Cherry tomatoes

01-08-2018

Fans of cherry tomatoes, the cultivation of which has some peculiarities, are becoming more and more. Indeed, small fruits are very good for health, have bright taste and decorative effect. It should be considered in more detail how to grow and care for cherry tomatoes in due form.

The main stages of growing cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes differ from their counterparts in their small size and fruit weight, which is no more than 25 grams. Outwardly, they resemble cherries, with which their name is connected.

So, how to grow cherry tomatoes right? To get a good harvest of cherry tomatoes, you must patiently go through all the stages of their cultivation, including:

selection of seed varieties and method of planting;
preparation of planting material;
creating optimal conditions for plant growth;
timely harvesting.

There is a huge variety of varieties and hybrids of cherry tomatoes. But it is worth purchasing them only having finally decided on the method of cultivation:

in greenhouse conditions;
in beds in the open air;
in hanging baskets;
on the loggia or balcony.

Tomato cultivation in the greenhouse is well suited to such varieties of tomatoes as Bead, Marishka, Red Cherry, Zelenushka, Yellow Cherry and many others.

Almost all of them are tall and early, famous for their high yield. Tomatoes are considered heat-loving plants, so greenhouse care allows you to get a good harvest in the cold season and in unsuitable for farming climatic zones.

The following varieties of cherry tomatoes are suitable for open ground: Honey drop, White currant, Black Cherry, Cherry, etc. Growing cherry tomatoes in open ground in suitable areas with proper care allows you to get the most tasty and healthy fruits, saturated with direct sunlight and healthy microelements.

For planting cherry tomatoes on balconies, loggias, in an apartment, in hanging baskets, miniature varieties and hybrids that are distinguished by their decorativeness and productivity are well suited: Bonsai, Little Red Riding Hood, Micron-NK, Minibel, Balcony miracle, etc.

Growing cherry tomatoes in hanging baskets involves the use of varieties that do not require staving. These include: Gardening Pearl, Cherripalchiki, FV Citizen, etc.

The purchase of seeds should be made only from proven, well-proven breeders.

Preparation of planting material of cherry tomatoes

In most cases, cherry tomatoes, the seeds of which are purchased in advance, are grown by seedling.

Seeds of selected varieties and hybrids of tomatoes are carefully sifted, soaked for a few minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and washed with clean water. A few days after this, germination of seeds wrapped in a damp cloth is performed in a warm place.

In mid-March, cherry tomatoes, the seeds of which are properly sorted and sprouted, are planted in planting containers in the prepared nutritious soil. Caring for seedlings is to provide irrigation and the right amount of light, for which use fluorescent lamps.

When 3-4 true leaves appear, pick out cherry tomatoes in separate larger containers. During the entire period of growing seedlings, cherry tomatoes must be fed with complex fertilizers.

Approximately 2 weeks before transplanting to a permanent place - in a greenhouse or in the open ground - it should be hardened gradually. To do this, young plants are carried out for a short time on the street in a shaded place. The time they spend in the open air gradually increases.

At the required time, it is necessary to carefully, together with a clod of earth around the fragile roots of the plant, plant seedlings of cherry tomatoes in a permanent place.

We grow cherry tomatoes (video)

Creating optimal conditions for the further growth of cherry tomatoes

In order to properly grow cherry tomatoes and get excellent harvest, you must ensure:

watering as the earthy coma dries;
sufficient air and light;
optimum air temperature;
plant garter;
loosening the soil and weeding;
protection of tomatoes from pests and diseases;
timely harvesting of fruits.

In the course of further care for young cherry tomatoes it is necessary to properly distribute moisture. Its excess is destructive for them, as well as the lack. When planting, it is necessary to observe a distance of 50-70 cm between the plants in order to ensure a good distribution of air and light between them.

Favorable daytime air temperatures for heat-loving tomatoes are considered to be + 20-22 degrees, and at night - not less than +16 degrees.

A mandatory garter of cherry tomatoes is required so that their branches do not break under the weight of fruits. Such care will help to avoid certain diseases, such as late blight. In the treatment of plants and prophylactic purposes, you can use drugs: Actofit, Mikosan, Fitosporin, etc.

When harvesting it is necessary to focus on the mature state of the fruit. Only fully ripened tomatoes will benefit and have excellent taste. It should be borne in mind that tomatoes are afraid of fogs: after them they instantly deteriorate - become black and unsuitable for food. In order to preserve the harvest in this case, you need to collect the fruits of green and put in cardboard boxes for ripening.

Thus, knowing the simple agricultural practices and features proper care for cherry tomatoes, the cultivation of which is available to everyone who wants it, you can achieve enviable success in obtaining a tasty and healthy harvest.