There are people for whom the most important criterion when choosing vegetables is their taste. But for others, attractive appearance is also important. The American ribbed tomato pleases the eye not only of aesthete shoppers on the kitchen table, but also of farmers in their gardens under the sun.
Fruit characteristics
Ribbed tomatoes are a representative variety of the determinate standard type. The stem grows up to 1.5 m, there are no branches. After the seedlings are planted in the ground, the first harvest can be harvested in approximately 125 days: the variety is classified as mid-late.
The peculiarity of these tomatoes lies in their appearance.The shape is flattened in the center, and oblong vertical segments are noticeable on the sides. It is not surprising that another name for this variety among connoisseurs is chrysanthemum, because the fruit really looks like a flower due to its ribbed surface.
The average weight of American ribbed tomatoes is about 150 - 200 g, differing by half from the weight of the very first fruits, which reach about 400 g. If you properly care for the plant, one bush can produce up to 3 kg of tomatoes. There are red, brown, yellow colors.
After harvesting, they do not last long because they have a thin skin. They spoil quickly. You need to quickly prepare a salad, sandwiches or other dish. Great for making ketchup.
According to reviews, opinions on taste are divided. Some argue that the tomato is the most ordinary, no different from other varieties. To counterbalance them, they say that the taste of a ribbed tomato is more rich and not watery. This depends on the quality of the original crop and care taken during cultivation.
Growing and care
2 months before transplanting, sow seeds for seedlings. After 2 medium-sized leaves have appeared, you can replant the plant in fresh soil. If the shape of the bush should be in 2-3 branches, then there should be 3 seedlings per 1 m², if there should be 4 seedlings per 1 branch. Next comes weeding and timely watering, as when growing other plants. If the climate is characterized by thunderstorms or strong winds, then you need to use supports for the trunk and branches.
It is better to choose neutral soil for planting. You always need to fertilize: both during the growth period and when the yellow and red fruits ripen.Lupine stems have excellent nutritional properties, so you can dig up the ground with them.
Soil characteristics for the growth of American ribbed tomato variety:
- after growing cucumbers, parsley, zucchini, cabbage, carrots;
- rich in potassium and nitrogen;
- prepare in the fall by adding ashes, shells and compost;
- warm up before planting.
When caring, do not forget to remove unnecessary shoots and excess leaves from the side of the plant. This helps strengthen the strength to bear new fruits, access to open sunlight and fresh air.
You need to water at the root or using irrigation. If ribbed tomatoes begin to crack, it is worth reducing the amount and frequency of water supply.
The fruits need to be collected when the skin has become a rich yellow or red color and gives a shine. If there is a need to pick fruits ahead of time, then they need to be stored in a special way. Do not put in the refrigerator: ripening stops, the taste of the ribbed fruit becomes less pronounced. It should be stored together with apples and bananas. Paper bags are a good option.
Diseases and pests
The most common pests of American fruit are:
- spider mite;
- gnawing owl.
A concentrated soap solution or other homemade products work well with them. Special chemicals, which are sold in stores, also have positive characteristics in the fight against parasites.
Simple rules, the implementation of which will help preserve the plant:
- Pests should only be poisoned on a dry bush.
- If the plant is infected, get rid of it immediately, don’t regret it!
- Do not plant near potatoes.
- Systematically weed.
Other types
There are many other ribbed varieties with selections from different countries.
Among them, for example:
- Cuban chokeberry;
- Accordion orange;
- Japanese yellow crab;
- Starfish;
- Lorraine beauty red;
- Purple pumpkin;
- Puzata hut;
- Charlie Chaplin;
- The heart is grooved;
- Italian-American Goldman;
- Garlic.
The most famous and beloved among gardeners are beefsteak and Florentine rib. The first ones have American roots. The fruit is very fleshy (hence the name), weight can be in the range of 0.5 - 1 kg. Great for fried meat, sandwiches, stuffing.
When purchasing, you should pay attention that the skin should have a rich red color and the tomato should be firm.
Florentine beauty belongs to the exotic varieties. Bright yellow in color, fruit up to 500 g, although some manage to grow more. The taste, as described by people, has a honeyed, fruity hue, vaguely reminiscent of apricot, peach or sweet melon.
Few seeds inside the pulp. Bushes, as a rule, produce a large harvest.
Advantages and disadvantages
The American ribbed tomato has won the hearts of people with its characteristics and description of the variety.
Among the main advantages:
- original shape with ribbed edges;
- juicy tomato taste;
- high level of resistance to parasites;
- no need to water frequently.
If we talk about these tomatoes from the negative side, then these are average yields, careful choice of feeding. Not everything can be suitable as a fertilizer to improve yields.
It’s worth trying to diversify your garden and kitchen table with American vegetables. Tomatoes have a sweet taste and are easy to grow and care for.
