Tomato Rio Grande: reviews, photos, yield

The Rio Grande tomato is a determinate variety with a classic taste. It is grown in seedlings or directly in open ground. Although the variety is considered one of the most unpretentious, proper watering and fertilization will increase its yield.

Variety description

Rio Grande is a well-deserved variety that has become widespread in garden plots. It was bred by Dutch breeders for indoor and outdoor cultivation.

The characteristics and description of the Rio Grande tomato variety are as follows:

• a small number of leaves;
• the height of an adult plant is 60-70 cm;
• there is no need for tying and pinching;
• up to 10 ovaries are formed on the shoot;
• fruit ripening period – 110-120 days;
• The crop is harvested from June to September.

The fruits of the variety correspond to the following characteristics:

• weight from 100 to 150 g;
• fleshy, aromatic, with a small content of seeds;
• oval elongated shape;
• pronounced red color;
• dense pulp;
• sweetish taste with a slight sourness;
• dense skin that does not allow the fruits to crack;
• increased dry matter content;
• fruits are harvested green and left to ripen at home.

In general, the bush is compact, so it does not need to be tied up. The variety is grown for sale or for personal use. Smooth fruits are suitable for homemade preparations: pickling, canning, salting.

Tomatoes are also used in salads, soups, stews and sauces. From tomatoes, a thick and bright red juice is obtained.

Landing order

Tomatoes are grown from seeds. In cold regions, it is recommended to first get seedlings, and then proceed to planting tomatoes in a permanent place in a greenhouse or greenhouse. In hot climates, you can plant the seeds directly into the soil.

Getting the seedlings

Rio Grande tomato is grown in seedlings. Seeds must be planted in March. The soil for plants should be loose and light. It is prepared from a mixture of humus and turf.

This treatment will get rid of pest larvae and disease spores. The soil is poured into small containers or plastic cups. The seeds themselves can not be treated with stimulants.

Rio Grande tomato seeds are buried in the ground, a layer of peat is poured on top. Top of the container is covered with a film. Seed germination occurs at a temperature of 25 degrees. Seedlings do not require constant watering, it is enough to periodically spray them with warm water.

After emergence, the containers are placed in the sun. In case of insufficient natural light, additional lighting is equipped.

When the first leaves appear, the plants are distributed in separate containers. Then the tomatoes are watered with complex mineral fertilizer.

Growing in the greenhouse

The resulting seedlings are planted in a greenhouse or greenhouse. No more than 4 bushes are located on one square meter.

Tomatoes are planted in loamy soil, which has good breathability. The beds are formed two weeks before planting.

Holes are made in the beds, on the bottom of which humus or mineral fertilizer is placed. Between the holes leave about 30 cm, and between rows with tomatoes – up to 70 cm.

Seedlings are placed in recesses, roots are straightened and covered with earth. At the end of the process, tomatoes are abundantly watered.

Landing in open ground

In the southern regions, the Rio Grande variety is planted in open ground. The variety can be grown in a seedless way.

Then prepare the beds located on the sunny side of the site. In April, the soil needs to be dug up and humus added. Along the edges of the beds, wooden boards are installed.

Then the soil surface is leveled and several holes are made at a distance of 0,4 m from each other. The soil is covered with a garden film.

Soil temperature should reach 12 degrees. 3-5 seeds are placed in each well, after germination they are thinned out and the strongest sprouts are selected.

After planting, watering is required. Small frosts will not lead to the death of the seeds, since they are under a layer of earth and covering material.

Features of care

Proper care of tomatoes is a guarantee of a good harvest. Tomatoes are regularly watered, fertilized and treated for pests. The Rio Grande variety does not require pinching, which greatly simplifies the procedure for caring for it.

Watering tomatoes

Rio Grande tomatoes require moderate watering. The lack of moisture will lead to the death of plants, and its excess provokes rotting of the root system and the spread of diseases.

In the greenhouse, tomatoes are watered once or twice a week. The soil should remain 90% moist and the air 50%. Up to 5 liters of water are added under each bush.

Excess sunlight when moisture gets on the leaves can cause plant burns. Water for irrigation should be warm, with a temperature of 23 degrees or more. According to reviews of the Rio Grande tomato, the plant is able to cope with drought, but watering rules should be followed.

Tomatoes are watered in compliance with the following terms:

1. The first watering is done immediately after placing the seedlings in the ground.
2. The next procedure is carried out after 10 days. During the growth period, tomatoes are watered twice a week. Each bush needs 3 liters of water.
3. During the flowering period, watering is done once a week, and the volume of water is 5 liters.
4. When fruits appear, moisture should be applied twice a week, but its volume should be reduced.
5. When the tomatoes begin to turn red, it is enough to water the plants once a week.

Application of fertilizers

For active development, Rio Grande tomatoes require top dressing, which is carried out in several stages:

1. 14 days after transfer to a permanent place.
2. 2 weeks after the first feeding.
3. When buds are formed.
4. During the fruiting period.

Mineral fertilizers are used at all stages of tomato growth. Fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium stimulates the development of plants and improves the taste of fruits. Mineral components can be replaced with wood ash.

Before the appearance of the ovary, tomatoes are sprayed with infusion of urea (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). After the formation of fruits, the plants can be treated with sulfate or potassium nitrate (1 tablespoon of fertilizer per bucket of water).

Protection against diseases and pests

The Rio Grande variety is resistant to most tomato diseases: late blight, white and gray rot, mosaic.

To prevent diseases, the soil in the greenhouse should be renewed annually. Before planting, the soil is treated with a solution of copper sulfate or potassium permanganate.

In open ground, tomatoes are planted in a garden where cabbage, greens, and legumes were previously grown. After peppers and eggplants, planting of tomatoes is not carried out.

In rare cases, slugs and aphids may appear on plants. You can eliminate pests with the help of insecticides or folk remedies. Spraying with a solution of ammonia allows you to get rid of slugs. A soap solution is effective against aphids.

Observance of agricultural technology will help to avoid the spread of pests and diseases:

• soil mulching with humus or straw;
• regular ventilation of the greenhouse;
• moderate watering;
• preventing overcrowding.

Reviews of gardeners

Conclusion

According to its characteristics and description of the Rio Grande tomato variety, it is suitable for further canning. Dense fruits of medium size tolerate processing well and have excellent taste properties. Rio Grande is considered an unpretentious variety that can tolerate hot weather. With regular watering and fertilization, high yields of this variety are obtained.