Bulgarische Riesentomate

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Description

As the name suggests, this historic vine tomato originates from Bulgaria and has been cultivated since the 19th century. The plants grow to a height of around 160 cm/1.7 yd. It is a very late variety that can take 80 days or more from fertilization to ripening. Each of the 4 to 6 tomatoes that grow on its sturdy panicles are usually 8 to 14 cm/3.1-5.5 in tall and can weigh up to 1 kg. Their flesh is juicy and tender and is encased in a soft but largely burst-resistant skin. The taste of these large tomatoes is wonderfully fruity, with a very good balance of sweetness and acidity.

Growing tips

Tomatoes require a lot of light, warmth, water and nutrients. They are grown from seed on the windowsill from March. The seedlings should be planted deep, up to the first leaf base, so that the root system is enlarged by additional lateral roots. Unlike most other crops, tomatoes should always be planted in the same place. The plants also need wooden/corrugated wire rods or a trellis to which you regularly tie them. This is the only way they can support the weight of the fruit. You should regularly break out the side shoots that form in the leaf axils. This is because they do not bear fruit and take away the plant's energy to concentrate on producing lots of fruit. Under-sowing with low-growing plants is a good option.

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

50 cm

Row spacing

80 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm