Contents
Tomato African Liana is a mid-season variety that is recommended to be grown indoors, in a greenhouse. In the process of ripening, fruits of a rich crimson color appear, in appearance they resemble a large elongated plum with a slight point at the end. This variety is distinguished by excellent taste, long-term storage and attractive appearance. Some vegetable growers note that a ripe tomato of the African liana variety resembles a bright heart.
Description of tomato African liana
African liana tomatoes are classified as mid-season varieties. A distinctive feature is the tallness of the bushes. This species is an indeterminate variety that was bred by breeders in Canada. As a rule, it is recommended to grow fruits in a greenhouse.
The bush grows thin, is able to reach a height of 2 m, so it needs support. This is due to the fact that it can easily break under the weight of ripe fruits. The leaves grow of the usual type, thin. It is necessary to carry out pinching at the moment when 2 full-fledged stems are formed.
Description and taste of fruits
Ripe fruits on average weigh about 120-180 g, there have been cases when the maximum weight of a tomato was 400 g.
Some experienced gardeners note that a ripe fruit resembles a heart in appearance, but in most cases it can be compared with an elongated plum. Tomatoes grow medium to large. The seed chambers contain a small amount of seeds.
It is worth noting that the pulp is quite fleshy, in the context of a rich red color. Ripe tomatoes of the African Liana variety are distinguished by their delicate skin and sweet taste, in which there are pineapple shades.
Since tomatoes are versatile, they can be used for canning. Great for making salads – the fruits can be cut. Unfortunately, due to the small amount of juice, it is not possible to use the variety for making tomato juice and puree. In cooking, they are used for cooking first courses, salads, tomato soups.
Varietal characteristics
If we consider the varietal characteristics of tomatoes African liana, then it is worth noting the following points:
- the variety is mid-season, as a result of which it is possible to start harvesting the finished crop 100-110 days after planting seedlings in greenhouses;
- ripe fruits can be removed in late autumn;
- the weight of a ripe fruit varies between 130-180 g, the maximum weight is 400 g;
- this variety is indeterminate;
- formation is carried out in 2-3 stems;
- it is recommended to grow only indoors – in greenhouses;
- bushes can grow up to 2 m in height;
- fruits of a rich pink or crimson hue;
- excellent taste;
- attractive appearance;
- due to its versatility, it can not only be consumed fresh, but also used for canning;
- highly resistant to many types of diseases and pests:
- a small amount of seeds.
If you provide the planting material with proper care and apply fertilizing and fertilizers on time, you can get a good harvest.
Pros and cons of the variety
Unfortunately, despite the fruitful work of breeders around the world, so far not a single variety has been bred that would not have flaws.
If the essence is from photos and reviews, then the African liana tomato has the following advantages, which are the main ones:
- ripe fruits have excellent taste;
- bushes grow tall, tomatoes are quite large;
- the harvested crop, if necessary, can be stored for a long period of time, while the appearance and taste will not be lost;
- when growing seedlings, a small number of stepchildren are formed;
- the ripening period is quite long, as a result of which fresh tomatoes can be harvested until late autumn;
- Tomatoes of the African Liana variety are distinguished by a high level of resistance to many types of diseases and pests.
Despite such a large list of advantages, African liana tomatoes also have a list of some disadvantages. Among them it is worth noting:
- yield, for these varieties of tomatoes it is average, but this disadvantage is compensated by excellent taste and versatility of ripe fruits;
- in most cases, the African liana is recommended to be grown in a greenhouse;
- since the bushes grow quite high, they must be tied up, otherwise the bushes may break under the weight of the fruit.
Before you start purchasing seeds, you should first study all the advantages and disadvantages of the selected tomato variety.
Rules of landing and care
To get a high yield, it is worth providing African liana tomatoes with proper and high-quality care. During the growth process you will need:
- apply fertilizers;
- water the bushes in a timely manner;
- mulch the soil;
- remove weeds;
- take care of the supports;
- carry out preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Only in this way can you get a high yield with excellent taste.
Seeding for seedlings
As a rule, seeds are recommended to be sown 65 days before the intended planting of seedlings in a permanent place of growth. Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. This will require:
- Prepare a weak solution with the addition of potassium permanganate – the water should turn out to be a pale pink color.
- Wash the seeds in this solution.
- Dry the seeds.
- Place in the refrigerator for a few days to harden.
- After that, it should be placed in a solution of succinic acid for 48 hours.
It is recommended to plant in containers filled with a mixture in a 1: 1 ratio of peat and fertile soil. As soon as the first sprouts have sprouted, a pick is carried out, using pots with a volume of 0,5 liters or more for this purpose.
Seedling transplant
After about 60-65 days have passed after sowing the seeds, it is necessary to start planting seedlings in the greenhouse. To do this, you must first dig the ground in the greenhouse, fertilize and prepare holes.
It is important to consider that for each sq. m is allowed to plant no more than 4 tomato bushes. In order for the root system to develop well, and there were many roots, it is worth planting at a slight slope.
Since the bushes grow up to 2 m, you can take care of the support in advance and install it immediately during planting seedlings. During the growing season, top dressing is applied monthly up to 2 times. To do this, use a solution of mullein (for 5 liters of water, 0,5 liters of mullein).
Care of tomatoes
To get a good yield, you should definitely pinch the bushes, which will drown out the plantings. Even if the stepsons are dry, they should still be removed, while the stumps should not remain.
Watering should be systematized, regular, while the land should not be swampy and dry. Monthly it is worth making fertilizers and top dressing, as a result of which you can achieve a high yield.
So that moisture does not evaporate so much, and weeds grow more slowly, it is worth mulching the ground around tomato bushes. In addition, it is important to remember about the supports, as the bushes can easily break under the weight of ripe fruits.
Conclusion
Tomato African Liana grows well in greenhouse conditions and gives a good harvest. It is important to consider that in the process of growth, the bushes must be tied up, and a system of supports must be organized. This is necessary so that the bush is able to grow up to 2 m in height and under the weight of ripe fruits the thin trunk breaks. Since tomatoes are versatile, they can be used for canning or eaten fresh.
Reviews
