Characteristics of the Gloria tomato variety, its advantages and cultivation rules

The Gloria tomato is one of the oldest examples of vegetable breeding. It was developed by specialists at the Moldovan Institute in 1970 by crossing two varieties. Following testing, Gloria tomatoes were zoned for cultivation in the Caucasus, Volga region, and the Central Black Earth regions.

Advantages of the variety

Gloria cluster tomatoes are suitable for growing in open ground and greenhouses. During the growing season, the semi-determinate bush reaches a height of 1.5 m. The plant requires staking and pruning.

Gloria tomatoes are mid-season vegetables. From seed germination to fruiting, it takes 115-120 days. With proper cultivation practices, 5-8 kg of fruit can be harvested per square meter. The first flower cluster appears at the level of the 7th-8th leaf.

The growth of the bush is limited after the formation of 10-12 flower clusters, which are laid at intervals of 2-3 leaves.

The largest harvest is obtained from bushes grown in 3-4 stems. When ripe, the fruits turn red and weigh 150-200 g. The tomatoes are slightly elongated, resembling plums in appearance.

The main advantage of this variety is the uniform ripening of the fruits within the cluster, which positively impacts the crop's yield. The tomatoes withstand long-distance transportation well and retain their flavor for 60 days after harvest.

The variety's description is based on the tomatoes' excellent taste. In cooking, they are used fresh, in juices, and in sauces. When canned, the tomatoes retain their shape. This characteristic appeals to many home cooks.

Cultivation techniques

Seeds for seedlings are sown 60-65 days before the expected planting date. When growing indoors, seedlings are planted in late February.

Before sowing, it is recommended to treat the seeds with an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate, a growth stimulant. Make 1-cm-deep furrows in prepared containers filled with soil and plant the seeds.

Water the seeds with warm water using a spray bottle, and cover the container with plastic wrap to create greenhouse conditions. Maintaining the correct temperature is essential to ensure uniform germination and normal seedling development.

A fluorescent lamp provides supplemental lighting to extend daylight hours to 16 hours. Before planting in the ground in their permanent location, harden off the seedlings for two weeks. This prevents flower heads from shedding and protects the plant from hypothermia.

It's recommended to plant up to four bushes per square meter. For the plant to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest, basic care guidelines are required. These include promptly removing excess shoots, regular watering, and fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers.

To reduce weeding and tilling time, it's recommended to mulch the soil with last year's grass, black fiber, and leaves. Using organic mulch provides an additional source of organic nutrition for the crop.

Mineral fertilizers are applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. During the growing season, ripening tomato bushes and clusters require additional support. As a preventative measure, the bushes are treated against late blight.

Growing Gloria tomatoes involves fighting biological pests. Timely treatment of bushes against insects prevents the development of various diseases that can negatively affect crop yields.

Reviews from gardeners indicate the excellent taste of tomatoes, high yield, and universal use.