When growing a tomato tree outdoors, we take into account all agronomic rules
Competent cultivation of a tomato tree in the open field allows you to harvest a bountiful harvest of a valuable vegetable from one bush. The plant was appreciated by farmers around the world for its unique size, external beauty and unique taste of the fruit. Let's take a closer look at this magnificent culture.
Botanical features of the tomato tree
Popular varieties of crops are:
- Japanese tree;
- Miracle F1;
- Italian tree.
Tomarillo is a majestic bush that grows up to 2-4 m thanks to its powerful rhizome. Usually the underground part is formed during the first year after disembarkation. The crown consists of many thin branches of a fragile character, covered with a light brown bark. Over time, it lignifies, although the shoots remain vulnerable to mechanical stress. The diameter of the "cap" is 2 times less than the height of the culture. However, many graceful shoots give the tomato tree a massive look.
Glossy leaf plates reach 30 cm in length. Their shape is oval-heart-shaped, although the tips are slightly pointed. They are painted in a deep green color against which light streaks are visible. The plates grow alternately and are held on the branches with the help of long petioles. Thanks to this, the crown of the tomato tree shines gracefully in the sun.
During the flowering period, among the lush greenery, snow-white or light lilac cup-shaped buds appear. They consist of five petals, and are collected in lush inflorescences. After pollination, many fruits are formed, resembling large cream tomatoes.
Depending on the variety, they are painted in the following colors:
- reddish brown;
- yellow;
- pink;
- lilac;
- deep orange.
The length of the fruits is from 5 to 10 cm, and the mass is about 100 g. Outside, the tomatoes are covered with a dense skin of a shiny character and collected in compact clusters, numbering up to 12 specimens. The exquisite taste of the fruit is reminiscent of a mixture of gooseberries with strawberries and apricots. This means that it originally combines sweetness, acidity and bitterness. The golden-pinkish pulp of tomatoes has a translucent structure. It contains many black seeds.
The advantages of the crop are high yields, resistance to diseases and changes in temperature and humidity.
Growing a tomato tree in the open field: step-by-step instructions
Careful preparation is considered an important factor in the success of any event.
Similarly, before planting a culture, pay attention to the following points:
- seed preparation;
- growing seedlings in pots;
- selection of a suitable plot of land;
- soil feeding options;
- polyethylene film;
- a metal container with a cut-out bottom and ventilation holes.
High-quality tomato seeds are purchased in specialized retail outlets. They must be of good quality, as indicated by their appearance. To increase germination, the seed is sent to the oven for 1-2 hours. It maintains a temperature of 50 to 65 ° C.Then disinfection is carried out using potassium permanganate. The seeds are dipped into the solution for about 20 minutes, after which they are thoroughly washed and dried.
Instead of heating in the oven, the planting material can be soaked in growth promoter.
Seedling substrate
The successful cultivation of a tomato tree outdoors directly depends on the quality of the soil, both in pots and in the garden.
To create it, use the components:
- clay;
- peat;
- sand;
- wood ash.
The resulting soil mixture is watered with top dressing obtained from water, superphosphate and carbamide. When it dries, fill pots, plastic containers or boxes.
Sowing seeds
A recess is made on the upper ball of soil and slightly moistened with a spray bottle. Then put a seed of a tomato tree there. Sprinkle with a substrate, then cover with foil or glass. The crops are taken to a room where the temperature is maintained between 20 and 25 ° C. When sprouts appear, the containers are placed on the windowsill and the film is removed.
After the formation of three true leaf plates, the tomatoes are distributed in separate pots and watered regularly. Over time, the seedlings are transferred to the garden bed.
Competent planting of culture
To grow an octopus tomato tree outdoors, you must follow a few simple rules. Otherwise, it may get sick and never bear fruit. When choosing a suitable site, pay attention to a sufficient amount of light and the absence of drafts. The soil must be fertile without moisture stagnation. If possible, fertilize or compost... And also, a handful of azophoska and ash is put in each hole. The seedlings are transferred to the garden bed if there are 7 true leaves on it and the weather is rather warm. The height of the seedlings should be about 20-30 cm. Tomatoes are placed at a distance of at least 1.5 m from each other. After all, adult plants reach impressive sizes and require an abundance of sunlight and oxygen.
Immediately before planting, the root system of the seedlings should be dipped into an iodine solution. For 12 liters of water, it is enough to pour 1 standard bottle of pharmacy liquid.
Often, for growing a tomato tree in the open field, voluminous containers without a bottom are used. Several holes are made in the walls for oxygen access and ventilation. The containers are installed in an open sunny area of the garden.
They are filled with a high-quality substrate, which includes:
- fertilizers;
- ordinary soil;
- compost;
- sod land.
Components are taken in the same quantity. Mix thoroughly and then fill the barrel. With the help of a hoe, a hole is made, about 5 cm deep and the vegetable crop is carefully planted. A trellis is installed on the garden bed or near the containers to support the branches and fruits.
It is advisable to plant only one tomato bush in one barrel.
Loving care
The planned agricultural technology of octopus tomato includes a number of simple procedures. Like any vegetable crop, the tomato tree needs regular loosening of the topsoil. It is usually carried out 2-3 times a season. Thanks to this, the plant receives an additional dose of oxygen and is protected from weeds. Top dressing is applied in early June. By this time, the culture consumes all the nutrients that are in the garden soil.
Used as fertilizers:
- mullein;
- ammonium nitrate;
- boron;
- superphosphate substances.
Moisten the culture 3-4 times a week, taking into account precipitation. Under one bush, usually 18 liters of water is poured using a watering can with a spray tip. If possible, install a special rain humidification system. About 7 days after planting, the lower leaf plates are cut off. The exposed shoot is covered with a nutritious substrate. The procedure is repeated a week later.
To stimulate the ripening of fruits, the bushes are treated with a special solution. It is made from young pine shoots.
First, they are placed in the freezer for 2-3 weeks.Then grind, pour boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes. The filtered liquid is diluted with clean water at the rate of 1: 3. Mix thoroughly. Used for spraying crops during the formation of inflorescences.
Having carefully considered how to grow an octopus tomato tree in a summer cottage, we note several important nuances. First, the culture is sown in containers. Then they are transferred to the garden bed. If desired, tomatoes are planted in bulky barrels without a bottom. Care consists in regular watering and feeding. As a reward, farmers receive an abundance of tasty fruits.