Description of the Golden Nugget tomato fruit and tips for growing the plant

The Golden Nugget tomato is a variety of cherry tomato. Its berries are small, but numerous and delicious. Clusters of brightly colored fruits look decorative on a balcony, and when grown in large containers, the Golden Nugget can satisfy the average family's needs for early vegetables.

Plant characteristics

A determinate bush, topped after 8-9 clusters have formed, but still manages to accumulate a large amount of foliage. Tall, up to 1.2-1.5 m, with a well-developed root system and strong stems. Requires 1-2 stems and support.

The fruiting period is extended, so the bushes are susceptible to damage from late blight, to which they have no resistance. To avoid losing part of the harvest, it is recommended to remove leaves under each newly forming flower cluster. This measure not only protects the harvest from fungal attack but also helps the tomatoes ripen quickly and uniformly.

The total yield per square meter can reach approximately 10 kg. This requires simple care, consisting of timely watering and fertilizing the bushes. This variety is suitable for both open ground and greenhouse cultivation. Fruiting begins 100-110 days after germination, with ovaries forming in simple, long clusters of 10-12 fruits each.

Description of the fruit variety

Golden Nugget tomatoes are not a hybrid. Seeds can be saved for propagation, and the next generation of plants retains all the parent's characteristics. The fruit is round, slightly elongated. The average tomato weight is 25-30 g.

The skin is firm but thin. Zolotoy Samorodok tomatoes are not prone to cracking under normal watering conditions. Experienced gardeners note that cracking will occur with overwatering during the ripening period. A rainy summer can also cause some crop losses. The skins of the fruits do not crack when cooked.

The color is yellow, with a pleasant sheen. Each mini-tomato resembles a precious metal ingot. When ripe, the tomatoes are pale green, with a small dark spot near the stem. In unfavorable weather conditions, they can be harvested at the milky stage of ripeness, cutting them off with the bunches. This way, they will ripen quickly in boxes at room temperature.

The flesh is dense and light yellow. The berry contains 2-3 large seed chambers, with thick walls, about 0.5 cm. The texture is firm, and the tomatoes are juicy and tasty, with a moderate firmness. The flesh maintains its consistency even when canned.

The characteristics and description of the Zolotoy Samorodok variety highlight the taste and health benefits of its fruits:

• the berries contain a large amount of dry matter and are aromatic;
• high sugar content gives the fruits a sweet taste with a barely noticeable sourness;
• tomatoes do not lose their taste even in cold seasons and when artificially ripened;
• the light flesh contains beta-carotene, lycopene, and protein substances, but is considered hypoallergenic;
• Low acid content makes tomatoes suitable for baby food and dietary dishes.

The fruit has a versatile purpose. These golden tomatoes can enhance any dish, looking stunning in salads and gourmet appetizers. Mini tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches and canapés. Children enjoy picking the delicious berries from the bushes.

If you have an excess of tomatoes that you can't eat fresh, you can preserve the Golden Nugget for the winter in a variety of ways.

Calibrated tomatoes are perfect for whole-fruit canning and look stunning in colorful vegetable platters. They can be frozen and used in tomato-based dishes in the winter. Small tomatoes are suitable for drying or sun-drying.

Yellow tomatoes also make excellent tomato juice and sauces. The color of this product resembles peach puree, and its rich vitamin and mineral content will successfully support the immune system of both children and adults.

How to grow Golden Nugget?

Early tomato seedlings should be sown approximately two months before transplanting into the garden. Before sowing, disinfect the soil by saturating it with a hot solution of potassium permanganate.

Once the soil has cooled to room temperature, spread the seeds over the surface and cover with dry soil or sand. Cover the containers with glass and place in a warm place (+25°C). Seedlings will appear within 4-5 days.

The seedlings are picked at the stage of 2-3 true leaves. The seedlings should be placed according to a 10x10 cm pattern or in separate pots with a diameter of 5-7 cm.

While growing, water the tomatoes regularly: when the top 1 cm of soil dries out. Fertilizing is not necessary. Plant them in their permanent location in mid- to late May. The planting pattern is 40 x 40 cm.