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Many gardeners are essentially experimenters. Few people refuse to grow a new variety of tomatoes on their plot in order to appreciate the taste of the novelty. 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 technology of many plant species differ significantly. One of these novelties is the Banana Legs tomato variety. The name of the variety intrigues and there is a desire to learn as much as possible about it: see photos, read reviews of gardeners who have already grown it in a greenhouse or in the open field, compare characteristics.
Variety description
Despite the fact that the Banana Legs tomato was bred back in 1988, interest in it has not dried up to this day. And not in vain. Although it was bred by American breeders, it has become quite widespread in the southern regions, in central Our Country, and even in areas with a rather harsh climate. And all this is due to the advantages that the tomato possesses in full, in the complete absence of any shortcomings.
At the moment, the Banana Legs tomato is very popular. Determinant. Differs in unpretentiousness in leaving. Refers to mid-season varieties. In the catalogs it can be found in the section “yellow-fruited” varieties. The official name is Banana Legs. Agrotechnics of cultivation practically does not differ from the cultivation of traditional varieties.
There is little difference between growing tomatoes outdoors and in a greenhouse. Under the film or in the greenhouse, the bushes grow up to 1,5 m high. In the open ground, the bushes barely reach a height of 0,8 – 0,9 m. The branches and leaves are rather thin and graceful.
Ripening of tomatoes begins at 65-70 days. They are also distinguished by high yields – from one bush, subject to the rules of cultivation, you can collect at least 4-6 kg of tomatoes.
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 really unusual – it is somewhat reminiscent of an exotic fruit. Probably, it was this circumstance that played a role when the breeders chose such a bizarre name for him. But when describing a variety in online stores, the shape of an icicle is mainly mentioned.
The bright yellow color is a distinctive feature of Banana Legs tomatoes. Slightly unripe fruits have small flashes of a pale green color, which disappear as they ripen.
The plant belongs to the carpal varieties. In one brush 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 mass of one tomato varies between 50-80 gr. But when growing a tomato in a greenhouse, with excellent care and timely watering, gardeners note that the weight of fruits can reach 110-130 grams.
The length of the tomatoes also depends on the 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 flesh with a minimum of seeds is their feature. The skin of tomatoes is quite dense, which plays an important role in canning. The taste of tomatoes is sweet with a barely noticeable sourness and a slight aftertaste of lemon.
Tomatoes are stored for a very long time without changing their taste. Tomatoes perfectly tolerate transportation over long distances, provided that they were collected slightly unripe.
Pros and Cons of Tomato “Banana Legs”
When choosing seeds for his garden, each gardener, in addition to characteristics, evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of any variety.
The main benefits of banana legs tomato are as follows:
- High yield;
- Simple rules for landing and subsequent care;
- Bright color and unusual fruit shape;
- Delicate, sweetish taste with a barely noticeable sourness;
- High resistance to various diseases, in particular, to late blight;
- Easily tolerates heat and slight temperature drops;
- These tomatoes easily adapt to local climatic conditions;
- Equally well suited for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation;
- Can be grown seedless;
- High percentage of germination of seeds of the tomato “Banana legs” (more than 97%);
- It tolerates diving and transplanting;
- 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 drawbacks. If there are any difficulties during cultivation, it means that the rules of cultivation are not followed. Too dense plantings or insufficient sunlight greatly affect the yield and taste of tomatoes.
Rules of landing and care
As mentioned above, the agricultural technique for growing the Banana Legs tomato is no different from other varieties. Tomatoes can be grown both by seedling and seedless method, planting seeds immediately in open ground. The latter method is ideal for the southern regions and central Our Country, 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 transplantation into open ground. Picking is recommended at the stage of 2-3 leaves. Top dressing and regular loosening of the soil are required.
When transplanting seedlings into open ground, no more than 1 plants can be planted per 4 m². It is not necessary to thicken the plantings – the lack of air and nutrients immediately affects the yield and taste of the fruit.
Growing tomatoes in a seedless way
Before planting banana legs tomato seeds in open ground, you need to properly loosen the soil. Top dressing with complex mineral fertilizers should be carried out pointwise, immediately in the holes.
In the process of growth, tomatoes need regular watering with warm, settled water and loosening the soil.
With any method of growing tomatoes in the process of growth, it is necessary to form a bush. To do this, leave 3-4 powerful, healthy stems. The rest must be removed.
The characteristics of the variety indicate that the Banana Legs tomato does not need pinching. Nevertheless, many gardeners, in their experience, still recommend regularly stepsoning tomatoes immediately after the formation of a bush. Otherwise, the fruits will be small, and the yield will immediately drop.
Tomatoes need to be tied up, otherwise, under the weight of brushes with numerous fruits, they will simply lie down.
According to numerous reviews, the Banana Legs tomato is very picky in care. In combination with high yields, this only increases the value of this variety.
Fruit application
Tomatoes “Banana legs”, having excellent taste, are great for eating fresh, as well as for preparing summer salads and cuts when serving on a festive table. When preparing salads, keep in mind that tomatoes have a slight lemon flavor.
Many housewives often use tomatoes for preservation, both as a whole and as a component for winter salads and lecho. When whole-fruited salting, 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 well suited for instant freezing whole or chopped tomatoes, as well as for drying.
Each hostess, in accordance with the preferences of her family members, will find where and how to use these unusual, bright and insanely delicious tomatoes.
Reviews about 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 unpretentiousness in care. Some site owners note that plants of this variety bear fruit well when the following conditions are created:
- Compliance with the rules of planting – no more than 4 pieces per m²;
- Good illumination;
- Top dressing with mineral fertilizers at the picking stage and subsequently during the growth process;
- Regular watering and loosening the soil;
- Bush formation and regular pinching.
Only in this case, you can count on the high quality of the crop.
The author of the video will tell you about all the advantages of Banana Legs tomatoes:
Conclusion
Tomato “Banana legs”, characteristics and description of the variety, reviews, photos say only one thing. If you like something exotic and extraordinary, want to experience new sensations and are not afraid to experiment, purchase seeds without fear and plant them on your site. You and your loved ones will definitely like the unusual shape, bright yellow color and pleasant taste of tomatoes with a hint of citrus.