Ampel plant varieties are gaining great popularity. This is due to the convenience in caring for them and a very spectacular appearance. Ampel tomatoes not so long ago began to fill the Russian market. In addition to the decorative function, these plants bring a good harvest despite the relatively small size of the fruit.
What are ampelous tomatoes and their features
The concept itself was originally related to decorative flowers: Petunias, Begonias and others. Ampels (so-called ampelous plants are usually called) are grown in flowerpots, hanging planters. They can be planted in baskets, it all depends on the creativity of the gardener.
Ampel Tomatoes
What are ampelous tomatoes, how do they differ from other tomatoes
We are talking about tomatoes that look like growing down lianas. They are quite bushy. The flowers look like ordinary single erect tomatoes.
The ampel tomato is relatively small in size. Reminds fruits of plums or grapes.
During flowering, the tomato has a very decorative appearance. Yellowish white flowers are very numerous. But during fruiting it is even more spectacular. The abundance of small tomatoes on one bush gives a very attractive and mouth-watering look. After all, these tomatoes can and should be eaten.
Varieties of tomatoes that can be grown as ampelous
Today it has been proven that growing ampelous tomatoes is possible only from ampelic varieties. That is, they cannot be obtained from other non-determinants.
Important!No tricks will make indeterminant (unlimitedly high) into lianopod ampels.
Contrary to the false opinion, beautiful hanging or creeping tomatoes are obtained from the seeds of ampelous tomatoes.
The benefits of ampoule tomatoes
Amps have undeniable advantages over ordinary tomatoes, despite minor flaws.
Firstly, the yield is much less than single bushes. But at the same time, with proper care from one plant, you can collect more than one crop.
The second important property is the lack of contact with open ground. Ampels grow from the ground in a pot or basket, and hang in the air. Therefore, the risk of "getting sick" from the soil, being infected with fungi or other pathogens is extremely low. Contact with atmospheric air is also minimized, if desired by the grower. Thus, almost greenhouse conditions can be achieved.
Tomato ampel varieties give a decorative look to any landscape. It can be a miniature flowerpot with small grape-like fruits. At the same time, it is quite possible to grow a huge bush even in the country, at least in the apartment, or hang a loggia, a balcony, a veranda with them.
The features of ampel biology are very important:
- Feel good in drafts;
- do not stretch, their growth is determined;
- no contact with open soil (see above);
- do not require a high degree of illumination, therefore they survive even in the shade;
- resistant to many diseases;
- unusual taste characteristics.
Note! All this recently makes ampels popular among other varieties of tomatoes.
The most popular varieties of ampel tomatoes
Despite the low availability of ampel seeds, already among plant growers you can find popular varieties. About them in order below.
Tomato ampel Yellow Tom
It is a highly decorative representative of the nightshade family. Their growth is limited, therefore, tomato ampel varieties Yellow Tom (Tom Yellow) are considered deterministic. The fruits are slightly larger than the cherry, in the inflorescence of flowers there are many, respectively, fruits too. Sometimes the variety is called Tom Tumbling (somersault).
Yellow Tom Fruits
Tomatoes ripen in June, that is, an early ripe variety. They do not need formation and pinching. But to plant seed for seedlings should be a month before planting the plant in a permanent place. An advantageous property is that Yellow Tom can grow both as an ampel in a pot and as an ordinary single bush. But in this case it is better to have support.
Tomato ampelous Tiger d11
The name of this variety of ampoules among tomatoes received due to its unusually color. It is striped: a strip of red is replaced by orange or yellow various variations. Therefore, outwardly resembles the color of the skin of a tiger. The pulp at the break also has some mottling, striping, heterogeneity in color.
The tiger variety of ampels amazes with its external beauty
Note! Planting varieties Tiger d11 is no different from other varieties of tomatoes. Tomatoes also ripen early, which is also characteristic of other ampels.
Shoots are low and deterministic. The height hardly reaches 20 cm. A lot of brushes are formed.
The shape of the tiger fruit is round or semi-oval. The pulp is juicy. The peel is quite firm, not prone to cracking.
Ampoule Tomato Yellow Miracle
Like other ampel representatives, this is a determinant tomato. Height does not exceed half a meter. If you grow it like a vine, it is better to tie it to a support, otherwise the trunk may break under its own weight.
Pasynkovka, nipping is not required. The stem is branched and bushy in itself. There are quite a few leaves on one plant. This is the most typical description of a variety.
You can get ripe tomatoes almost until late autumn, if you properly care for them. The color of tomatoes "yellow miracle" varies from light yellowish, beige, to bright orange.
Ampoule cherry tomato
The most popular sort of ampel. Famous for its small beautiful fruits. They are widely used in decorating, table setting. In addition, cherry tomatoes are extremely tasty. Small fruits similar to cherries can easily and conveniently be pickled, salted and canned.
Cherry Tomatoes
Color can be completely different. From greenish to brown varieties. According to the characteristics it does not differ from other ampel varieties.
Amp Tomatoes Rowan Beads
Outwardly, these are rounded or oval fruits with a dense texture. Rowan beads still owe their name to the color and the characteristics of flowering and fruiting. On one brush there are a lot of fruits, small in size. The color is usually bright red.
Representatives of the variety Rowan beads
One of the few varieties that can be grown in balcony conditions or on the veranda. To do this, you should carefully consider the formation of a mixture for the soil. Its composition should include sand and humus, as well as ash and ordinary earth from the garden. The remaining care rules are no different from other ampelous tomatoes.
Grade selection
It is necessary to proceed from goals and opportunities. If there is no experience in growing ampels, then it is better to start with simple and unpretentious varieties. Like, for example, the Talisman or Cherry.
It is better to grow low branchy bushes on the balcony at home. Rowan beads and well-known Cherry are well suited.
Note! You should always pay attention to the growing conditions, the requirements reflected on the label of the seeds in order to get a good crop or a beautiful plant.
What experienced gardeners say: reviews about ampel tomatoes
What amateur gardeners say:
Irina S., 52g., Saratov: “I have been planting ampels in the country for several years. I like it very much. It’s troublesome, but worth it. They have mastered the balcony for this season. They have beautiful blooms, many inflorescences. I’m waiting for the first decorative Cherry.”
Sergey K., 49 years old, Sergiev Posad: “I tried to cultivate ordinary bush tomatoes as ampels, I didn’t succeed. Two years ago the“ Yellow Tom ”ampels grow on the veranda. As expected, it tasted better, but tasted good pickling. But pickling, pickling - that’s it! "
If the seeds of plants are purchased in special stores, and not through the Internet and not from the “hands”, the chances of luck are great. Otherwise, you can fall for fakes.
