Tlacolula de Matamoros ribbed tomatoes came to us from Mexico, where all tomatoes come from. They are unusual not only in name, but in the appearance of the fruit.
External unusualness of tomato
Common fruits collected from tomato bushes are round in shape. But the Mexican tomato pleases every gardener with its interesting shape. How to pass by fruits collected from red segments. They compare the wide lower part of a tomato with tangerine slices and khinkali. The fruit is narrowed at the top, which is why it looks like a wide pear. Yellow hangers on the ribs of red tomatoes look interesting.The weight of one fruit with proper care reaches three hundred grams.
Varieties of Tlacolula
In addition to tomatoes de Matamoros, there are varieties of American origin that are similar in shape but differ in color. Among them:
- Pink Pink has a rounded fruit shape, flattened on top. Less common are weakly expressed pear-shaped ones. Tomatoes contain a large amount of sugar and dry matter. The variety is especially useful for those who are allergic to red foods.
- Tlacolula Yellow has been bred, the flesh of which is tender and juicy. In cross section, a bright tomato looks like a chrysanthemum.
- The white tomato variety is truly unusual and rare, as it is difficult to grow. The fruits are so tender and sweet in taste that they melt in your mouth like an overseas fruit.
Common to all Tlacolula is the presence of pronounced ribbed tomato. Many of the plants belong to indeterminate and determinate species, so it is best to grow them in greenhouse conditions.
Collection varieties, like everything beautiful, are difficult to care for. To get tasty fruits from them, you need to be patient and show the wonders of your knowledge of tomato agricultural technology.
Features of vegetable development
Since Tlacolula de Matamoros is an early species, after 90-100 days it is time for the tomatoes to ripen. On bushes up to two meters high, accordions of fruits appear; there are from three to seven of them in each cluster.
Tlacolula tomatoes are grown indoors, rarely outdoors.
Preparing tomato seedlings for the greenhouse
Since Mexican tomatoes are a collectible species, you need to purchase their seeds from reliable producers. It is imperative to check them for germination before sowing. Next, carry out the following actions with the seeds:
- treatment with a solution of potassium permanganate for twenty minutes;
- placing in a cold place for two to three days;
- oxygen saturation;
- immersion in a growth stimulator.
After useful procedures, there is hope that the seeds will grow into strong seedlings.
The soil is selected taking into account its looseness, water and air permeability. The soil will have to be disinfected, otherwise pathogenic fungi will ruin the harvest of elite tomatoes.
As the seedlings grow, they are pruned as soon as two true leaves appear. Water the seedlings with settled water as the top layer of soil in the pots dries.
Having prepared the seedlings according to the rules, they are hardened before planting them in closed ground, taking them out into the open air. The seedlings will get stronger, and then they will not be afraid of low temperatures - they will withstand them.
Terms and rules for transplanting into a greenhouse
Seedlings at the age of sixty days are completely ready to change their place of residence, moving to closed ground. The indeterminate variety Tlacolula is planted at a distance of fifty centimeters from each other. The layer of soil in the greenhouse should be up to 18 centimeters. The soil mixture includes equal parts of turf soil and humus, a tenth is river sand. Fifty grams of wood ash is added to each hole, mixing it thoroughly with the ground.
Planting of seedlings should take place in the evening. This guarantees a two to three day delay in the development of the vegetable plant compared to morning planting. Mexican tomato seedlings are planted deeper in the ground. If the bushes are elongated, they are placed in the holes obliquely, carefully stretching the stem along the row, sprinkled with earth. The bushes are watered abundantly, and two weeks later they are sprayed with a one percent solution of Bordeaux mixture to prevent diseases.
Prepare pegs or a trellis in advance for tying up the bushes, since the indeterminate plant can grow constantly.
Vegetable care tips
The description of actions for competent care of Tlacolula de Matamoros includes:
- It is worth growing plants into one stem when there is poor lighting in the greenhouse, and into two stems when there is sufficient lighting.
- Leave flower brushes in the amount of five to six on one bush. After their development, the top of the main stem is pinched, leaving two leaves above the top flower raceme.
- Warm water is used for irrigation. The main thing is moderation of hydration. Tlacolula does not like excess moisture, but it also does not tolerate dry soil. A two to three centimeter layer of peat or straw on tomato beds will help reduce evaporation.
- It is imperative to control the air temperature, otherwise in extreme heat the flowers will begin to fall off and the fruits will not set.
- Fertilizing is carried out every two weeks, alternating mineral fertilizers with organic ones. For every square meter, add a bucket of nutrient solution.
- The fruits are collected as they ripen. If they do not have time to fill, then they are placed yellowish-green in baskets, placed in a warm, dry room. Red tomatoes, which are placed in the middle of the container, will speed up the ripening of tomatoes.
In warm regions, the Tlacolula variety will bear fruit in open ground.
According to reviews from gardeners who have tried to grow unusual ribbed tomatoes, they are very tasty and have a large amount of sugar in their tender pulp. Tomatoes are used fresh; they are suitable for table decoration and holiday dishes. They make delicious thick ketchups and other sauces. The high characteristics of the variety have allowed it to spread throughout the world.
