A large-fruited representative of this type of tomato is the Giant lemon tomato. Its taste is so subtle that it harmonizes with any vegetables. Tomatoes can be not only pink or red, proof of this is the Lemon Giant variety. The popularity of the vegetable is so great that it is used in sauces, salads, and juices.
This is one of the best tomatoes for greenhouses. Indeterminate, large-fruited and tall variety. The bushes can reach 2 m in height. They require pinching and staking. If you initially form one stem of a tomato, you will get the best result.
Characteristics of tomatoes
The description of the Giant should begin with its shape and size. Ripe fruits are round in shape. The color ranges from yellow to orange. The fruits weigh about 700 g. They have unique taste qualities. Tomatoes can be used fresh for cooking or made into juices and sauces. To obtain tomato seedlings of this variety, tomato seeds are sown in the ground 2 months before the intended planting.
A detailed description of the Lemon Giant will help you grow a good harvest. At the end of the season, collect fruits that are round-flat in size with pronounced ribbing. The skin of the tomato has a sunny, golden yellow color. The tomato pulp is lighter than the skin and has many chambers with small seeds. Although the pulp is juicy, it is not at all watery and has an oily consistency. Sweetish, with a pronounced fruit and vegetable taste. To some extent it resembles the vegetable nightshade. Thin but very durable skin protects vegetables from cracking.
Lemon giant can be stored for a long time and can withstand transportation over long distances. Tomato contains a large amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Recommended for consumption in case of vitamin deficiency. Included in the list of dietary products.
Features of cultivation
The seeds of this tomato variety are sown for seedlings in early spring; the first half of March is best. The material for sowing is pre-filled with a mixture that stimulates growth. Leave in this form for at least 10 hours.
Experienced gardeners advise using seeds that were collected 2 years ago: they have good germination, so they produce a lot of sprouts for further use as seedlings.
If the housewife planted tomatoes in her own garden and the seeds were collected there, they must be disinfected before planting. To do this, prepare a special solution of potassium permanganate. It can be replaced with hydrogen peroxide. Before planting, tomato seeds are immersed in water for several hours.
The soil
There are special requirements for soil for tomato seedlings. First of all, the soil should be light; the fruits cannot tolerate stagnant moisture, which negatively affects their growth. Garden soil is best suited for this. A little humus is added to it. Some gardeners add a small amount of sand taken from the river.
The soil is poured into specially prepared containers and a depression of up to 1.5 cm is made, placing tomato seeds there. Then the soil is sprayed with water, the pots are placed in a warm place.
The most suitable temperature for germination ranges from 22 to 25 °C. The containers are left in a warm place until the first shoots appear.
If the cultivation of tomatoes is followed according to all the rules, the first shoots will soon appear. As soon as the shoots grow, the seedlings are exposed to bright light. When the first pair of leaves appears on the sprouts, the tomatoes can be picked, distributing them into separate pots. Instead of a soil mixture, summer residents often choose peat tablets. It is convenient to plant them in the soil along with tomato sprouts.
Under no circumstances should areas with tomatoes be thickened. For 1 sq. m it is recommended to place no more than 3 bushes. The Lemon tomato is quite tall, so it is better to attach it to trellises. Since it has a good yield, it is better to hang heavy branches with fruits.
As it grows, the lower leaves and side shoots are removed.In this way, a tomato bush with 1 or 2 stems is formed. During the entire growing season, vegetables need to be fed with a full range of fertilizers. For this variety, the procedure is repeated no more than 3 times. For irrigation, you need to use exclusively warm, settled water. Water not often, but generously.
Positive qualities of tomatoes
Among the advantages of the variety, it is customary to distinguish:
- good yield;
- taste and size of fruits;
- ability to store and transport;
- content of nutrients in tomato;
- tomato resistance to diseases and pests.
Reviews from summer residents are almost positive. However, there are a small number of disadvantages that many people note. First of all, fertilizing and watering. To obtain a good harvest, it is necessary to periodically apply fertilizers and water the crop in a timely manner.
It is worth paying close attention to the soil for this variety of tomatoes. The soil must contain useful components that will promote the growth and formation of fruits. Soil poor in substances will produce much fewer fruits, and the tomatoes themselves will have a watery taste.
A little about diseases and pests
Lemon tomatoes are a variety that is distinguished by good resistance not only to fungal, but also to viral diseases of tomatoes. However, prevention is recommended.
The soil is treated just before planting the seedlings. If tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse, water the ground with copper sulfate or a solution of potassium permanganate.
There should be no difficulties during the procedure. The liquid will destroy pests in the soil and enhance the immune system of the tomato itself. Grown bushes need periodic spraying with other non-toxic preparations. You can use regular potassium permanganate.
Lemons are a real discovery not only for professional vegetable growers, but also for amateurs. These are not only tasty, but also healthy fruits. To achieve a good harvest, you need to look after the crop: maintain temperature conditions, apply fertilizers and water the plant on time.
