Description of the Virginia Candy tomato and the rules for growing the indeterminate variety

The original name of the Virginia Sweets tomato is "Virginia Sweets." The flavor of this variety of tomato lives up to its name. The fruits have sweet, fruity flesh. Some gardeners say these fragrant and juicy tomatoes are vaguely reminiscent of peaches. They are almost completely acid-free.

Sweet tomatoes are used in salads, sauces, and preserves. They have many fans, but to grow them and reap a bountiful harvest, proper care is essential. It's important to familiarize yourself with all the intricacies and characteristics of the Virginia Candy variety, as it's a delicate plant that requires specific knowledge.

Features of the variety

This nightshade is a mid-season, indeterminate variety. In northern and southwestern regions, it is best grown in greenhouses, as it is a heat-loving species.

A greenhouse-grown bush can reach a height of 2.4 m, while in open ground it can reach about 1.5 m. Therefore, a mature plant definitely needs to be supported. The foliage of the Virginia Sweets variety is regular in shape, filling the plant sparsely.

The first cluster formation begins after the 9th to 12th leaflet appears on the stem. Typically, 3-4 fruits are set on a single branch. The plant requires pinching and shaping the bush into 1-2 stems. This will preserve the energy for growth and nourishment for the ripening fruits.

The first harvest can be collected 90-115 days after sowing the seeds. Virginia Sweets tomato yields are low. On average, one bush can yield up to 8 kg of fruit per season. A single tomato can weigh up to 300-500 g.

A ripe tomato has a yellow-orange color with pink streaks, and its flesh is two-toned, with a distinctive lemon tint. The taste of the Virginia Candy fruit will leave no one indifferent. However, the juicy and aromatic sweet fruits are best suited for salads.

It's important to note that the Virginia Sweets tomato is prone to cracking. Its skin reacts quickly to excess moisture and heat.

The harvest doesn't have a very long shelf life, about 10-15 days in a cool place. Tomatoes are not suitable for long-distance transportation.

Growing and care

The main characteristic of the Virginia Sweets variety is its heat-loving nature and demanding care. When purchasing a package of tomato seeds, be sure to read the description and growing instructions.

The manufacturer recommends sowing 60-65 days before planting in a greenhouse or open ground. Experienced gardeners know that when growing plants in greenhouses, transplanting seedlings is done a little earlier than usual.

Before sowing, seeds must be properly prepared. They are soaked in a manganese solution for 30 minutes. Then, they are soaked in a growth stimulator for the same amount of time.

The seeds are planted in a special container with pre-prepared soil. The soil for the Virginia Sweets variety consists of turf, peat, and river sand.

Keep the seedlings in a well-heated room with adequate lighting. These requirements must be strictly adhered to, as they play a crucial role in the formation of the planting material.

Once the seedlings have developed two leaves, you can begin transplanting. The seedlings are transplanted into individual peat pots. During planting, each bush can be dug into the soil along with its pot.

Seedlings can be planted in a permanent location as early as mid-May, provided that the soil is well warmed by the sun and the risk of frost is excluded.

Experienced gardeners prepare the soil in the fall. They dig the soil and add compost. In the spring, they enrich the beds with peat and compost. Seedlings are planted at a rate of 3-4 plants per square meter. It's a good idea to install a support near each bush for subsequent tying.

Seedling holes must be mulched. Regular sawdust is best for this purpose. After planting, the bushes are watered with settled water and, after a while, a mineral complex fertilizer is applied. Fertilizer should be applied no more than 3-4 times throughout the season. After 4-5 clusters have formed, pinch off the tops to stop growth.

Further care:

• watering is carried out once every 2-3 days;
• periodically you need to loosen the soil and hill up the stems;
• The lower part of the bush must be cleared of foliage, right down to the base of the first brush.

Reviews of the Virginia Sweets tomato are always positive. Despite the effort involved in growing it, its delicious and aromatic fruits are a worthy reward for the effort.