Content
Tomatoes have long ceased to be associated with red among amateurs and professional gardeners. Pink, then yellow and orange tomatoes appeared first. Finally, it came to white, black, purple and even green tomatoes. Yes, yes, tomatoes can be green, but they are completely ripe and even taste much sweeter than regular red tomatoes.
Tomatoes of each color are responsible for some specific properties of the fruit, for example, yellow and orange tomatoes are characterized by a high content of beta-carotene. In addition, the very yellow color of tomatoes is caused by the presence of provitamin A in them, which can prevent the development of cancer. Yellow tomatoes are characterized by low acidity and high solids content and can be eaten by people who have allergic reactions to traditional red tomatoes. Therefore, yellow tomato varieties must be grown on par with their red counterparts. Moreover, they are not at all distinguished by special capriciousness and exactingness.
And the Goldfish tomato, the description and characteristics of the variety of which will be presented in this article, is one of the most attractive yellow tomatoes grown in our country.
Description of the variety
The tomato with such a fabulously enchanting name Goldfish was bred in the difficult 90s of the last century by breeders of the Gisok seed company. In 1999, he was officially admitted to registration in the state register with admission to all regions of Russia. This tomato variety can be grown with equal success both in greenhouses and in the open field.
The variety is indeterminate, that is, it will grow and develop without any restrictions if it is not stopped in time. Therefore, limiting the growth of a tomato bush is not only possible, but also necessary, especially in regions with a short and not very warm summer. However, in these areas, it is strongly recommended to grow the Goldfish tomato exclusively in greenhouses, since due to the late maturity in the open field, it is unlikely that it will be possible to see its beautiful mature fruits. They just won't have time to ripen.
It is desirable to form this tomato into one stem, in areas where there is enough sunlight and heat, you can try to leave from two to four stems. This will have a beneficial effect on the yield, but only on condition of regular and high-quality feeding.
The height of the tomato bush Goldfish can reach two meters or more. But the bush can hardly be called powerful, its stems are of medium thickness and it needs a mandatory garter. Light green leaves are characterized by a special openwork. According to some imaginative gardeners, they resemble the tails of a goldfish.
This tomato forms a simple inflorescence. The very first inflorescence is laid quite high from the ground - after 8 or 9 leaves. In the future, the formation of inflorescences follows every 3 leaves.
In terms of ripening terms, this tomato variety can be attributed rather to mid-ripening, and even to late-ripening. It ripens for quite a long time and it can take at least 120 days from germination to the appearance of the first beautifully colored fruits.
The yield of the Goldfish tomato is at a good level and amounts to 9 kg of tomatoes per 1 sq. meters.
The tomato of this variety is quite resistant to various unfavorable weather conditions and, which is especially important, has a weak susceptibility to late blight. Among the shortcomings, one can notice its weak resistance to non-infectious top rot of tomatoes. But this trouble is quite easily cured even at the stage of tomato seedling by obligatory feeding with various microelements and, especially, calcium. In addition, it is necessary to keep the soil under the tomato bushes in a moderately moist state, for example, with the help of mulch, and many problems will disappear by themselves.
Fruit characteristics
The spectacle of the bushes of a fruit-bearing tomato Goldfish can leave few people indifferent. So, the fruits of this variety have the following characteristics:
- Tomatoes have a well-defined finger-like shape with a prominent nose on the tail. Some people call tomatoes of this shape icicles, which very accurately conveys their image.
- At the stage of technical maturity, the fruits are dark green in color with a pronounced spot at the stalk. Ripening, tomatoes turn a deep yellow and sometimes even orange. With a lack of heat and light, the green spot at the stalk can persist even in a mature state.
- The pulp is firm, but quite juicy, the skin is thin, the fruits may be prone to cracking if some minerals are lacking. The number of nests is no more than two.
- Tomatoes are small in size, each about 90-100 g, grow in clusters, which consist of 4-8 fruits each.
- The taste of tomatoes can even be called dessert, they are so sweet. Bear fruit abundantly and for a long time, if possible until the very frost.
- Goldfish tomatoes are equally good for fresh consumption, straight from the bush or in salads, and for canning with whole fruits. Due to their small size, they will fit into any jar.
Growing features
Due to the long ripening time of this period, it is recommended to sow the Goldfish tomato as early as possible, you can start as early as February. The deadlines can be considered the first decade of March.
Tomato seedlings are grown in the traditional way. It is only necessary to take into account the tendency of tomatoes of this variety to be affected by apical rot, therefore, it is imperative to monitor balanced dressings throughout the growing period: from seedling to harvesting.
Tomato seedlings can be planted in a greenhouse already in mid-May, and for planting in open ground it is better to wait for the beginning of the calendar summer. The best planting scheme for tomato plants of this variety is 50x60 cm.
Before planting, fill the soil with ash and lime so as to ensure that there is sufficient calcium in the soil. However, you should be careful, as excess calcium is just as harmful as its lack.
Reviews of gardeners
Reviews of people who planted this variety of tomatoes are quite diverse, but positive characteristics still prevail. Some discrepancies with the declared yield and growth characteristics are explained either by re-grading, or not entirely correct agricultural technology.
Conclusion
Tomatoes of the Goldfish variety can be called one of the best among yellow-fruited medium-sized tomatoes of an average ripening period. And in terms of yield and taste, they usually do not cause complaints. And some propensity to disease can be prevented by proper care for them.