Characteristics and description of the tomato "Golden Heart"

The tomato with the characteristic name "Golden Heart" was bred by domestic breeders quite a long time ago - back in 2001, and since then has enjoyed constant popularity among gardeners.

This fame is well-deserved – the variety has proven itself to be excellent, and, in addition to its excellent taste, the tomatoes contain a lot of carotene, are hypoallergenic, and are ideal for dietary and even baby food.

Characteristics of the Golden Heart variety and its description

The bush is determinate, meaning it grows no more than 120 cm tall even in a greenhouse, and 50-80 cm outdoors. Fruits are produced in clusters of 3-7. Even when grown outdoors, the yield per bush is 2.5 kg, while in a greenhouse, by mid-summer, it can reach 7 kg per square meter, and with proper cultivation practices, even more.

As for the fruit's appearance, the name speaks for itself: the color is bright yellow-orange, and the characteristic, slightly elongated shape with a pointed tip resembles a heart. You can see them in the photographs.

The tomatoes grow to an average weight of 100-250 grams, with a sweet, delicious, fleshy flavor and small seed chambers. The skin is thick, which is also valuable – the fruits are resistant to cracking and have a good shelf life. They are slightly ribbed near the stem.

The variety is intended for fresh consumption, as the tomatoes are very tasty; small fruits are suitable for whole-fruit canning, while large ones are suitable for processing into winter preserves, juices, and tomato paste.

The variety is early maturing; the first fruits begin to ripen 85-90 days after germination.

Features of the variety, its disadvantages and advantages

The distinctive features of the variety are:

• ultra-early maturity, relative cold resistance and at the same time high productivity;
• drought resistance;
• delicious taste, high carotene content (up to 3.75 mg);
• the fruits are not watery, sweet, without acidity;
• decorative appearance;
• resistance to major diseases.

There are also some minor disadvantages:

• in high humidity it is prone to late blight, although less so than most yellow varieties;
• In a greenhouse, under very hot and humid conditions, the bush can stretch up to 2 meters, so in hot climates it is better to grow it outdoors.

Growing and caring for the Golden Heart tomato

The variety is quite unpretentious, but to increase the yield, you should still study the rules of agricultural technology.

Sowing and caring for seedlings

Sowing begins in March, according to the lunar calendar. This variety is very early maturing, so we count 50-60 days before planting in a greenhouse or open ground; otherwise, the seedlings will stretch and overgrow, delaying the harvest. Therefore, southern regions begin sowing in early March, while northern regions begin sowing in late or even early April.

The soil can be purchased, or it can be garden soil, mixed with peat, sand and humus for looseness and fertility (it is important to disinfect it in the oven or pour boiling water or potassium permanganate).

Soak the seeds in potassium permanganate for a few minutes, then treat with a growth stimulator.

Plant the seeds 1-2 cm deep. Cover with plastic wrap until the first shoots appear to prevent the soil from drying out. It's best to sow in a box so you can transplant them when they have two leaves (tomatoes tolerate this procedure well and are even beneficial).

Seedlings require bright light and long daylight hours. Temperatures should be between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius. In cloudy weather, additional lighting with lamps or reflective screens will help prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy.

Growing in a greenhouse and open ground

Tomatoes are planted in a permanent location after the threat of frost has passed, up to 4 per square meter. The bush is quite compact, which allows you to save space.

Like all tomatoes, 'Golden Heart' is frost-intolerant, but it can withstand short-term temperature drops. Therefore, it is recommended for growing in both warm and moderately cool climates.

Periodically, loosen the soil between the bushes and weed promptly. In hot climates (or simply during hot weather), mulching the soil is very effective.

Watering

Watering is necessary regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely, but also to prevent it from becoming waterlogged. Water no more than twice a week until abundant fruiting begins, then less frequently. Excess moisture leads to cracking and waterlogged fruit.

The water should not be cold and should be settled, otherwise the plant may shed its flowers due to shock.

Fertilizer

The first feeding with nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be done soon after picking.

When planting in a permanent place, add humus, ash, and a little superphosphate to each hole.

From the time the first fruits begin to set and throughout the season, 3-4 mineral fertilizer applications are carried out; this will prolong fruiting.

Pinching out side shoots and garter

Initially, the bush should be trained to contain 1-2 stems, with the remaining shoots removed. Staking is essential, especially once fruiting begins, to prevent the plant from falling over or breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Diseases and pests

The variety is very resistant to diseases, but basic rules must be followed:

• disinfect the soil, especially in the greenhouse (it is advisable to change it periodically);
• do not plant seedlings in beds where tomatoes, eggplants, peppers or potatoes were grown last season;
• Prevent diseases by periodically spraying the bushes with a solution of potassium permanganate and copper-containing preparations.

Pests also appear due to improper temperature and humidity conditions. These include spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. These pests can be controlled with safe, folk remedies (onion infusion or celandine decoction, ammonia solution, soapy water, etc.). If there are numerous pests and simple remedies haven't worked, insecticides can be used.

Harvesting and storage

Harvesting occurs throughout the summer as the fruits ripen; they ripen quickly in the garden. By autumn, green tomatoes can be picked and stored in boxes—they ripen beautifully. Even after ripening in these conditions and with prolonged storage, they retain their flavor.

Even novice gardeners can grow the "Golden Heart" tomato and still get a good harvest.

Reviews of the Golden Heart tomato

Most gardeners who have tried growing the Golden Heart tomato variety recommend it and give good reviews.

"Last season, I tried growing 'Golden Heart' for the first time. I was pleased – it produced fruit on par with my favorite varieties, and the fruit quickly turned yellow right in the greenhouse. Yellow varieties usually have thin skins and are prone to cracking, but I didn't notice this with 'Golden Heart'. I'll be planting more."

"I've been planting 'Golden Heart' periodically for several years. I like that it has a fairly compact bush, and the fruit sets and ripens evenly. I don't find the flavor to be very rich, but it's delicate, sweet, and not watery. In my opinion, this is one of the best varieties for those who enjoy the flavor of yellow or orange tomatoes."