Characteristics and care features of the American ribbed tomato
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 aesthetic buyers on the kitchen table, but also of farmers in the garden under the sun.
Fruit characteristics
Ribbed tomatoes are a representative variety of the determinant standard type. The stem grows up to 1.5 m, there are no branches. After the seedlings are planted in the ground, the first crop can be harvested in about 125 days: the variety is medium late.
The peculiarity of these tomatoes is their appearance. The shape is flattened in the center, and oblong vertical lobules 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 the ribbed surface.
The average weight of American ribbed tomatoes is about 150-200 g, differing in half from the weight of the very first fruits, which reach about 400 g. If the plant is properly looked after, then one bush can bring up to 3 kg of tomatoes. There are red, brown, yellow colors.
After harvesting, they are not stored for long, since they have a thin skin. They deteriorate quickly. You need to quickly prepare a salad, sandwiches, or other dish. Great for making ketchup.
According to reviews, opinions on taste were divided. Some argue that the tomato is the most common, does not differ from other varieties. In contrast, they are told that the taste of a ribbed tomato is richer, not watery. It depends on the quality of the original crop and the care during cultivation.
Growing and care
Seeds are sown for seedlings 2 months before transplantation. After 2 medium-sized leaves have appeared, you can transplant the plant into fresh soil. If the shape of the bush should be in 2-3 branches, then there should be 3 seedlings per 1 m², if in 1 branch - plant 4 pieces. Further 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 a neutral soil for planting. You always need to fertilize: both during the growth period and during the ripening of yellow and red fruits. Lupine stems have excellent nutritional properties, so you can dig up the ground with them.
Characteristics of the soil for the growth of the American ribbed tomato variety:
- after growing cucumbers, parsley, zucchini, cabbage, carrots;
- rich in potassium and nitrogen;
- prepare in the fall by adding ash, shells and compost;
- warm up before disembarking.
When leaving, do not forget about removing unnecessary shoots and excess leaves from the side of the plant. This helps to strengthen the strength for bearing new fruits, access to open sunlight and fresh air.
You need to water at the root or by irrigation. If ribbed tomatoes begin to crack, it is worth reducing the amount and frequency of water supply.
You need to pick the fruits when the skin has become a rich yellow or red color and gives a sheen. If there is a need to pick the 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 mild. Store with apples and bananas. Paper bags are a good option.
Diseases and pests
The most common pests of the American fruit are:
- spider mite;
- gnawing scoop.
Concentrated soap solution or other homemade products work well with them. Specialty chemicals that are sold in stores also have positive characteristics in the fight against parasites.
Simple rules, the implementation of which will help preserve the plant:
- It is necessary to poison pests only on a dry bush.
- If the plant is infected, get rid of it urgently, do not regret it!
- Do not plant near potatoes.
- Weed systematically.
Other types
There are many other ribbed varieties with selections from different countries.
Among them, for example:
- Cuban black-fruited;
- Accordion orange;
- Japanese crab yellow;
- Starfish;
- Lorraine beauty red;
- Purple pumpkin;
- Puzata khata;
- Charlie Chaplin;
- The heart is corrugated;
- Italian-American Goldman;
- Garlic.
The most famous and favorite among gardeners are steak and Florentine ribbed. The first ones have American roots. The fruit is very fleshy (hence the name), the weight can be in the range of 0.5 - 1 kg. Perfect for fried meat, sandwiches, stuffing.
When buying, you should pay attention to the fact that the skin should have a deep red color, and the tomato should be firm.
The Florentine beauty belongs to exotic varieties. Bright yellow color, fruit up to 500 g, although some manage to grow more. The taste, as described by people, has a honeyed fruity hue, remotely resembling an apricot, peach or sweet melon.
Few seeds inside the pulp. Bushes tend to produce large yields.
Advantages and disadvantages
The American ribbed tomato won the hearts of people with its characteristics and description of the variety.
Among the main advantages:
- original shape with ribbed edges;
- juicy tomato flavor;
- high level of resistance to parasites;
- do not need to water often.
If we talk about these tomatoes from the negative side, then these are average yield indicators, a careful choice of feed. Not everything may be suitable as fertilizer to improve yields.
It is worth trying to diversify your garden and kitchen table with an American vegetable. Tomatoes have a sweet taste and are easy to grow and care for.
Lorraine beauty-planted 1 time in 2018. I do not agree with the author of the article that it is poorly stored. We took tomatoes with them with a reserve for rest. Took a long road in a box by car.Almost did not wrinkle, although there were doubts, because it was ribbed, then it also lay well. It turned out to be the most reliable of all large fruits! Only because of this, plant further! The taste is good. There is nothing special about leaving.