A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Planting Methods of the Tree Tomato

The tree tomato, also known as the woody tree tomato, is an evergreen shrub that generally bears fruit in the same year it is planted and can keep producing for 20 years. So what are its cultivation techniques? Let's find out together below.

Cultivation techniques of the tree tomato

1. Seed selection

Choose varieties that are resistant to diseases such as tobacco mosaic virus, leaf mold and bacterial wilt, have thicker fruit skins, store well, can tolerate a certain high solution temperature (27-29°C), color brightly, and produce fruit of uniform size on the same fruit cluster. Examples include France Red Prince 1801 and 1802, Japan Weiwei, Rainbow 101 and so on.

2. Sowing and raising seedlings

Although the tree tomato can be sown in all four seasons, sowing in spring and autumn is best. Among these, spring sowing and seedling raising is carried out at the end of November and the beginning of December; autumn sowing and seedling raising is carried out from the end of June to the beginning of July. First treat the seeds to promote germination, then sow the germinated seeds in seedling pots or plug trays filled with a pure vermiculite medium, cover with about 1 cm of vermiculite, and at the same time cover with a layer of plastic film to maintain humidity. After the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic film and continue with care.

3. Planting out

When the plant height reaches 30-120 cm, it is a suitable time for planting out (it can be planted out once it has 5-6 true leaves). When the growing trough is fully prepared, early planting out is preferable. When planting out, set the plant in the center of the growing trough, planting 1 plant per trough, damaging the roots as little as possible, with a depth such that the surface of the seedling block is 5 cm below the surface of the growing trough. After planting out, immediately water thoroughly with nutrient solution; the planting density is determined according to on-site conditions.

4. Field management

For pruning, the multi-stem pruning method can be used; select strong lower branches and remove branches and vines that are too dense, or whose leaves are aged, yellowed or have diseased spots; and when the plant's horizontal spread on the growing frame reaches 3-4 m and the number of growing points exceeds 200, begin to retain flowers and fruit. For fertilizing, apply foliar fertilizer once every 7-10 days. Where conditions permit, carbon dioxide can also be added. Finally, targeted prevention and control of pests and diseases such as leaf mold, bacterial wilt, whitefly and mites is needed.

During the cultivation of the tree tomato, conditions such as light, temperature and humidity must also be strictly controlled, so that the tree tomato grown will be better.