Description of the indeterminate Kiwi tomato variety and its growing characteristics

The kiwi tomato gets its name from its resemblance to the exotic fruit. When ripe, the tomatoes take on a swamp-like color. The flesh is green, slightly sweet, and has a pleasant fruity aroma. They are eaten fresh, used in winter salads, or simply pickled in jars.

What is a Kiwi tomato?

Characteristics and description of the variety:

1. The variety is indeterminate, the bushes are quite tall, growing up to 1.5 m in height.
2. They can be planted in open ground, but it is much easier to care for them in a greenhouse.
3. It is better to plant them in open ground in the southern regions, since tomatoes do not tolerate low temperatures and weather changes well.
4. Due to its growth, the plant must be tied to supports.
5. It is recommended to form bushes into 2-3 stems.
6. The variety is very productive: 5-6 large fruits are formed on one bunch.
7. One bush ripens up to 12 kg of tomatoes.
8. The weight of 1 tomato reaches 200-300 g.
9. The shape of the fruit is round, slightly flattened at the top.
10. The growing season lasts 4 months.

How are tomatoes grown?

Because the bushes are tall, they require special care. To increase yield, it's necessary to remove excess shoots. Flower clusters form several weeks after the seedlings are planted.

Tomatoes thrive in warm conditions. Seed germination requires temperatures of 20–25°C, and fruit set requires temperatures of at least 17°C. At lower temperatures, plant growth and development are inhibited.

Tomatoes are drought-resistant. Excess water in the soil will kill the plant. Water only when the soil dries out.

Tomatoes need fertilization. Potassium and phosphorus improve fruit quality, while excess nitrogen inhibits tomato development but promotes foliage growth.

Tomatoes grow well in soil that previously contained cabbage and cucumbers. They shouldn't be planted in soil that previously contained potatoes, onions, or peppers, as it may be infected with late blight. Adding wood ash and superphosphate to the soil is helpful. The seedling container should have drainage holes.

Mature seedlings are transplanted into individual containers. A plant planted in a separate pot develops a better root system. It becomes much more resilient, increasing the chances of a good harvest.

Let's take a closer look at the specifics of growing seedlings, as the quality of the harvest depends largely on them. Seeds are planted in a shallow container covered with 5 cm of soil. Using tweezers or a stick, spread the seeds 1–1.5 cm deep, leaving 3 cm between them. Cover with a 1 cm layer of soil and spray with water. Cover the container with plastic wrap and do not water until the first shoots appear. During this period, maintain a temperature of 20–25 ºC.

The next step is transplanting the grown plant into individual pots. At this stage, the plant requires cooler air (18–20°C) and plenty of light—up to 16–18 hours a day. To compensate for the lack of daylight, fluorescent lamps are turned on in the evening. They should be positioned directly above the plant, at a distance of 15 cm.

Seedlings are fed every 10 days. Chicken manure or cow dung are used for this purpose. If neither is available, compost or humus can be used.

As the soil dries, water. It's best to use settled water at room temperature. Once the seedlings have grown, they should be taken outside daily, increasing the time each day. This will help the plant adapt more easily when transplanted to its permanent location. In regions with short summers, it's important to plant them in the ground on time, as every day counts. The growing season ends in mid-August. If you are late with planting the seeds, ripening will last until September.

Gardeners' reviews of Kiwi tomatoes note that the fruits are very soft, so they need to be picked carefully, otherwise they may become bruised, which can shorten their shelf life. In hot climates, tomatoes may develop a honey-colored hue. Redness indicates overripeness.

Overall, reviews of this strain are positive. People enjoy the unusual aroma and tropical flavor, which many find reminiscent of the exotic kiwi fruit.