Heatmaster Tomato Care : Culture de plants de tomates Heatmaster
One of the main reasons why tomatoes grown in warmer climates do not ripen is heat. While tomatoes need heat, too high temperatures can cause plant flowers to fail. The Heatmaster tomato is a variety specially developed for these hot climates. What is a Heatmaster tomato? It is a super grower that will develop an exceptional fruit crop even in areas where summers are sweltering.
What is a Heatmaster tomato?
Heatmaster tomatoes are determined hybrids. The plants reach a height of 0.91 to 1.2 m (3 to 4 feet). The tomatoes are oblong, medium to large in size, with firm flesh and thin skin. You can start picking the fruit in 75 days. The tomatoes produced are at their best when eaten fresh but also make a good sauce.
The Heatmaster is resistant to many common tomato diseases, including
- canker with alternating stems
- tomato mosaic virus
- Fusarium wilt
- verticillium wilt
- the grey leaf spot
- southern galls nematodes
Are Heatmasters good in the heat?
You want juicy tomatoes the size of a fist but you live in an area where temperatures are excessive in summer? Try Heatmaster tomatoes. These reliable, heat loving tomatoes keep well and have been developed for the high temperatures of the southeast. It is also one of the most disease resistant varieties, which makes caring for Heatmaster tomatoes very easy.
Fruit set is affected in tomatoes that are subjected to sustained temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C.) or higher. Even night temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C.) cause the flowers to fall off. And without flowers, there is no chance of pollination and fruit.
White mulch and shade cloths can help but are annoying and there is no guarantee. That’s why growing Heatmaster tomato plants in areas with such high temperatures can give southern gardeners their best chance of getting delicious ripe tomatoes. Studies show that the plant has a high yield when established in the spring for an early season crop. They also have a good yield in the fall.
In extremely hot regions, try growing Heatmaster tomato plants in a place with some shade for part of the day.
Heatmaster Tomato Care
These plants start well indoors from seeds. Wait for germination in 7 to 21 days. Plant the seedlings outside when they are big enough to be handled. They can be planted in large containers or in prepared, well-drained beds with plenty of organic matter incorporated.
Determine that the tomatoes reach their maximum size and then stop growing. Most fruits are at the end of the branches and ripen in one or two months.
Heatmaster tomatoes must be constantly moist. Water in the morning so that the leaves have a chance to dry quickly. An organic or plastic mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Watch out for tomato worms, slugs and pests. Most diseases are not worth mentioning, but early and late blight can be a problem.
