Characteristics and description of the tomato "Aunt Gertie's Gold"

The Aunt Gertie's Gold tomato is suitable for fresh consumption and doesn't have a particularly good shelf life (about a week after picking). It's popular among gardeners thanks to its large, fleshy, bright yellow fruits.

Characteristics of the variety

This tomato variety is indeterminate, meaning it has no growth restrictions and produces fruit for a long time. Each fruit averages 300-500 grams, making it highly prized by gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. If your garden is located in the shade or the region has a cooler climate, greenhouses are a better choice. The bushes can reach 1.8-2.1 meters in height. The stems themselves are quite strong and stable, but require additional support during growth and ripening. This variety is considered a mid-late ripening variety.

The bushes' leaves are large and resemble potato leaves. They protect the root system from drying out during prolonged periods without watering or rainfall.

Fruit characteristics

Ripe tomatoes are distinguished by their vibrant yellow or orange color, flattened shape, and balanced, sweet flavor with a slight melon aroma. Large tomatoes are ideal for fresh salads and can also be used as an ingredient in juices or sauces.

Tomatoes are suitable for preparing baby food, as well as for diets.

Productivity

This variety is characterized by increased yield if side-shoots are removed promptly during cultivation, leaving only 1-2 main stems on the bush. A single bush can yield up to 6-9 brightly colored fruits.

Agricultural technology

If growing this tomato variety by sowing seeds, it's best to do so in the second half of February or early March. The soil for the seedlings should be moist, loose, and fertilized, such as with leaf mold. Plant the seeds at a depth of no more than 1.5 cm. The distance between the holes should be approximately 2 cm. Store the container with the soil in a well-lit area with an air temperature of at least 12-15 degrees Celsius.

To maintain soil moisture, it is recommended to cover the container with glass or transparent film. The seeds require daily ventilation (at least 30 minutes). As soon as sprouts begin to emerge, the top cover is completely removed. Maintaining soil moisture and warmth in the room is crucial. The seedlings are ready for planting when they reach a height of at least 15–20 cm.

Seedlings are planted outdoors only after the soil warms to 10°C (50°F) and the air temperature remains above 15°C (minimal risk of night frosts). This typically occurs in the second half of May.

Care Features

Since the bushes grow quite tall and require additional support, it is recommended to plant seedlings at a rate of no more than four bushes per square meter. After heavy rains, it is crucial to loosen the soil. A few weeks after planting, hilling is essential. Any emerging side shoots should be immediately pinched off (side-sonning), allowing the main stems to receive maximum nutrients and thus produce a good harvest.

If the site itself is prone to infestation by various fungi and microbes, the root zone of tomato plants must be treated with protective agents. For example, blossom-end rot can be prevented by spraying the leaves with a calcium nitrate solution or adding wood ash to the planting hole itself. Rot, which appears as a gray coating, is typical of damp and cool greenhouses. To prevent it, it is necessary to establish an optimal air temperature for growing seedlings, as well as adequate ventilation. If leaf curling is not due to prolonged drought or excessively high temperatures, the root zone should be fertilized with mineral complexes containing primarily copper.

Growing tomatoes in highly acidic soils is not recommended. Bushes grown in soils with a predominantly sandy or clayey composition will have a changed flavor and lower yields. Fertilizing the soil in the fall with organic humus and careful tilling of the entire plot is recommended. If seedlings are planted in the second half of May, the first bright, ripe fruits will be available as early as August.

Advantages and disadvantages

The choice in favor of this variety can be justified by:

• incredibly sweet, rich fruit flavor;
• beautiful bright color;
• balanced juiciness of the pulp;
• long fruiting period.

However, there are also several disadvantages:

• the fruits are only suitable for fresh consumption and after picking they retain their quality for no more than a week;
• the bushes require maintaining soil moisture and can die from unexpected frosts;
• insufficient lighting of the area affects the yield and size of the fruits;
• Plants require additional protection from insect pests.

Reviews

Alexander, 62 years old

I've been growing this variety for two years now. I really like the sweet melon flavor and vibrant color, which makes it perfect for feeding even to children. I've tried growing it in two and three stems, but the former yielded more. Growing it outdoors is very risky, as it's extremely heat-loving. It's best to grow it in a greenhouse with regular watering. It takes a while to see the first fruits, as it's a mid-season variety, but the taste is worth it.

Valentina, 39 years old

To successfully grow tomatoes, it's essential to use healthy, clean, fertilized soil. One greenhouse pest is spider mites, which are indicated by small spots on the leaves, and the leaves themselves turning yellowish-white. The biological product "Actofit" has proven effective in controlling them, but removing the plastic covering is also a good idea.