Characteristics and features of growing the Golden Rain tomato

The popularity of the Golden Rain tomato among gardeners is due to the opportunity to obtain a real abundance of bright yellow berries with an elegant shape and a soft, sweet taste from just a few bushes.

It is recommended to grow such tomatoes in unheated greenhouses or in open ground.

Characteristics of the variety

The fruit ripening process takes approximately 90-110 days. The average weight of a ripe tomato is approximately 15-30 grams. This variety is indeterminate (unlimited in growth and fruiting), allowing bushes to reach 1.5-1.8 meters in height, depending on growing conditions. This mid-season tomato variety allows for the first harvest to be harvested 135-140 days after the first shoots emerge. From planting the seedlings to the first ripe fruits, it typically takes approximately 80 days.

The bushes' leaves are medium-sized and bright green. The clusters have a complex structure and are prone to overloading with fruit. With proper cultivation and care, you can harvest approximately 3.5 kg of tomatoes per square meter. An important characteristic of this variety is its increased sensitivity to humidity. Tomatoes are best grown in sandy loam or loamy soil.

Description of fruits

The tomatoes are teardrop-shaped, thickening toward the bottom. The berries are light yellow. The maximum weight of a single fruit is 30 g. The internal flesh is quite fleshy and juicy, with a sweet flavor. The ripening process on a single bunch occurs gradually, and the berries separate from the stem very easily. The skin is quite dense but not rough, making them suitable for both fresh eating and canning for the winter (the tomatoes do not crack when cooked). When used in sauces and pastes, the dish acquires a sweet taste and an unexpectedly vibrant color.

Growing recommendations

An abundance of bright, delicious tomatoes depends entirely on proper cultivation and care. If growing from seeds, sowing is recommended in mid-March. The seed container should be kept in a room with a temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius and humidity no higher than 65%. The seedlings should be illuminated daily for 14 to 18 hours. The seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location in the second ten days of May or after prolonged night frosts have passed.

When planting bushes in open ground or greenhouses, maintain a distance of 60 cm between bushes and approximately 70 cm between rows. To strengthen the root system, it is recommended to add double superphosphate or another mineral complex to the soil during planting. Protect the soil from drying out by covering the root system with straw, grass, or any other dark, non-woven material.

If tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse, the humidity level should be no more than 60%. Overheating can cause pollen sterilization, which prevents fruit from appearing and ripening. Soil moisture should be moderate to ensure the root system receives the necessary oxygen, so water the plants only after the soil has completely dried out.

Peculiarities of soil preparation

The soil for planting should be healthy and fertilized. The best choice is soil where cabbage, turnips, or legumes were previously grown. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes in areas previously occupied by potatoes or peppers.

When growing tomatoes in greenhouses, it is recommended to first cultivate the soil with green manure by planting oats, rye, or peas, which will improve the soil's ability to fight off pathogenic fungi and microbes.

Pests and diseases

This tomato variety's well-balanced flavor and high yield come at the expense of its finicky growing conditions. This is particularly true for its vulnerability to blackleg and late blight. For effective protection, it's essential to maintain optimal air humidity (high humidity is the best environment for microbial growth). Preventative treatments can also include using a soda-based solution sprayed on the bushes 10-15 days after planting, or a two-day garlic infusion. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (200 ml per 10 liters of water) can be used as an alternative.

Principles of use

Their thick skin doesn't crack even at high temperatures, making them ideal for canning. The fruit itself is very beneficial for the diet, as it contains myocin, a substance that helps strengthen blood vessel walls. Tomatoes also contain vitamin A, which helps purify the blood and enhances the body's elimination of harmful substances. Bright yellow tomatoes are often a boon for those allergic to red fruits and vegetables.

Reviews

Ekaterina, 42 years old

When growing this tomato variety in a greenhouse, it's crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid waterlogging. The plants tolerate short-term drought better than waterlogged soil, especially if there's a risk of late blight or other fungal diseases. A solution of potassium permanganate, in which the root system is dipped before planting, can help prevent blackleg. Avoid using unrotted compost as fertilizer, as it most often harbors fungal spores. Ash can be added to the soil to reduce soil acidity.