Characteristics of tall tomatoes
Tomatoes of this type for open ground are unlimited in growth, and grow greenery not in width, but in height. They can reach a height of 1.5 m and up to 4. Growth stops only after the top is pinched off. But this is done closer to autumn, when it becomes clear that new tomatoes will no longer have time to form. The growth of greenery slows down and the ripening of existing fruits begins.
Indeterminate varieties begin to form the first flower cluster no earlier than 6–8 leaves, and they should be planted in open ground already with the first fruit ovaries. They quickly gain green mass without compromising the formation of new brushes. They require the formation of 1-2 stems, otherwise fruiting is sharply reduced. Large-fruited varieties are especially whimsical in this regard.
Tomatoes require lighting, sufficient space, and abundant watering. Tall tomatoes suitable for open ground require constant attention:
- be sure to carry out stepsoning;
- check the condition of the stems every week and tie up the grown branches;
- For large-fruited varieties, be sure to tie the clusters with fruits, as they can break off under their own weight;
- light loosening of the soil before watering, since the roots lie high, they practically lie on the surface.
Their high yield is due to the fact that clusters of tomatoes are formed at the entire height of the stems, and some varieties bear up to 15 clusters of 6-8 tomatoes on one plant. The quality of the soil, top dressing, and fertilizer play an important role in the quality of the crop.
Important! Tall tomatoes for open ground appreciate the addition of organic matter to the soil, which can be started to be added as early as 10 days after planting, and repeated 2 weeks after thorough watering.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Preparing seeds, sowing and caring for seedlings of indeterminate varieties of tomatoes is almost no different from what we do with ordinary tomatoes. True, the growing period is somewhat longer: it is 50-65 days. Therefore, sowing should be done earlier - approximately in mid-March. Seeds are laid out on the surface of a well-moistened substrate in rows - for better use of lighting. On top of the seeds should be covered with a layer of vermiculite, sand or peat chips 5 mm thick. The box is covered with plastic film to maintain soil moisture.
Until the seeds have sprouted, it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature of about 23 degrees both day and night. After 5-6 days, when the first shoots appear, the film is removed, and it is better to do this early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid excessive evaporation during the midday hours.
After another 5-6 days, when the first true leaf appears, the crops should be picked into separate cups. It is not recommended to do this in the early morning: at this time the plants are hard and fragile, so they break easily.
Temperature
The secret to growing stocky seedlings with short internodes is to maintain the same day and night temperatures, it should be between 23-24 degrees. From the 25th day it can be lowered by 1-2 degrees. This regime gives impetus to good initial development of the first three hands.
About two weeks before planting the seedlings in a permanent place, the temperature should be lowered again - to 19 degrees during the day and 17 at night. However, there is no need to get carried away by excessively lowering the temperature. In this case, the plants do not develop quickly enough, and, importantly, the first cluster is planted too low. For tomatoes grown on trellises, this is unacceptable - the location of the first flower cluster between the 9th and 10th leaves is considered optimal for them. Otherwise, there will be a reduction in yield. By the way, excess light also leads to a decrease in the level of the first brush.
Shipping
When transporting seedlings to the planting site, it must be taken into account that young plants are very sensitive to drafts and sudden changes in temperature. To eliminate these factors, it is better to cover the trays with seedlings with plastic wrap during transportation.
You should also not water the seedlings before “moving”, as the plants become more fragile and may be damaged. And finally, you should not transport seedlings in a “lying” state.
Possibilities of tomato
Why do gardeners choose tall tomatoes, and what are their advantages? Is it right to rely on open ground varieties? They are distinguished by the following advantages:
- compactness of the bush, up to 6 roots can be placed per 1 m2, and this is very important when most gardeners have a standard six acres;
- ease of care, in agricultural technology, easy tillage of the soil around plants;
- less prone to putrefactive diseases, since the stems are sparsely leafy and have no leaves near the ground, and therefore the soil dries out quickly when ventilated;
- long fruiting;
- high yield.
Tall tomatoes are rightfully considered a must-have in garden plots in the middle zone and south of the country. With a summer duration of 5 months or more, you can get up to 16 kg of sweet, sun-ripened, aromatic tomatoes in the open air.
Important! Tall varieties, and especially large-fruited ones for open ground, are more suitable for the southern regions, since the most generous formation of clusters starts from 1.5 m, and in northern latitudes tomatoes simply do not have time to gain the required height.
Ripening time
Productive tall tomatoes for open ground can also be either early or late ripening. This makes it possible to grow such varieties in mid-latitudes. If the average ripeness of such varieties is 110-120 days, then late-ripening varieties, which are the most productive, can extend the time to 140 days.
How to choose a tall variety for your garden
You can navigate by the number of summer days and the air temperature in May and October:
- if at the beginning of May you can plant tomatoes in open ground without fear, and at the end of September the tomatoes are still ripening on the branches, you can safely choose late varieties;
- if in May you can bring tomatoes into open ground only using shelter, and at the end of September you can still harvest the last harvest, late varieties are also suitable for you, but the seeds should be planted no later than the beginning of March;
- If you can only bring tomatoes into open ground by the end of May, and morning frosts are possible until the first days of June, and at the end of August cold dew kills the leaves, choose early varieties.
Early tall varieties are less productive, but allow you to have fresh, sun-grown, aromatic tomatoes on the table throughout the summer. Late varieties ripen at the end of the season - this is used by farmers and gardeners who make preparations.
Important! Please note that tall tomatoes will not grow in soils with high acidity, so you will have to reduce it using lime or special products, or bring in prepared soil.
wild Rose
The variety is popular both in the south and in the middle zone. Its stems stretch up to 170-200 centimeters, the fruit weighs on average 300 grams.
Growing seedlings is the same as for all tall tomatoes. The seedlings are transferred to open ground when stable heat has established. In the south it is the beginning of May, in the middle zone it is the end of May-beginning of June. Add compost, humus or peat to the holes. After planting, the wild rose is not watered for a week to prevent rotting of the roots.
For a good harvest, leave one or two stems at the bush. They are tied to a trellis. The ground is mulched with straw or sawdust. Be sure to pick off the stepsons so that the bush does not become thickened. With careful care, the bush produces up to 15 kilograms of juicy pink fruits per season.
However, tomatoes are poorly stored, so they are used for making juices, fruit drinks, and pastes. They taste tender and sweet, slightly flattened in appearance.
Wild rose, unlike other varieties, can grow in saline soil without losing its taste, and can easily tolerate heat. The variety is resistant to many fungal diseases.
The best varieties
Breeders have been fighting for the yield of varieties for several decades. And now there are many varieties and hybrids for different regions and conditions. Everyone can choose varieties to their taste and place them in their garden.
The best early-ripening, late-ripening and mid-ripening varieties of tall tomatoes for open ground, which are positively reviewed by both breeders and experienced gardeners. Due to the fact that they gain ripeness outdoors in the sun, they have a surprisingly bright taste.
Kangaroo heart
This is another tall, mid-season variety that I love, with “giant” fruits weighing from 400 g to 1 kg. Its sweet, fleshy, dense red fruits are heart-shaped and have a small number of seeds.
Over many years of selection, experts have developed a huge number of tomato varieties that will satisfy the tastes of the most demanding connoisseurs. An experienced tomato grower recommended only proven varieties grown with her own hands. We hope that they will not disappoint you, but will delight you with a rich harvest of delicious fruits.
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Early ripening varieties
These varieties already have enough clusters of flowers at the beginning of May, and as soon as they get into the open ground they begin to actively grow greenery and form fruits. Ideal for any region, and will provide delicious tomatoes for the whole summer.
Wonder of the earth
Early variety. At about 85-90 days it begins to bear fruit. It performs well even in not the warmest summers. Reaches a height of 1.5-1.8 m. Most gardeners choose the sunny side of the fence for it, since it requires tying up. The stems are very tender, but at the same time, the first tomatoes reach 500 g, and the tomatoes of the next bunches from 180 to 300 g. Therefore, it is very important to preserve the first peduncles.
Tomatoes are heart-shaped with a pointed nose. At the moment of ripening, there is no green spot on the reddening tomato in the area of the stalk. Excellent taste characteristics: pink fleshy pulp structure, dense, with sweetness. Thin skin. Suitable both fresh for vegetable salads and slicing, and for making juices and tomato soups. Can be stored and transported for 3 weeks.
Barmaley
This variety is loved by most gardeners in the northern regions, as it can be grown in open ground using shelter. Ripens in 90-110 days, has beautiful, pink fruits. Round and slightly flattened, meaty and juicy. They reach a weight of 200 g, and up to 9 kg of fruit can be obtained from one plant.
It is not very afraid of dew, which is important in the last days of summer, when it is very cold, and sometimes leads to the death of plants. Some still advise covering it overnight with the arrival of September in order to increase the yield and allow the last tomatoes to form, which will ripen in the box. Will appreciate watering with warm, settled water and loosening. At the 9-10 leaf stage, it is necessary to fertilize with nitrogen fertilizers, since at this moment it enters the period of active growth of greenery.
wild Rose
When talking about the best varieties of tall tomatoes for open ground, it is impossible to miss this variety. It has proven itself to be productive, despite its precociousness; during the summer period you can get up to 18 kg per 1 m2. In this case, it is better to place no more than 3 roots per 1 m2. Excellent taste of pink flattened fruits, aromatic smell and salad sweet and sour.
It begins to bear fruit on days 95-115, even in open ground, and the first clusters are loaded with fruits weighing up to 350-400 g. The next ones reach 300 g. The bush can grow up to 2-3 m, but at the end of August it is necessary to pinch the top, and in the southern regions do not do this until mid-September. The tomato actively grows greenery and requires constant attention. It is better to remove all leaves up to 2 brushes when forming a bush. This is worth doing as soon as the first slingshot is formed. Leave no more than 2 stems, constantly remove the stepsons.
China Gold
Among tall tomatoes for open ground, this variety can be called small. It is valuable for its bright orange fruits with juicy pulp, thin skin and an aroma slightly reminiscent of apricot. Begins to bear fruit at 90-110 days. The height of the bush is up to 2 m, it needs staking and constant pinching.
Perfectly round tomatoes reach 200 g, and from one root you can get up to 6-7 kg of beautiful tomatoes, suitable for both salads and canning. Ideal for preparing assorted, prefabricated multi-colored vegetable cuts. They look appetizing even when frozen.
Important! The Chinese Gold variety is difficult to transport and store for more than 2 weeks. Its thin skin and rapid ripening make it a vegetable for home use.
Verlioka F1
This hybrid has earned the respect of many experienced gardeners and novice gardeners. Thanks to its unpretentiousness, rapid growth and excellent taste, it arouses the envy of neighbors and friends. Anyone who tries it once on their site will not refuse it in the future. Ripens at 100-120 days.
The bush is up to 2 m high, the tomatoes are small, up to 100 g, but there are so many of them in bunches that it surprises even the most experienced gardener.
Resistant to both viral and putrefactive diseases, it will not become infected from neighboring varieties. With high-quality, abundant watering at least 3 times a week, it will give a rich harvest. Ideally smooth, beautiful tomatoes are suitable for canning, which can begin as early as August.
Mid-season varieties
The best varieties of tall tomatoes for open ground also include mid-season varieties. They deserve attention for both middle and northern latitudes. Large-fruited varieties used for fresh consumption are especially successful. Most often, these are fleshy salad tomatoes with richly colored pulp, aromatic and strong. For the southern regions, this type of tall tomatoes for open ground is good for starting early harvests, since in early August they give a fairly good harvest. They ripen and fill up on the vine.
Pink Elephant
Ripens at 115-120 days. Large, beautiful pink tomatoes weighing up to 400 g. Slightly flattened, round. Very fragrant and attract bees throughout the season. From one bush up to 2 m high you can get 3-5 kg of tomatoes with excellent taste characteristics. Sweetish and juicy, with tender flesh. Ideal for salads and making juice, soups.
Tall, and needs gartering and pinching. Every 4 days you need to check the plant for new stepsons, which grow quickly enough, which deprives the main stems of nutrition. After feeding it will respond with active fruit formation. It ripens on the root, and even at full maturity can easily withstand transportation. The last tomatoes can be picked green, and in 8-10 days they will gain their color in a cool, dark place.
Tarasenko 2
Among the best tall varieties of tomatoes for open ground, this hybrid can take one of the first places. Its high yield, transportability, calibrated fruits and bright color are the reasons why it is chosen not only by gardeners, but also by farms. During the season, one bush can produce up to 25 kg of tomatoes.
A bush up to 2.5 m high needs reliable support. It is better to grow it near a trellis, tying it every 20 cm. On the 115th day, the first bunch ripens, which can contain up to 8 tomatoes. Ideal for preparing preparations and storing fresh. The medium thickness of the skin and the elastic, dense pulp of a juicy color make it ideal for pickling in its entirety.
Important! The variety has heavy tassels, they can reach 2-3 kg, so the tassels must be tied to the trellis in advance.
Cardinal
We cannot forget about this variety, as connoisseurs note its special productivity, resistance to many diseases and unpretentiousness. And this despite the fact that this is not a hybrid. The best varieties of tall tomatoes for open ground. The bush is tall, up to 150 cm, and will produce up to 8 kg of tomatoes of excellent quality.
Each tomato reaches 300-500 g, and the first ones reach 600 g. The tender and juicy flesh, pink and fleshy with a subtle aroma and sweetness, is suitable for almost any use. The variety is ideal in salads and processing into juice and puree. It will give a full harvest on rich soil, and will appreciate timely fertilizing, care and watering at least every 2 days.
Important! The cardinal does not tolerate drafts, so it is necessary to choose the right place for it in an area with open ground.
Honey saved
Yellow-fruited tomatoes with excellent sweet and sour taste. This is more of a salad variety. Tomatoes with a round, slightly flattened shape. Weight ranges from 300 to 600 g; up to 5 kg of tomatoes will ripen on one bush per season.
Tall, the bush rarely reaches 2 m, most often it is 1.5-1.8 m. It is better to pinch the top if it decides to stretch above 2 m.
In August, fruiting reaches its peak, and tomatoes begin to ripen. To tie and shape the bush, you need a trellis, or a strong, tall stick. Be sure to remove the stepsons and form a bush with 2 stems.
Advantages and disadvantages of growing tall tomatoes
Tall varieties of vegetables are very popular among gardeners and gardeners. The main advantages of such tomatoes include the compactness of the bushes. Such seedlings grow only in height and do not expand in width, which saves free space on the site. If all planted bushes are tied to supports, they will take up less space in the garden than low-growing varieties.
Tall tomatoes also have other advantages that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Productivity. These are the most productive tomatoes, which allow you to get several buckets of fruit from each bush. High yields are achieved due to the formation of a large number of clusters with tomato fruits.
- Reliable immunity. Tied tall bushes have virtually no contact with the ground and are better illuminated. This protects them from late blight and other common pathologies.
- Long-term fruiting. Indeterminate tomatoes have a long fruiting period, which begins in the first half of July and ends in October.
- Easy to water. Since the bushes do not spread over the surface of the soil, they are much easier to moisturize.
These tomatoes also have several disadvantages, which include:
- the need to periodically remove stepsons;
- tying to supports.
Late ripening varieties
Late-ripening varieties can safely be called the best varieties of tall tomatoes for open ground. Thanks to the long period of fruit formation, up to 18 kg of quality tomatoes can be obtained from a bush in one season. This species is chosen by both large agricultural complexes and gardeners who have the opportunity to keep tomatoes on their plots from May to September. The bulk of the harvest occurs in the last month. As a rule, these are varieties that can easily tolerate light frosts and summer weather changes.
De Barao pink
A new, but already beloved variety of tall giants for open ground. The height of this tomato can reach 3 meters or more. Small tomatoes of bright red color are stretched to 60-70 g, but the tassel is formed with 8, and sometimes 9 fruits. One bush per season produces up to 4 kg of high-quality tomatoes, and this is in open ground conditions.
Valued for its keeping quality, good taste and is ideal for canning. Calibrated tomatoes are valued by farmers, since excellent presentation is an important condition for sale.
Mikado
Pink tall tomato for open ground. Fruits from 120-130 days. Bush up to 2.5 m, especially picky in shaping. Be sure to tie up both the stems and some of the brushes. It will respond with rapid growth to fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers during the period of green growth.
Tomatoes weighing from 300 to 600 g with medium-thick skin, fleshy juicy pulp, excellent taste. The bush produces up to 8 kg of tomatoes per season, which are perfectly stored, do not burst, and are transported over fairly long distances.
Selection of varieties for open ground
There are so many tall varieties of tomatoes that it is impossible to describe them all. Every year, new varieties and hybrids appear, bred by both specialists and amateur breeders. When choosing tomatoes for open ground, the following criteria are decisive:
- ripening period;
- resistance to adverse environmental conditions;
- quality of tomatoes;
- keeping quality.
The secret to growing strong seedlings of tall tomatoes
Next, you need to pay attention to the color, shape and size of the fruit, since these parameters are also quite important. Red and pink tomatoes are traditionally used to make tomato juice, since the juice from yellow, green and dark brown fruits is not very appetizing in appearance. But such multi-colored tomatoes look attractive rolled up in jars, and they make a very bright summer salad. In addition, yellow and green tomatoes are noticeably sweeter in taste.
High-yielding varieties of tall tomatoes
For fresh consumption and juice production, the size of the tomatoes does not really matter, because they will still be processed. But for canning, this is an important parameter, since large fruits will not fit into the jar. That is why, when choosing seeds, be sure to pay attention to the weight of the fruits indicated: from 50 to 90 are small, from 90 to 150 g are medium-sized tomatoes, and from 200 and above are large. The shape of tomatoes is round, pepper-shaped, flattened, elongated, ribbed, and the choice here is based only on personal preference. This does not affect the taste or other qualities in any way.
The best varieties of tomatoes