Conventional cultivation of cherry tomatoes is basically similar to that of ordinary tomatoes. Some issues that require special attention are introduced below:
(1) Cultivate strong seedlings.
Cherry tomato seeds are much smaller than ordinary tomato seeds, and the seedling stems are smaller; and the seed price is generally higher. Therefore, cultivating strong seedlings is an issue that must be paid attention to in cherry tomato cultivation. The nutrient soil used for raising seedlings must be loose and fertile, and the seedlings should be planted into the nutrient pot as soon as possible after emergence. In addition to appropriately increasing the seedbed temperature after sowing, before emergence and before planting to slow down the seedlings, the temperature during the seedling raising period should not be too high; water supplementation during the seedling stage Less than ordinary tomatoes, usually 1 cm of soil is dry before proper replenishing of water; seedling age is generally controlled at 70 to 80 days (winter), and the seedlings should be planted when they have about 6 true leaves. Therefore, the sowing period should be strictly controlled. The specific sowing period should be determined based on local climate conditions, cultivation season, cultivation facilities, etc.
(2) Adequate base fertilizer and appropriate dense planting.
Most cherry tomato varieties have unlimited growth. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the growth period of cherry tomatoes is longer than that of ordinary tomatoes. Moreover, because cherry tomatoes have many fruits, the demand for fertilizer is also greater, but the growth period In the early stage, leggy growth often occurs due to weak light, so sufficient organic fertilizer should be applied before planting, and it is best to apply full-layer fertilization. In addition, cherry tomatoes usually use single-culm pruning, and their planting density is higher than that of ordinary tomatoes. Generally, 2 rows are planted in a 1.5-meter-wide border (with a continuous ditch), and the plant spacing is about 25 cm. After planting, pour root water and cover with mulch. If possible, drip irrigation tape can be laid. (3) Timely pruning and erection.
Because cherry tomato stems are small and prone to lodging, more attention should be paid to timely erection. Generally, hanging vines are set up about 10 days after planting. Most cherry tomato varieties grow indefinitely and should be pruned with a single stalk (double-culm pruning can be used, but the planting density should be reduced accordingly). For specific pruning methods, please refer to ordinary tomatoes.
(4) Promote fruit setting.
Compared with ordinary tomatoes, cherry tomatoes have stronger fruit setting ability, but in order to increase yield and sensory quality, it is recommended to use growth regulators to promote fruit setting. However, because each inflorescence of cherry tomatoes has many flowers and fruits, when the temperature is low, it is advisable to spray the inflorescence with anti-falling agent (20 mg/L). Generally, it is used when there are 3 to 5 flowers blooming in each inflorescence. It is not suitable to use 2 , 4-D, etc.; when the temperature is higher in the later period, the support frame can be shaken around noon to promote pollination and fruiting. In addition, after the first batch of fruits are harvested, remove old and diseased leaves at the base of the plant on sunny days. In the future, remove old and diseased leaves in a timely manner according to the situation to increase ventilation and light transmission.
(5) Replenish fertilizer and water in time.
On the premise of applying sufficient base fertilizer, there is generally no need to supplement fertilizer before fruit setting. When the first inflorescence sets fruit, fertilizer should be added appropriately according to the growth of the plant. Generally, 10 kilograms of compound fertilizer per 667 square meters will be applied. Fertilize once every 1 to 2 harvests until 15 to 20 days before the end of harvest.
(6) Harvesting.
Due to their high sugar content, cherry tomatoes must be harvested when they are fully ripe to ensure their true inherent flavor and quality. When harvesting, pay attention to retaining the sepals and pick by hand from the separation layer of the fruit stem. However, yellow fruits can be harvested when they are 80% mature because their pulp is prone to fission after they are fully mature. Harvested fruits cannot be shipped in bulk to avoid crushing. They are usually packed in semi-rigid plastic boxes and then put into cartons with ventilation holes for storage and transportation.