Characteristics of the Torquay tomato variety
The Torquay tomato is a variety that requires minimal maintenance, its characteristics are able to attract any gardener.
Characteristics of Torquay tomatoes
Variety characteristics
The hybrid was developed by the Dutch company Beja Zaden for industrial cultivation with corresponding high qualities of fruit resistance to damage during transportation.
It has an average ripening period (100-110 days) and is intended for outdoor cultivation. The manufacturer claims a shelf life of 2 weeks. Has high transportability, resistant to moderate mechanical damage. The long fruiting period ensures high yields.
Description of the bush
The tomato bush Torquay f1 has a determinant type of growth: it stops growing when it reaches a height of 60-80 cm and has tied 5-6 inflorescences.
It has a well-branched bush with strong stems, not prone to lodging. The root system of tomatoes is highly developed, which makes the plant more resistant to winds and able to grow without support. The leaves are green, massive. Strongly pubescent thick peduncles with 10-15 flowers are formed in internodes.
Description of the fetus
The fruits ripen in separate batches, have a weight of 50-70 g and a length of 5-7 cm, they are distinguished by a beautiful appearance.
The fruit has the following characteristics:
- the skin is dense, glossy, deep red;
- the shape is correct, cylindrical with an elongated tip;
- the pulp is elastic, dense, uniform red;
- small seed nests 3;
- small cream-colored seeds.
The fruits have a pleasant taste with a slight acidity, are suitable for fresh consumption and for industrial processing (sauces, juices, tomato pastes).
Care
Torquay f1 tomatoes are very easy to care for as they were bred for field commercial cultivation. For the full development of sufficient regular moderate watering, loosening the soil, removing weeds and balanced feeding.
Watering
Torquay is a drought tolerant variety that grows well even in hot regions. Undemanding to watering, capable of surviving a certain period in drought conditions without much trauma. Tomatoes, like any other plant, require moisture for good growth and stable yields. Adequate amount of water improves processes:
- photosynthesis, energy and nutrient production (starch, glucose);
- transportation of nutrients;
- ripening and weight gain of fruits.
Torquay f1 tomatoes are well watered twice a week. Watering is carried out in the afternoon.
Loosening and weeding
The plant needs periodic loosening
For good development of the root system, the soil under the tomatoes and in the aisles is regularly loosened. This enriches the soil with oxygen, facilitates the easier assimilation of nutrients from the soil. Loosening is carried out every 2-3 weeks. After such a procedure, compost or low-lying peat is added: this improves the structure of the soil, makes it more nutritious.
Thorough weeding is essential.Weeds in the aisles are the cause of disease, pest damage, soil depletion.
Top dressing
Fertilize Torquay in the same way as all other tomatoes, in accordance with the standard three-phase feeding:
- complex fertilizer (NPK 2: 4: 3) - 14 days after planting seedlings in the ground.
- phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (per 10 liters of liquid: bone meal - 100 g, wormwood infusion - 100 g) - the beginning of mass flowering.
- Phosphorus-potassium or complex fertilizer (in accordance with the instructions for the preparation) - the beginning of fruiting.
Fertilizers are beneficial when applied at the right dosage and at the right time. Correct feeding will be beneficial, and overuse of fertilizers in the garden can lead to negative consequences:
- pollution of soil and groundwater;
- excess of nitrates in fruits;
- violation of plant growth and their death;
Diseases and pests
According to the description, Torquay tomatoes are resistant to parasporosis, fusarium, verticilliosis, but can be affected by late blight, which requires preventive treatment of the bushes throughout the growing season. Late blight is a fungal disease that can destroy the entire crop at the stage of fruit ripening. To protect tomatoes from this disease, the bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or Fitosporin every 2 weeks. The drugs can be alternated: they are safe and effective for preventive purposes.
Torquay is resistant to nematodes. Nematoda is a pest that lives in the ground, usually fighting it is a laborious and time-consuming process.
During the hot period of summer, Torquay tomatoes can be affected by whiteflies and aphids. If they are found, the bushes are treated with an insecticidal agent (Aktellik, Aktara), if after a single treatment the pests are still parasitizing on the bush, re-spraying is carried out 7-10 days after the first.
Conclusion
Torquay tomatoes are well suited for growing by an inexperienced gardener, are as easy to care as possible, stress-resistant, do not require a garter, and have tasty universal fruits. For industrial purposes, such a variety is simply irreplaceable, it allows you to get a high-quality harvest with minimal use of labor and financial resources.