What you will not meet in the summer gardens: zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants, even peanuts were gradually grown. And recently, in many cottages and gardens appeared "bananas". This name has the tomato variety "red banana". This variety, although it appeared only a few years ago, is steadily gaining popularity. However, is he as good as they say about him?
Red Banana Tomatoes
This tomato variety has recently appeared in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries. “Banana Red" is a tomato variety specially developed by scientists , intended for cultivation in central Russia, as well as in Moldova and Ukraine. It grows quite quickly and bears fruit well both in greenhouses and on open ground. He also has “brothers” varieties: “pink banana” and “orange banana”. All of them are not whimsical in terms of care, and any gardener, even a beginner, can effortlessly grow tasty, liquid red banana tomatoes on his garden without much effort.
Features of this variety of tomatoes
“Red Banana” is an early ripening variety that yields fruits already 85-100 (90-95) days after seed emergence, depending on environmental conditions. The bushes of this plant are stunted, but under certain conditions they can reach about 1.2 m in length and weight up to 3 kg (together with the fruits). On average, from eight to twelve tomatoes can be tied to one brush of this plant.
Variety "red banana" due to its genetic characteristics is quite unpretentious. It is resistant to extreme heat, temporary lack of watering and calmly tolerates temperature drops. Also, the advantage of this variety is its immunity to many diseases of tomatoes, in particular to late blight.
Growing conditions for "red banana"
It is possible to grow both “red banana” (tomato) both in a greenhouse and in open ground. Reviews of people who have tried to grow these tomatoes indicate that plants that are planted 3-4 plants per square meter grow better and bear fruit. The most optimal option is to form a bush of one or two stems, tied them up as they grow and necessary. Although on the open ground the bushes rarely grow above half a meter, therefore, in such a situation, the need to tie them disappears by itself.
Watering this tomato variety is necessary, like ordinary ones, as needed. In this case, it is important to ensure that the liquid does not fall on the leaves. Also, do not forget to fertilize the plant. Ideally, three times: shortly before the dive seedlings, before flowering and directly during the formation of fruits.
Appearance of the fruits of the "red banana"
Each tomato (see photo in the article) of the banana red variety has a uniform bright scarlet color. It has an oval shape, slightly resembling a plum. As a rule, the weight of one tomato is from 50 to 100 grams. Tomatoes of this variety are ideal for trading, as they are stored for a long time, do not deteriorate, they perfectly tolerate transportation, while maintaining their presentation and without cracking. Due to their cylindrical shape and small size, they are great for pickling whole fruits, as they fit perfectly even in half-liter jars.
On packages of seeds of "red banana", as a rule, it is indicated that the size of the fruit will be about ten to twelve centimeters. However, in practice, it was proved that a tomato (the photo below shows the longest specimens) has a size of 5-8 cm. So these tomatoes are not very similar to a banana in shape, rather, like plums. However, considering the reviews of foreign colleagues gardeners growing this variety in a warmer climate, one can notice that the fruits they received are longer and really remotely resemble bananas.
Reviews of the merits of the variety
For several years of being on the seed market, the tomato “red banana” (description above) has already managed to gather both positive and negative feedback from gardeners about itself. First of all, they note that absolutely all seeds of this variety germinate. In addition, when transplanting “red banana” seedlings into open ground, it practically does not get sick and does not particularly need to be tied up or pinch because of the undersized variety. However, although it is stated that the bush can reach a size of up to 1.2 m, in reality its height is no more than 0.5-0.7 m.
Another nice advantage that has a “red banana” (tomato), reviews of most gardeners call the simultaneous flowering of the whole bush, which is also very plentiful. Later, almost all flowers turn into beautiful tomatoes. According to reviews, from each bush of the "red banana" it is realistic to collect from thirty to forty tomatoes of approximately the same size, as in a store.
"Red Banana" (tomato): reviews about the shortcomings
Despite the mass of laudatory reviews, gardeners have already compiled a list of the main disadvantages possessed by tomatoes of this variety. If “red banana” is ideal for pickling and pickling, then this tomato variety has not proved to be very good for eating raw food or for making salads. According to the hostesses, the taste of the “red banana” is inexpressive and dry, or rather, fresh. For those who like to enjoy salads with juicy, fresh tomatoes, this variety is clearly not suitable. It has neither sweetness nor juicy pulp. Tomato juice from such tomatoes is also not very tasty, if you do not add seasoning.
So, we examined what features the variety “red banana” (tomato) has. We also learned reviews about it. We can conclude that it is definitely worth growing it. However, it is not as good for food as traditional tomato varieties. But for the preparation of delicious and beautiful pickles, it is just perfect.