All tomatoes have distinctive characteristics that are not found in other species. Iceberg tomato is no exception. For example, many varieties of tomatoes are planted both in the garden and in the greenhouse, but for this species it is possible to plant only in open ground. And that's not all the differences.
Growing seedlings
To sow such tomatoes, you need to prepare in advance: select a special area, select plastic containers in which the seedlings will be located. Before sowing, you need to disinfect everything that will be used. Also do not forget that seedlings need good lighting, normal temperature and ventilation.Special holes in the bottom of the container will help with this. If this is not taken into account, the plant will develop blackleg disease.
During sowing, any seeding substrate or compost is used, the main thing is that it is universal. Compost should consist of sand and peat, divided equally. When you sow, do not overdo it, the density in this case will be harmful, and the seedlings will turn out weak and thin. It is best to sow in rows, this way there will be maximum light exposure.
Before sowing, the substrate must be well moistened and the seeds must be warmed well. The seeds can be moistened before planting or left dry.
Description of the variety
The description of Iceberg tomatoes includes not only characteristics in general, but also the fruit. Tomatoes of this variety are early ripening. During planting, pinching is practically not practiced and can be easily planted in the soil. The bushes are small in size, about 80 cm, but they are distinguished by their strength. Iceberg tomatoes can easily tolerate cool weather, so they can often be found in the Urals or Siberia, and any other regions where summers are short and cool.
Tomatoes have a red tint. The fruits are large (up to 200 grams) and have a flat-round shape. If you believe the characteristics, they taste sweet and juicy. Their density is small, one might say they are quite soft. Therefore, it is better to eat them either fresh or make tomato juice. The yield from one bush is large; it can bring up to four kilograms.
Pests and diseases
Iceberg tomatoes most often suffer from late blight, macrosporiosis, streak, septoria, stolbur and blossom end rot. Unfortunately, it is impossible to cure these diseases.When at least one fruit or stem is affected, the entire plant begins to die.
In addition to them, there are also problems with pests. These include wireworms, whiteflies, mole crickets, root-knot nematodes, cutworms. Most often, all these insects attack the plant if it is not looked after and treated with nothing.
When tomatoes begin to need any nutrients, this can be determined immediately. For example, if there is a lack of nitrogen, then the stem, leaves and the tomatoes themselves change color: the leaves turn yellow, the stem becomes red-bluish, and the fruits harden and remain small. With a lack of phosphorus, the leaves curl inward. And this can go on for a long time.
Advantages
Iceberg tomatoes have many advantages:
- perfectly adapt to sudden temperature changes and easily tolerate cold;
- if the fruit is ripe, then it is dense;
- the bushes are unpretentious and do not require pinching or shaping;
- presentable appearance and excellent taste.
