Characteristics of the Rio Grande tomato variety
Gardeners who have been growing vegetables for a long time can give a lot of advice to beginners. They can relate to both the choice of the variety and the rules for caring for plants. But often inexperienced people independently choose their favorite varieties, based on their description. It is advisable to pay attention to the growing conditions, tomato yield and disease resistance. Tomato Rio Grande is the best suited for cultivating people with different levels of experience. The tomato of this variety is original because it can be grown by a non-seedling method.
Characteristics of the Rio Grande tomato variety
Characteristics of the variety
Rio Grande tomatoes belong to the determinant species and have some of their own characteristics.
- The Rio Grande tomato variety grows no higher than 80 cm.
- The tomato bush does not require any garter or pinching.
- Moderate leafiness of the stems.
- Each plant can have up to 120 fruits.
- The weight of one tomato ranges from 70g to 150g.
- The fruits keep well and tolerate transportation well.
- Rio Grande is one of those tomatoes that are very resistant to diseases of nightshade crops.
When cultivating a tomato in the open field, its bush grows stronger and does not need to be tied up. But if it grows in a greenhouse, then it's better to tie it up for insurance. Tomato Rio Grande is a hybrid, its description will not be complete, if not to say that its seeds are not suitable for further cultivation. Therefore, every season it is necessary to purchase new planting material.
Description of the bush
The description, like the characteristics of the Rio Grande tomato, must begin with the shape of the bush.
It grows without pinching, therefore it has several stems. The stems are strong, bearing up to 15 internodes. Leaves are formed from the area of the first internode.
There are few leaves on plants, but tomatoes still require that they be completely removed in the area of the lower internodes. The shape of a tomato-type leaf blade, dark green in color. The veins are clearly defined and relief. The corrugation of the sheet is average, sometimes it is almost flat.
Description of Rio Grande fruits
Considering the tomatoes of the Rio Grande Original, we will begin its description with the formation of brushes and pollination of flowers.
In the region of 6 - 7 leaves in Rio Grande tomatoes, the first cluster is formed, bearing up to 12 flowers. The flowers are simple in shape, open and pollinate almost simultaneously. The young ovary is round in shape, and in the process of growth, the fruits become oblong, similar to plums. With milky ripeness, the color of the tomatoes is green, without a spot at the stalk and stripes of a different color. Rio Grande tomatoes of technical ripeness are colored bright red. The pulp of the fruit is dense, contains a small amount of juice. There are up to 4 seed chambers, but there are few seeds in them.
One more point can be added to the characteristics of Rio Grande tomatoes by the fact that its crop is suitable for whole fruit canning. The dense skin does not crack when exposed to high temperatures. And the pulp, when preparing juices, will yield a thick product that resembles, in consistency, thick sour cream.
When transported over long distances, tomatoes are not damaged. The skin remains firm and shiny. There are no dents or signs of fruit rot on it. Tomato Rio Grande has received excellent reviews from farmers who sell tomatoes.
Eating tomatoes
Growing a Rio Grande tomato, studying its description, we can see that the fruits of this plant retain their freshness for a long time. Imagine the amazement of the guests when fresh tomatoes from their garden appear on the New Year's table. Its fuego color is the color of fire and will give any salad or dish a festive look.
- The Rio Grand tomato variety is suitable for many types of processing.
- Its fruits can be preserved whole.
- The high yield of tomatoes, not large in size, will allow them to be processed into sauces, ketchups and dressings.
- You can make juices, but they will be more like a paste because the fruits contain a large amount of dry matter.
- The sugar and dry matter content allows you to start drying the fruit.
Various semi-finished products are tastier if you add spices and herbs to the tomato mass. When tomatoes are dried, they are cut into slices or halves, then they become similar to dried apricots, due to their sugar content.
Tomato fruits retain their freshness for a long time
Good preservation of the fruit allows the owners to sell the leftover products. Tomatoes can be transported in crates by putting soft paper over each layer of the fruit. Even with strong vibration or bruises of the box, tomatoes will not suffer and will retain their presentation and taste. Therefore, even trans-Atlantic transportations are not afraid of them.
Seed cultivation in the open field
When deciding to start growing a crop such as the Rio Grand tomato, considering the description of the variety, one cannot but pay attention to the fact that its seeds can be sown directly into the ground. You just need to wait until a stable temperature is established, not lower than 10 ° C in the ambient air and not lower than 15 ° C in the upper soil layer.
Under such conditions, he, like a long-distance runner - a sprint, will not only catch up with the growth of plants planted with seedlings, but will be stronger and more resistant to weather changes. Here are just the timing of picking ripe fruits to shift a little in time. If you want to get early production, then you need to apply the seedling method of growing Rio Grand tomatoes. Fruit quality and yield per bush will be high in both cases.
Growing seedlings
It is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings in March, then it will be possible to plant it at the age of 2 months, in a permanent place in open ground or greenhouses. Nurseries, soil and a place where containers with seedlings will be installed are preliminarily prepared. The place should be bright, and the ambient temperature should not exceed 25 ° C and be below 15 ° C.
The soil can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can prepare it yourself. The composition of the soil usually includes:
- ordinary land from the garden - 65%;
- ash - 5%;
- humus - 15%;
- sand - 10%;
- sawdust - 5%.
All components are mixed and slightly moisturized. If, when compressing the soil in a fist, the earthen lump remains loose, then the soil is prepared correctly. When it is firmly in place and does not disintegrate, then you can add a little sawdust or sand.
The seeds are soaked in a pink solution of potassium permanganate and growth stimulants, such as Epin, for several hours. After that, containers are prepared in which drainage is laid in a thin layer, and on top of a layer of soil about 10 cm. Seeds are laid out on a flat surface and sprinkled with a layer of earth up to 1 cm. The soil is sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle and covered with glass.
After about 6 days, sprouts will appear. After that, you can remove the glass or film. In the second leaf phase, the seedlings dive into disposable dishes. They make sure that the soil does not dry out and, as needed, water it.
Landing the Rio Grande in a permanent place
If the seedlings are planned to be grown indoors, then they are simply transferred into the holes. For open ground, seedlings must be hardened for 2 weeks. They take it out into the open sun, first for 10 minutes. On the second day, the time spent outdoors is increased by half an hour. And so they continue to increase each next day.
Determinant plants do not need to be supported. Therefore, they simply prepare the area and mark it for the holes. There are up to 5 plants per 1m². Before disembarking, you can add 1 - 2 tsp into the holes. complex fertilization and transfer plants without exposing the root system.
Seedling care
Planting a Rio Grande tomato and based on the reviews of gardeners regarding plant care, we can say that care is not difficult, even for novice tomato lovers.
- It is necessary to properly water the sprouts.
- Weeding of plantings from weeds and loosening of the soil are mandatory.
- It is necessary to fertilize the plants several times and carry out prophylaxis against viruses.
- Timely fight against insects and other pests of nightshade crops.
Water the seedlings only with warm water, at the root, once a week, but abundantly. Weeds must be removed carefully, without touching the root system, which is located in the upper layer of the soil.
Many trace elements are suitable for fertilizing tomatoes. The first are drugs that contain phosphorus, and the second is treated with potash fertilizers. You can use organics that you prepare yourself. For 1 part of organic matter, take 1 part of water and put it in a warm place for fermentation. After 10 - 15 days, the resulting substance is diluted with water 1:10, filtered and watered over the plants.
Pest control and disease prevention
From the invasion of small pests such as aphids, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of laundry soap. From others, broad-spectrum insecticides will help. Among them, for processing tomatoes, you can take Konekt, Engio and others.
Garlic extract is used from organic matter. It is made from water and minced garlic 1: 1. A day later, dilute with warm water 1:10, filter and spray the plants with a spray bottle.
Tomato Rio Grand is resistant to viruses, but prevention against them will not harm.
The first time the plants are sprayed before the garlands of cherry and fruit are formed. Such drugs as Fitosporin, Bravo, colloidal sulfur and boric acid are used. Secondary processing may not be necessary if, in appearance, they are healthy plants.
Conclusion
Each of the gardeners, whether a professional or a novice amateur, must adhere to the recommendations related to plant care. Although our tomato Rio Grande Original is not picky about soil, watering and other care items, it just needs attention and care for good fruiting. All living things love, good attitude to him. Therefore, your green pets will thank you with an abundance of delicious fruits that will diversify the kitchen table. What could be better than self-grown vitamin products.