After planting the seedlings in the greenhouse, you should decide on the question of what pattern to use to form the tomato bushes.
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Growing tomatoes
Determinate tomatoes
Each stepson formed on the plant turns into a new stem. When it grows enough, new stepsons begin to form from the axils of its leaves. Thus, if you do not pay attention to the bush, it will become overgrown with many stems on all sides, become excessively thick and produce minimal yield. This is not surprising, because the plant spends most of its energy not on the formation of fruits, but on maintaining the vital activity of numerous stems.
To prevent this from happening, the bushes are pruned regularly once a week. It is best to cut off the stepsons when their length reaches 5-7 cm.
There are basic schemes that most gardeners adhere to. The choice of each of them depends on the specific variety and size of the greenhouse. Typically, determinate tomatoes are formed into 2 and 3 stems, and indeterminate tomatoes - into 1 stem.
Features of variety determinants
Determinant in translation means “determinant”. That is, height is determined genetically. When the first cluster with inflorescences appears on the standard bushes, growth stops abruptly. This is very convenient when cultivating tomatoes in unprotected conditions.
Superdeterminant
They have unlimited, unbridled growth of the main stem. Recommended for greenhouse conditions. Grow under film or glass. They are the most productive. If large yields are needed, superdeterminants are chosen.
They bear fruit for a long time, throughout the season.
What are the signs:
- bush height 2-3 m;
- an abundance of fruiting clusters, which can reach up to 40-50 pieces;
- the first cluster is formed after 9-12 leaves;
- brushes are laid every next 3 leaves.
Fruiting begins after 106-135 days.
Semi-determinant
They have mixed characteristics.
They grow up to 1.5-2 m in height. They need a garter. They are grown in greenhouses and greenhouses.
In total, the bush forms 10-12 fruitful clusters. The first cluster with flowers appears after 7-8 leaves on the main trunk. On the side branches there are 3-5 leaves.
Determinate varieties
Suitable for open areas, characterized by rapid maturation. Fruiting is one-time - lasts from 1 to 3 weeks.
Popular varieties:
- Eagle beak,
- Max,
- Bourgeois,
- Sanka,
- Alpha.
Limited in growth. Reach 30-60 cm.
4-8 clusters are tied on the first bush for the first wave of growth. As soon as the tomatoes are formed on 2-3 clusters from the bottom, the tomatoes enter the 2nd wave of development. Fruiting clusters appear after 2-3 leaves.
They are divided into 2 types - short and medium-sized.
Standard varieties
These are usually the earliest tomatoes. Description:
- low shoot;
- wide strong stem;
- on 1 bush the number of clusters is within 3.
The optimal age for transplanting seedlings is 40-45 days.
Why grow tomatoes in open ground?
The growth and development of tomato plants under favorable weather conditions occurs very intensively. Already at the seedling stage, flower clusters begin to form, and new shoots (stepchildren) appear in the leaf axils. If they are not removed, they will soon turn into a new branch, in the axils of the leaves of which shoots of the next order will appear.
Depending on the varietal characteristics, such growth can be of varying intensity. If for some varieties uncontrolled shoot growth is not a problem, others will direct all their energy to the growth of green mass, to the detriment of the fruit harvest. In addition, dense bushes are poorly ventilated, which creates conditions for the development of various diseases.
Formation is agrotechnical measures (pinching, topping, removing leaves) aimed at artificially regulating the number and size of the vegetative organs of a tomato plant.
The main task of formation is to concentrate the internal potential of the plant for fruit set and ripening, that is, to increase productivity.
Schemes for formation
There are certain features depending on the cultivation conditions. Schemes for the formation of low-growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, which are used:
- in 3 shoots;
- with transfer of the growth point to the side shoot.
When forming a bush in open ground, lead to 1 trunk.
Formation into one stem
Used for determinants and the formation of semi-determinate tomatoes. There are several options for execution.
Classic way
Features of the technology (Figure A):
- 1 main shoot with tassels remains;
- pinch all side shoots.
Effectively used on the threshold of autumn cold snaps. Allows you to speed up ripening as much as possible and collect the remaining harvest.
This is the most suitable formation of a determinate tomato bush in open ground.
Scheme with partial removal of stepsons
From 2 to 5 side shoots are left on the main shoot (Figure B). When the tomatoes begin to set in fruitful clusters, pinch off the side stems.
Stepwise formation of tomato bushes
A convenient option for the formation of determinate tomatoes in a greenhouse and semi-determinants (Figure B).
Pruning is carried out regularly - once every 7-10 days until the end of the growing season.
There should be 1 side shoot left on the main stem. As soon as the harvest begins, the main trunk is pruned.
Formation of tomatoes into 2 and 3 stems
The scheme for pinching bushes in a greenhouse using this method is effective on medium-sized lines.
Nuances of the implementation:
- remove certain stepsons - always 2-3 lower ones and then remove weak stems to the top;
- select and leave 1-2 strong side stems.
It is the side shoots that will give maximum vegetative growth and yields.
Formation of superdeterminate and standard varieties
The point of the procedure is to cut off the lowest leaves. The bushes are freed from excess green biomass and devote all their energy to the formation of ovaries and ripening of the crop.
Growing and care includes:
- stepsoning;
- conducting in 2-3 barrels;
- mulching;
- feeding;
- watering;
- disease prevention.
Forming tomatoes into 2 stems
With this approach, in addition to the main stem, the very first stepson, which is formed at the very first lower flower raceme (located under the first inflorescence), is given the opportunity to develop.
This shoot is stronger than the others, it will develop quickly and actively and produce the same abundant harvest as the main stem. All other stepsons are removed so that they do not distract the plant’s forces.
It is also important to monitor the formation of ovaries. After 6-8 inflorescences, the growth point (highlighted in the figure with a red cross) is pinched.
You can start forming bushes with 2 stems even easier. To do this, simply pinch the top of the seedling's main stem above the second true leaf. As a result of this manipulation, 2 shoots will begin to develop from the axils of leaves 1 and 2, which will subsequently become two main stems. The plant tolerates this method much easier.
Basic principles
Is it necessary to plant standard varieties of tomatoes? If the description indicates that a procedure is necessary, it must be performed.
Stepsoning
How to correctly step-son:
- leave the main 1 trunk;
- remove the lateral stepsons in the sinuses;
- The stumps are left no more than 2 cm.
The procedure is carried out in the morning. Use gloves. Disinfect scissors with 1% potassium permanganate.
Pinching in open ground is carried out in 1 stem according to the classical scheme.
Topping
The manipulation is performed from morning until 7-8 o'clock. The brush is removed on the main and side trunks. It is important to leave 2 free leaves from the ovary.
Then they lead the bush into 1 stem. The procedure may be necessary at the end of the growing season.
Removing leaves
Remove no more than 1-2 lower leaves weekly. Performed together with stepsoning. The procedure eliminates thickening and serves as a prevention of late blight. This is done very carefully so as not to damage the delicate skin.
Growing determinate tomatoes: formation and pinching
The formation of tomato plants affects the yield and the timing of its ripening. Therefore, pinching of plants is used, that is, excess axillary shoots are removed, and in some cases, the growing point on the stem is pinched. The purpose of such agrotechnical techniques is to switch plastic substances to the growth and ripening of set fruits.
Tomato shoots appear from each leaf axil - from the place where the leaf leaves the stem. Stepchildren begin to form after the formation of 1-2 inflorescences. To make it easier for you to identify stepchildren, consider the following photo:
Each stepson gives rise to a new stem. In turn, when the stepson grows enough, stepsons also grow from the axils of its leaves. And if you do not shape the plants, the bush will grow new stems and thicken, which will significantly delay the ripening period of the fruits. Therefore, regularly, every week, the plants are pruned. Stepchildren are picked when they reach 5-7 cm. But determinate tomatoes are sometimes formed into 2 or 3 stems, and the most popular is the two-stem form, which we form in two ways.
Names and photos of the best determinate varieties
The review offers varieties and hybrid forms of tomatoes that have successfully shown themselves in various regions of the country.
Determinant
- Gazpacho
An interesting variety, bred by breeders, is distinguished by disease resistance and productivity. The bush grows up to 40 cm, no pinching is required.
Ripening time – 117-120 days (mid-ripening variety). The fruits are cylindrical in shape, with very dense flesh of a rich red color. Used for all types of preservation.
- Iceberg
An ideal variety for growing in risky farming regions. Early, productive, with very tasty fruits.
Plants up to 60-70 cm high, red tomatoes, weighing up to 200 grams.
Value of the variety: does not require pinching, sets excellent fruit even in the cool summer season.
- Demidov
This tomato grows to approximately 70 cm, the first tomatoes can be harvested in 105-107 days.
The fruits are large, weighing up to 200 grams, and have a beautiful crimson color. The shape is round, with slightly visible ribbing. The taste is very high.
- Carrot
From this early tomato you can remove up to 8-9 kg of fruit (from one bush). Ripening time is 100 days.
The bush grows up to 60 cm, the leaves are very similar to carrots, which is why the tomato got its name. The fruits are flat-round, weighing up to 220 grams, bright red.
Used for salads.
- Russian ditties
If you want to grow large-fruited tomatoes, we recommend a new product - the Russian Chastooshka variety. Mid-season tomato, the plant reaches approximately 100 cm.
Productivity is high, while Russian chastushki are characterized by good resistance to adverse weather conditions and diseases.
The fruits are large, bright red, weighing from 300 to 450 grams, and have many chambers inside. The pulp is fleshy and juicy. They are used mainly fresh, also suitable for juices and lecho.
- Doll Masha
An early large-fruited hybrid is distinguished by very abundant fruiting.
Ripening time is 95 days. The plant reaches 80 cm in height in the greenhouse and needs support and pinching. The tomatoes are round, smooth, weighing 180-200 grams, with good tomato taste.
The hybrid Doll Masha is included in the State Register and is recommended for cultivation in open ground (middle zone).
- Polbig F1
The Polbig tomato hybrid is highly resistant to adverse weather conditions.
It was bred in Holland and is recommended for growing in beds or in a greenhouse. The fruits are very dense, weighing 170-200 grams, and are bright red in color when fully ripe.
The productive and tasty tomato is included in the State Register and has received positive reviews from many gardeners.
Not affected by late blight (due to early ripening).
Also such varieties as Velmozha and Vesna Severa F1 have proven themselves to be excellent.
Superdeterminate tomatoes
- Severenok F1
A very productive hybrid that begins to produce a harvest after 85 days. The bush is low, up to 60 cm. The variety requires partial removal of stepsons, as well as a garter.
The fruits are flat-round, weighing up to 140 grams, fleshy. These tomatoes have good shelf life, do not crack, and are suitable for transportation.
- Pumpkin F1
An early hybrid will produce delicious tomatoes in 90 days. The variety is early, productive, and can be grown on ridges or in greenhouses.
Height – 70 cm, supports and garter are needed.
It is advisable to form two stems.
The fruits are round, glossy, and have a beautiful bright red color. The weight of tomatoes is up to 150 grams, the taste is excellent.
From one square meter of plantings you can collect up to 10 kg of fruit.
- Agatha
A fairly well-known variety (detailed description here), which is famous for its productivity and ease of care.
The bush reaches a height of 60-70 cm and does not require pinching. The tomatoes are tasty, weighing up to 120 grams, red in color. Use: salads, processing into tomato products.
- Sakhalin
Another early tomato, which is distinguished by very abundant and long-lasting fruiting. Ripening time is 100-110 days.
The height of the plant is no more than half a meter.
The fruits are round, very dense, red in color. Weight of tomatoes – up to 100 grams.
Value of the variety: high yield, excellent shelf life (up to 60 days), suitability for transportation.
Semi-determinate tomatoes
- Merchant F1
Hybrid of medium ripening, productive, long-lasting. The bush grows up to 100-120 cm. It grows well on ridges and in greenhouses.
The fruits weigh up to 160 grams, are fleshy, juicy, and red when ripe. Productivity is up to 14-16 kg of fruits per square meter.
- Gravity F1
A determinate tomato variety of Dutch selection, characterized by early (85 days) ripening and excellent productivity. The fruits are round, red, weighing up to 200 grams.
A bush of generative type, height – 100-110 cm. Tomatoes are suitable for transportation over long distances.
- Eagle beak
A tall tomato (in a greenhouse the height is about 2 meters), productive and mid-season. The fruits are heart-shaped and weigh 400-500 grams. The color of the skin is bright pink. The pulp is very fleshy, sugary, the taste is excellent.
The fruits are used for juices, salads, and sauces. Productivity indicators are up to 13-14 kg per square meter (read a detailed description here).
- Banana legs
Tomatoes of the Banana Legs variety are suitable for preservation - elongated “cream” tomatoes of a beautiful yellow color.
The bushes of this tomato plant grow no more than a meter and are easy to care for. The weight of the fruit is 70-80 grams, the taste is good.
Features of the variety: high yield, disease resistance, fruits have a characteristic citrus note in taste.
What is tomato pinching?
Abundant nutrition of tomato plants causes increased branching of side shoots. Greens thicken the planting of tomatoes, which contributes to the appearance of fungal and other diseases. A large number of small fruits are formed. To prevent this from happening, gardeners use a technique called bush formation or pinching.
Pinching is the removal of excess shoots at a certain age.
The technique helps to balance the ratio of the green mass of plants with the amount of the emerging crop. Sometimes, to obtain large fruits, individual flowers or the entire flower cluster are removed.
Stepchildren are located in the axil of the leaf located on the main stem. In nature, the plant thus fights for survival; when grown in culture, the plant does not always need stepsons and must be removed.
Features of determinate tomatoes
Having decided to grow determinate varieties of tomatoes on your plot, you need to understand that they are all divided into several types in accordance with the characteristics of agricultural technology. Thus, experts identify the following types of determinate tomatoes:
Superdeterminate varieties
This plant type includes low-growing tomato varieties. Superdeterminate tomatoes form bushes no more than 70 cm high. Stepchildren form on them in small quantities. When 3-4 inflorescences appear, the main shoot stops growing. The advantage of such varieties is the rapid ripening of the fruits, however, the yield of the crop is relatively low and already in the middle of summer such plants can only serve as decoration for the plot, but not as a source of fresh vegetables.
When growing superdeterminate tomatoes, no special care is required from the farmer. The resulting stepchildren do not develop quickly enough, so they do not need to be removed at all. There is also no need to pinch the bushes, since they stop growing on their own early. In the process of caring for plants, a gardener can only speed up the fruiting process by removing the lower leaves of the plant. It is rational to use this method of forming superdeterminant bushes when growing crops in a greenhouse in early spring. In this case, it will be possible to obtain the first harvest of vegetables quite early and already at the beginning of summer the greenhouse will be freed up for new crops.
Among the super-determinate varieties of tomatoes, the most famous are “Naples”, “Junior”, “Malyshok”.
Semi-determinate tomatoes
The category of semi-determinate tomatoes includes tomatoes, the bushes of which can reach a height of 1.5 m. These plants are also characterized by independent growth arrest, however, in some cases this symptom does not appear.
Semi-determinate tomatoes on a long main stem are capable of forming ovaries in large quantities, resulting in high productivity of the crop as a whole. However, in favorable greenhouse conditions, the growing season of plants can last quite a long time and the time for independent growth of a tomato bush may not be enough to obtain the maximum amount of harvest. That is why, in greenhouse conditions, it is recommended to form semi-determinate tomatoes into one stem in a stepwise manner or into two full stems.
In open ground conditions, the growing season of crop growth is limited by atmospheric temperature indicators, therefore, when growing semi-determinate tomatoes, the formation of one fruit-bearing main stem is quite sufficient. To speed up harvesting in unprotected conditions, bushes are pinched as autumn approaches.
Among the most famous semi-determinate tomato varieties are Ox Heart, Red Arrow and some others.
Determinate varieties
Varieties of ordinary determinate tomatoes are distinguished by high fertility, which can only be achieved with a competent approach to the formation of a bush. Tomatoes of the determinate type are considered medium-sized. Their height can reach 1.5 m. Such tomatoes can be grown effectively both in open and protected areas of the ground. When forming them, you can use several different formation schemes, but the most productive is the method with two or three stems. Visual diagrams of the formation of tomato bushes according to this principle can be seen in the picture below.
Standard varieties
Standard varieties of tomatoes are distinguished by a very compact bush, which not only completes its growth on its own, but also regulates the number and branching of the resulting stepsons. Caring for such tomatoes is very simple by providing regular watering and fertilizing.
Thus, special attention should be paid to the formation of bushes when growing determinate and semi-determinate type tomatoes. To do this, depending on growing conditions and personal preferences, the farmer can choose one of the proposed schemes below. There is no need to form standard and super-determinate tomatoes at all, since their agrotechnical qualities do not allow them to grow much. Growing such tomatoes can be an excellent option for beginners and especially busy gardeners.
