a very long time without changing their taste. Tomatoes tolerate transportation well over long distances, provided they were harvested slightly unripe.
Pros and cons of banana legs tomato
When choosing seeds for his garden, each gardener, in addition to the characteristics, evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of any variety.
The main advantages of the Banana Legs tomato are as follows:
- High yield;
- Simple rules for planting and subsequent care;
- Bright color and unusual shape of the fruit;
- Delicate, sweetish taste with barely noticeable sourness;
- High resistance to various diseases, in particular late blight;
- Easily tolerates heat and slight drops in temperature;
- These tomatoes easily adapt to local climatic conditions;
- Equally suitable for growing in open ground and in a greenhouse;
- Can be grown without seedlings;
- High percentage of germination of tomato seeds “Banana legs” (more than 97%);
- Tolerates diving and transplanting well;
- Fruits of the same size;
- Simultaneous, friendly flowering and ripening.
With all the variety of advantages, I would like to mention one more thing - the “Banana Legs” tomato has practically no disadvantages. If any difficulties arise during cultivation, it means that the cultivation rules have not been followed. Too dense plantings or insufficient sunlight greatly affect the yield and taste of tomatoes.
Interesting! Slightly unripe tomatoes are excellent for canning as a whole.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety in comparison with other varieties
The main advantages of the “Banana Legs” variety include:
- high productivity;
- can be grown in garden beds and in greenhouse conditions;
- fruits of original shape and color;
- the taste of ripe fruits is not quite typical for tomatoes, as it contains lemon notes;
- tomato Banana legs is highly resistant to most diseases;
- resistance to temperature changes and weather conditions - does not reduce productivity in any conditions;
- in many regions, seed material is planted directly into the soil;
- the harvest ripens almost simultaneously;
- good presentation of the collected fruits;
- long storage period;
- versatility of the harvested crop;
- The harvested crop can easily withstand transportation over long distances.
There are no disadvantages noted in the Banana Legs tomato, only some summer residents note the unusual taste of these tomatoes.
Anyone can leave reviews about the Banana Legs tomato on our website, as well as add photos of the grown crop to the reviews.
Rules for planting and care
As mentioned above, the agricultural technology for growing Banana Legs tomatoes is no different from other varieties. You can grow tomatoes using either seedling or non-seedling methods, planting the seeds directly in open ground. The latter method is ideal for the southern regions and central Russia, as well as for owners of heated greenhouses.
Growing tomatoes in seedlings
For seedlings, “Banana Legs” tomato seeds are planted at least 65-70 days before the intended transplant into open ground. It is recommended to pick at the 2-3 leaf stage. Fertilizing and regular loosening of the soil are required.
When transplanting seedlings into open ground, no more than 4 plants can be planted per 1 m². You should not thicken the plantings - the lack of air and nutrients immediately affects the yield and taste of the fruit.
Growing tomatoes without seedlings
Before planting “Banana Legs” tomato seeds in open ground, you need to thoroughly loosen the soil. Fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers should be carried out pointwise, immediately in the holes.
During the growth process, tomatoes need regular watering with warm, settled water and loosening of the soil.
With any method of growing tomatoes, it is necessary to form a bush during the growth process. To do this, leave 3-4 powerful, healthy stems. The rest need to be removed.
The characteristics of the variety indicate that the “Banana Legs” tomato does not require pinching. Nevertheless, many gardeners, from their own experience, still recommend regularly planting tomatoes immediately after the bush has formed. Otherwise, the fruits will be small, and the yield will immediately drop.
Interesting! The creator of the Banana Legs tomato variety is breeder Tom Wagner.
Tomatoes need to be tied up, otherwise they will simply fall under the weight of the bunches with numerous fruits.
According to numerous reviews, the Banana Legs tomato is very picky to care for. Combined with high yield, this only increases the value of this variety.
Growing rules
Banana legs are planted in a permanent place when the soil warms up. In most regions, planting occurs in May-early June.
In the south of our country, tomatoes are planted in open ground at the beginning of the last month of spring. At the same time, it is possible to plant seedlings under film in regions with a temperate climate or in a greenhouse in northern areas.
Planting tomatoes in a permanent place
Before planting tomatoes, you need to choose a suitable area of the garden. The place where tomato crops will grow should be in the most illuminated part of the garden. Otherwise, the plants will become sick, and the sweetness of their fruits will be significantly reduced.
Attention ! The beds where nightshade crops grew last year are not suitable for planting tomatoes. The best precursors for tomatoes are legumes, cabbage, onions, carrots and cereals.
You should also not plant other nightshade crops next to tomatoes. Potatoes are considered a particularly dangerous neighbor.
The beds for tomatoes are prepared in the fall. They are dug up and cleared of weeds. Mullein, humus and dry lime are added to the soil.
In the spring, the area where the tomatoes will grow is dug up again. All emerging roots of weeds are removed.
At a distance of 50-70 cm, holes are dug in rows. There should be a gap of 60 cm between the depressions in the ground. Per 1 sq. m place no more than 3 holes.
Fertilizers are added to the holes. Use ash, long-acting granular mineral fertilizer, or homemade formulations.
Before planting in a permanent place, the plants are watered and fed. This must be done 3 days before the pick.
Immediately before planting, the tomatoes are removed from the pots along with a lump of earth and placed in the holes, placing the roots towards the center. It is important not to damage the roots.
Warm water is poured into the holes with seedlings and covered with soil. The next watering is possible only after 2 weeks.
Care
To get a rich harvest, you need to properly care for your tomatoes. The list shows the basic steps for growing the Banana Legs variety:
- Watering tomatoes should not be frequent, but plentiful . In hot summers, the soil is moistened three times a week; in months with a more gentle climate, one watering every 7 days is sufficient.
- Tomato stems Banana legs are thin. Therefore, plants without support break under the weight of the fruit. To prevent this from happening, they are tied up.
- Form a tomato banana legs into 3-5 stems. The more stems there are, the later the harvest will ripen, but the more abundant it will be. Gardeners note that when formed into 3 stems, the fruits grow larger.
- Banana legs do not require pinching . This makes them easier to care for.
- Root dressings are used 3-4 times per season. It is best to alternate organic and mineral fertilizers. Chicken droppings or mullein diluted with water are used as organic compounds. Mineral fertilizers are purchased in stores.
- Foliar feeding will not only speed up the formation of ovaries, but will also reduce the risk that the plant will drop them. To do this, the bushes are sprayed with compounds containing boron.
Mistakes when growing tomatoes
There are techniques that will not only help you grow healthy plants, but also increase your yield. Here are some tips for growing tomatoes:
- It is better to use synthetic thread for tying tomatoes. If you tie up bushes with natural material, there is a risk of rot not only on the ropes, but also on the stems of the plants.
- It is important that the fruits do not lie on the ground. This will increase the risk of plants becoming infected with late blight and slugs appearing on them.
- Plants are planted in the morning or evening. You cannot water tomatoes on the day of planting. This procedure is not carried out on cloudy days.
- All damaged and incorrectly formed inflorescences are removed. Thanks to this, healthy fruits will form faster.
Diseases and pests
The Banana Legs tomato is resistant to most diseases. He rarely gets sick even from late blight.
Despite the presence of immunity, tomatoes still have a risk of getting sick. To prevent this from happening, preventive methods are used.
Disinfection of seeds, containers and soil is the very first and most important stage of prevention.
It is equally important to disinfect all tools that come into contact with plants. This is where fungal and viral infections accumulate.
Compliance with the rules of watering, shaping and pinching the bush is another important step in disease prevention.
To reduce the likelihood of plant infection, they are sprayed with disinfectants. For example, Fitosporin or a solution of potassium permanganate are often used.
Insects carry fungal and viral infections. They also damage plants. Therefore, we need to fight them.
To combat harmful insects, bushes are treated with a soap solution and infusion of celandine. Large pests are collected by hand.
Application of fruits
“Banana Legs” tomatoes, having excellent taste, are excellent for eating fresh, as well as for preparing summer salads and slices when serving on a holiday table. When preparing salads, you need to keep in mind that tomatoes have a slight lemon flavor.
Many housewives often use tomatoes for canning, both as a whole and as a component for winter salads and lecho. When whole-fruit pickled, they reveal their refined taste.
For those who like to experiment in the kitchen, Banana Legs tomatoes can be used in the preparation of a variety of sauces, pastes and as an ingredient for gravy. They are very suitable for instant freezing of whole or sliced tomatoes, as well as for drying.
Each housewife, in accordance with the preferences of her family members, will find where and how to use these unusual, bright and incredibly tasty tomatoes.
Reviews of tomato “Banana legs”
Many gardeners who have already grown tomatoes of this variety on their plots speak very ambiguously about its characteristics. Everyone notes the high germination of Banana Legs tomato seeds and ease of care. Some plot owners note that plants of this variety bear fruit well when the following conditions are created:
- Compliance with planting rules - no more than 4 pieces per m²;
- Good lighting;
- Feeding with mineral fertilizers at the picking stage and subsequently during the growth process;
- Regular watering and loosening of the soil;
- Formation of a bush and regular pinching.
Only in this case can you count on high quality harvest.
Interesting! When choosing Banana Legs tomatoes for preparing salads for the winter, keep in mind that after heat treatment, the lemon flavor becomes more pronounced.
Katerina, 43 years old, Bryansk
I have been growing this variety for three years now. My family really likes it. My grandchildren love these tomatoes very much. I put it in jars only this year. Previously, everyone ate everything and there wasn’t enough to prepare it. But I want to share my experience. In the first year the yield was very low. As it turns out, Banana Leg tomatoes love to grow provided there is enough free space and plenty of light. Since then, I plant them directly in open ground and don’t bother with seedlings.
Vitaly, 52 years old, Izhevsk
I really liked the fresh banana legs as a snack. But I didn’t like the banks. But this is a matter of taste.
Valentina, 38 years old, Saratov
I have been planting the Banana Legs tomato for a long time. To get a rich harvest, you must definitely plant them. Previously, I left only two stems, but then I started leaving 4 on each bush. Now the yield is high. The tomatoes are very tasty, my family likes the bright yellow color. They love “Bananas” very much, and taking them out of the jar in winter is a vivid reminder of the sunny summer.
The author of the video will tell you about all the advantages of Banana Legs tomatoes:
Features of growing the Banana Legs variety
The Banana Legs tomato is an interesting variety, but not so easy to grow. Having drawn conclusions from our own experience and collected characteristics, reviews and descriptions on forums, we have drawn the following conclusions:
- The Banana Legs tomato variety needs to be given the most sunny place possible. Here is what a representative of the seed producer, the agricultural company Partner, : “... this tomato loves the sun very much and in conditions of cloudy weather or partial shade the results are weak. I didn’t notice anything special in terms of nutrition; all our tomatoes received a good dose of vermicompost when planting and every ten days foliar feeding with microelements. Our results are very good. You need to be careful with the seedlings, since there is a moment in development when all the tomatoes begin to grow rapidly, but the Banana Legs tomato waits for another two weeks and here you need to carefully monitor that the seedlings have enough light. So far, after two seasons of testing at our site, nothing special has been noticed.”
Click on the picture to enlarge It is necessary to form a bush . It is best to grow a bush of the Banana Legs variety into 3-4 trunks. If the bushes are not formed, they will instantly become overgrown with stepsons. The fruits will be smaller and smaller in size. A thickened bush will have worse lighting, and then the tomatoes will be more sour. To form 4 stems, you need to wait until 2 shoots form on the plant, and another shoot on each of the stems. Thus, you get 4 stems, remove the rest.
- During the period of fruit ripening, you need to reduce watering (this advice applies to all varieties of tomatoes).
- Gradually, as the fruit sets, you need to remove some of the leaves. Then the tomatoes will be better illuminated by the sun, which improves their taste. And the bushes will be better ventilated to avoid tomato diseases.
