Low growing late tomatoes

Tomatoes occupy a worthy place in the list of the most favorite vegetables. Gardeners grow tomatoes with different ripening dates. This technique is known to everyone who wants to enjoy delicious fruits all season. The varietal base of tomatoes is so extensive that many names are known only to true fans of this plant. Medium-late and late varieties are in great demand. They perfectly tolerate the summer heat, the crop is well stored, the fruits are distinguished by their strength and excellent taste when harvested. At the present time, a lot of new types of undersized tomatoes have appeared – very promising, tasty, high-yielding.

Before choosing any type of tomato, you should familiarize yourself with the important criteria for choosing a variety. Be sure to pay attention to:

1. Correspondence of the variety to the region. The importance of this parameter can hardly be overestimated. After all, only tomatoes that are well suited to climatic and light conditions will fully meet your requirements.
2. Soil requirements. It is also a necessary parameter, a frivolous attitude to which makes caring for late tomatoes more problematic. In this case, the introduction of additional substances and constant monitoring of the state of the soil will be required.
3. Productivity. An important factor for owners of small plots. You can also get a decent result in small areas by growing suitable high-yielding tomato varieties. Preference should be given to hybrids with a high yield. Such late tomatoes will tolerate temperature changes, lack of lighting and watering well.
4. Plant disease resistance.
5. The purpose of the variety and taste of tomatoes. It is not always possible to use lettuce tomatoes for other purposes with great efficiency. Therefore, you need to choose tomatoes that meet the request. Taste is important too. Some prefer sweet tomatoes, others like fruits with a little sourness.

Ripening time, height and type of bush are very important characteristics. In this article, we will pay attention to medium and late-ripening varieties of low-growing tomatoes.

Benefits of undersized tomatoes

In the group of tomatoes, low-growing varieties are in the lead. This fact is easily explained by considering the advantages of such species:

1. The bush of low-growing tomatoes is standard. When growing, gardeners get rid of the need for mandatory garter and plant formation.
2. Unpretentiousness to growing conditions.
3. The small height of the bush makes care more comfortable and convenient.
4. Large selection of varieties with different shape and color of fruits.
5. A small number of stepchildren or their complete absence.
6. Friendly fruiting – makes it possible to harvest compactly.
7. The need for a small plot of soil for planting.
8. The possibility of growing tomatoes in a seedless way.

In addition, late-ripening undersized tomatoes after ripening are stored for a long time. Many farmers prefer hybrid species. Low-growing tomato varieties are grown both outdoors and under cover. The greenhouse makes it possible to harvest late-ripening varieties even in regions with a cold climate and short summers.

How to care for undersized tomatoes

Tomatoes of low growth are chosen by those gardeners who do not always have time to give them enough attention. This may be due to the specifics of the profession, age or other circumstances. Breeders come to the rescue, thanks to which it is now possible to get up to 6 kg of fruit from one bush of a low-growing tomato. Novice gardeners also strive to master the cultivation of low-growing varieties first. However, it should not be assumed that such species do not require any care.

Let us dwell on the main points of the agricultural technology of late-ripening undersized tomatoes.

It is important to adhere to your own growing seedlings from seeds purchased in specialized stores.

And this applies not only to early, but also to late varieties. Tomatoes simply do not have time to ripen and fall under the influence of the ubiquitous phytophthora. In the case of a large prevalence of this disease in the region, choose a medium-late variety of low-growing tomatoes. This will help you harvest faster and in full.

Before planting in the ground, seedlings should have up to 9 leaves, a sprout height of not more than 30 cm and a well-developed inflorescence. Undersized tomatoes are planted according to the 50×40 scheme.

With a greater thickening of plantings, the bushes are shaded, the fruits are crushed and the threat of late blight disease of tomatoes increases. At first, it is recommended to cover weak sprouts. A small structure of trellises along the beds, on which a film or spunbond is thrown, helps very well. As soon as the temperature reaches the desired mark and becomes stable, the film is removed. Spunbond can be left on for a while if the nights are cold.

The reckless method also has its advantages. Firstly, it saves time and effort, which are necessary for growing seedlings. Secondly, it does not require additional equipment. In early April, the seeds are sown in the ground, covered with a double layer of film or spunbond. Late-ripening varieties are sown 10-14 days later. With this method of sowing, seedlings quickly catch up with those grown in the room. The quality of seedlings will be much better – such tomatoes are always stronger and healthier. The only operation that will have to be done is thinning. After removing the shelter, caring for tomatoes is no different from the classic. The disadvantage of this method is that fruiting will begin later by 2-3 weeks. To reduce this inconvenience, gardeners combine both types of growing undersized tomatoes.

Is it necessary to form and stepchild bushes of low-growing tomatoes? Experienced gardeners always stepson tomato plants in order to prevent excessive shading, the development of diseases and rot. Especially during cold and rainy summers. For the same reason, many tie up undersized varieties. Tied bushes are easier to care for, the plants are well ventilated and illuminated by the sun, the fruits do not touch the ground and remain clean.

Another technique that helps to get a high-quality crop of low-growing tomatoes is mulching. Straw, pine needles, mowed grass are used.

Mulch is laid in a thick layer on moist soil, leaving an open area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe basal neck of the plant. This prevents stem rot.

They try to process low-growing tomatoes with the help of safe folk remedies. Poisons are used in extreme cases.

Choose the best grade

Early ripe stunted tomatoes

Planted by all gardeners, except for lovers of high varieties. However, many are interested in a later harvest date. Consider the mid-late species.

“Rio Grande”

Medium-late excellent variety with medium-sized fruits, sweetish taste and dense pulp. It is highly valued by tomato lovers for its high yield and unpretentiousness. It grows well in any soil and even in indoor pots. Harvest begins to be harvested after 120 days.

• Bush. Compact, moderately leafy. Mature plants reach a height of 70 cm. It does not require formation and pinching, as well as garters. It can only be done for aesthetic purposes.
• Fruit. The size is average, weight is about 115 g. According to reviews, they have a pleasant aroma, fleshy and tasty. There are few seeds in the tomato, the pulp is quite dense and juicy. The shape resembles a plum fruit, the tomato is perfectly preserved during transportation and storage, does not crack. The beauty of tomatoes is the reason why they are consumed equally both fresh and in preparations.

The popularity of the variety of undersized tomatoes was ensured by its advantages:

1. Unpretentiousness to care. Small mistakes in agricultural technology do not affect the development and fruiting of the tomato.
2. Excellent storage capacity. The fruits ripen well even after harvesting from the garden.
3. Long and abundant fruiting.
4. Disease and drought resistance.

The average juiciness of tomatoes is considered a small drawback, but it is compensated by the wonderful taste of the fruit.

The variety is grown by seedlings and direct sowing in the ground. The modern undersized tomato “Rio Grande” has a lot of improved properties compared to its predecessor.

“Titanium”

Mid-late high-quality variety of low-growing tomatoes. The fruits are ready for harvest after 135 days. It is very much appreciated among amateurs for its compactness and small size of the bush, which allows it to be grown at home and on the balcony. An adult plant has a height of no more than 50 cm. It grows well in any kind of soil, the variety is resistant to fungal and other common tomato diseases.

The fruits are round, small in size (up to 120 g). Perfectly transfers transportation and storage even in cool rooms. It grows best in the open ground of the southern regions. In cool climates, for a good harvest, it is recommended to plant in closed ground. With proper care, the yield from one bush reaches up to 4,5 kg. The fruits are very beautiful, suitable for all types of harvesting and preservation. The main advantages of mid-late tomatoes “Titan”:

• good yield, stable fruiting;
• plant resistance to diseases;
• the possibility of growing on a very small area;
• excellent commercial and taste qualities;
• ability to withstand moisture deficiency.

Among the shortcomings, tomato lovers consider:

• negative reaction to a sharp drop in temperature;
• nutritional requirements at the beginning of growth;
• late fruit ripening for cool regions.

In order for the mid-late Titan tomatoes to please with a good harvest, you need to know the nuances of the agricultural technology of the variety. There are always so many fruits on the branches that the plant has to be tied up. The barrel may not withstand a heavy load. During the period of active growth requires top dressing. The most important for tomato phosphorus and potassium. High humidity increases susceptibility to late blight. By changing the conditions, you can achieve the disappearance of the disease. A good result is obtained by treatment with “Fitosporin”. If there are beds with potatoes nearby on the site, then the Colorado potato beetle will also visit tomatoes. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken immediately.

Late representatives of undersized tomatoes

There are undersized tomatoes and late ones. Such varieties are sensitive to low temperatures, so a good harvest without shelter is given in warm regions. Such late tomatoes are grown in seedlings to shorten the growing season in open ground. Among the most popular types it is worth noting:

“Finish”

A worthy representative of late-ripening tomatoes with a small height. The harvest is taken after 130 days. The bush is slightly leafy, grows up to 70 cm. The compactness of the plant allows the variety to be grown in small areas. Fruits of excellent palatability of saturated red color. The pulp is juicy, the skin is of good density, which prevents the tomatoes from cracking. The mass of one tomato is rather small – 90 g, but the even rounded shape makes the variety very attractive.

The good parameters of the Finish tomato are:

• the possibility of landing in various soils;
• ability to resist verticillium;
• stable yield;
• good transportability and keeping quality;
• nutritional value.

Seedlings of late-ripening tomatoes “Finish” are planted according to the 50×40 scheme in open ground, maintaining a planting density of no more than 8 plants per square meter of area. In the future, plants require regular care – watering, loosening, weeding, fertilizing with mineral compounds.

“Abakan pink”

A very famous variety of late tomatoes. Most often grown in greenhouses, where it reaches large sizes. And when planted in open ground, the height of the bush does not exceed 70 cm. The advantage of the variety is extended fruiting, which allows you to get a crop for a long time.

Outdoor yields are over 5 kg of excellent tasting tomatoes. In addition, large fruits are outwardly very beautiful. Pink color and heart-shaped form make the variety very attractive. Among the original fruits, there are also representatives with the usual rounded shape. The weight of one tomato can reach 300 g, which is very much appreciated in the preparation of salads.

“Abakan pink” gained its fame for good immunity. Rarely affected by diseases, so do not treat it with chemicals. If you happen to notice signs of illness, try folk remedies. Be sure to monitor the appearance of Colorado beetles. They can harm tomatoes in the fall. During this period, they are attracted to unripe fruits due to the lack of other food.

“Rocket”

Excellent determinant, standard variety. It has not only a compact bush, but also a root system. After 130 days from the moment of planting the seedlings, the fruits are ready for use. The height of the bush does not exceed 65 cm. The fruits are red, slightly elongated, small, sweetish. The weight of one tomato ranges from 40 to 60 g. The advantages of the late-ripening “Rocket”:

Ideal for transport. This characteristic is valued by farmers.

Stable yield. Subject to the basic requirements for care, up to 2 kg of fruits are harvested from each bush. With a planting density of 5 plants per square meter, we get up to 10 kg from the same area.

Short stature. Allows you to plant late-ripening tomatoes even on the balcony and in greenhouses.

Good resistance to any kind of tomato rot.

Possibility of mechanical harvesting of fruits.

If we analyze the qualitative characteristics of this variety, then the combination of short stature and productivity should be noted as a feature of the Rocket.

Some gardeners prefer to plant tomatoes indoors. In addition to tall tomatoes, varieties with small bush sizes are often grown in the greenhouse. At the same time, it is important not to plant these two species side by side so that tall plants do not obscure smaller counterparts.

Dwarf varieties

Among the low-growing tomatoes, a group is separately distinguished into which plants with a very low height of the bush are collected. This is the so-called dwarf variety. Such tomatoes grow no higher than 60 cm in adulthood. Most types of dwarfs are early ripening tomatoes. They are grown not only in the open field, greenhouse, but also on the balcony, in pots or in small containers. Another great advantage of dwarf tomatoes is that they do not need to be stepchildren. Among the dwarfs, it is worth noting the mid-late varieties that have earned the recognition of gardeners. Varieties such as “Sweet Sue”, “Wild Fred”.

Bred by American breeders. Unpretentious to growing conditions, tolerate climatic fluctuations and lack of watering. Suitable for growing at home, the height of the bush does not exceed 60 cm, the average yield is up to 4,5 kg per bush.

Conclusion

Late-ripening tomatoes are usually grown by bold gardeners. These varieties produce a much higher yield than others, have excellent storage capacity, are resistant to common tomato infections and are very tasty. Many surpass the most popular early varieties in this parameter. Some varieties tolerate even small frosts perfectly. Low-growing late-ripening varieties relieve summer residents from the constant construction of supporting devices. The only drawback of late-ripening tomatoes is the possibility of infection with dry rot. This is due to the late harvest time and the increase in humidity during this period.

In order to worry about this problem as little as possible, seedlings should be planted earlier than the recommended time. Best of all, early or mid-May. It is necessary to calculate the time for sowing seeds so that by this time the plants are large enough. As soon as you try to grow late low-growing varieties of tomatoes on the site, they will become your constant favorites.