Description of the Torbay tomato variety, its characteristics and yield

The Torbay F1 tomato is a new variety developed by Dutch breeders. However, its popularity among Russian gardeners is steadily growing, thanks to its appetizing appearance and incomparable taste. Since the variety is less than 10 years old, it's worth discussing proper cultivation and care.

Description

This crop is a mid-early variety, with a ripening period of 100–110 days.

Characteristics of Torbay tomatoes:

• high yield;
• compact bushes (not exceeding 100 cm);
• can be grown in a variety of ways;
• average fruit weight is 180 g;
• bright pink color of tomatoes;
• sweetish taste;
• high yield (up to 6 kg from 1 bush).

Thanks to their dense structure, tomatoes withstand transportation well. Consequently, they can be grown for industrial purposes.

Growing

Although there are various growing methods for the Torbay F1 variety, gardeners' reviews indicate that the best results are achieved in open ground. This is especially true for those living in southern regions. In temperate climates, a simple plastic cover is preferred. This ensures maximum yields. Northern regions can only grow the crop in well-heated greenhouses.

Seed trays and soil are prepared in the fall. Sowing occurs in March. The seeding depth is 1.5 cm, and the optimal temperature is at least 20 degrees Celsius. Before planting outdoors, the seedlings are hardened off.

It's important to wait until the last possible night frost has passed. It's best to plant seedlings a little later than the stated time, but still preserve the harvest.

Plants are planted in open ground with a lump of soil. Superphosphate (approximately 10 g) is added to the soil.

Although the Torbay variety is low-growing, the bushes require staking. This will prevent the tomatoes from lying on the ground and the stems from breaking under the canopy of the harvest. Staking can be done either at planting or after the plants have reached full height.

At the initial stage, tomatoes require additional feeding. Therefore, it's important to ensure the seedlings receive potassium and phosphorus. Later, they switch to organic fertilizers.

Care

Regarding the specifics of caring for Torbay tomatoes, gardeners' reviews indicate that the variety responds well to attention.

To do this, you should follow these recommendations:

• when the stepsons grow to 6–8 cm, they are immediately removed;
• one watering per week will speed up growth and at the same time will not harm the crop;
• After watering, the soil under the bushes is loosened or mulched with hay or straw;
• Before the fruits appear, tomatoes are fed with borofoska or ammonium nitrate (preferably at least twice).

Please note! Tomatoes require ample watering. The soil should be thoroughly moistened.

Most gardeners successfully use mulching instead of cultivating the soil. This method not only prevents weed growth but also maintains a cool soil temperature even in hot weather.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive features of the Torbay F1 variety are as follows:

• Tomatoes are resistant to many pests and diseases;
• Unlike other varieties, Torbay can be stored for up to 3 weeks;
• high yield (with proper care, gardeners can grow up to 6 kg of delicious fruits from one bush);
• simultaneous ripening of fruits (the harvesting process does not stretch out over weeks, as is the case with many tomato varieties);
• dense structure, which allows tomatoes to be transported over long distances;
• excellent taste.

The variety's description leaves no doubt that it deserves gardeners' attention. However, like other vegetable crops, tomatoes have some drawbacks.

The plants are characterized by short, yet spreading stems, requiring support. This requires additional care. The variety also requires periodic fertilizing and loosening of the soil; without these, the tomato yield will be low.

Pests and diseases

The Torbay tomato variety is disease-resistant. Preventative measures are sufficient. These include regular watering, weeding, and timely fertilizing.

The only disease that can affect the Dutch variety is black leg. Since this disease is resistant to various drugs and substances, the only way to get rid of it is to uproot and destroy the affected bush. The area around the affected bush is treated with fungicides.

Torbay F1, grown in greenhouses, can be affected by whiteflies. To control the pest, dilute 1 ml of Confidor in 10 liters of water and spray the bushes.

To treat spider mites, tomatoes are treated with a soapy solution. This method is also effective against aphids.

In southern regions, tomatoes are often attacked by the Colorado potato beetle. After removing the pests by hand, the plants can be sprayed with Prestige.

Harvesting and storage

As mentioned earlier, tomatoes of this variety can be stored for up to three weeks. If you pick unripe tomatoes and store them in a dry, bright place, the shelf life will be significantly extended. However, it's important to ensure that there are no damaged or damp tomatoes among the tomatoes. This storage method is more suitable for tomatoes grown outdoors. Experience shows that unripe tomatoes picked from a greenhouse ripen less quickly.

If tomatoes are picked with the stems down, they should be stored with the stems facing down. The stem ends should not damage adjacent tomatoes. The first ripe tomatoes should be removed promptly, and new ones should be placed in their place to ripen. It is recommended that the total weight of tomatoes stored in a box or other container not exceed 10 kg. Otherwise, the lower tomatoes will be subject to pressure and damage.

Gardeners' reviews

Mikhail, 46 years old, Balashikha:

"Last year I planted Torbay tomatoes. Two packs yielded a good harvest. Enough to eat and preserve for the winter. This year I decided to try a red domestic variety, but it's not quite the same. It's a bit sour, and the fleshiness isn't quite right. Pink tomatoes are tastier and sweeter than red ones, after all."

Oksana, 39 years old, Vidnoe:

"Seeds are quite difficult to come by, but worth the effort. I don't remember other tomatoes storing as well as Torbay. The description says three weeks, but I've had them in the fridge for months, and their flavor and appearance haven't deteriorated at all. I've already stocked up on seeds for next season."

Anatoly, 35 years old, Korolev:

"Last year, we tried the Torbay variety for commercial cultivation for the first time. In my opinion, it's impossible to find a better option. These tomatoes have a long shelf life and can withstand transportation over any distance. Not a single fruit spoiled during the entire growing season, and the weight was perfect. Some tomatoes reached up to 200 grams. An excellent choice for commercial cultivation."