Ciccio Tomato – 10 Seeds

Growing Guidelines

Tomatoes go through several stages during their growth, and in the following we will talk about those stages and the methods of care at each stage:

1- Germination and Seedling Stage:

It is the stage in which the embryo is activated inside the seeds and begins to grow and form small plants which are called seedlings.

• The seeds are planted at a depth of 1 cm in healthy, pure soil that does not contain compost or fertilizers more than 15%, the seed then is covered with soil and is tamped for 48 hours (Tamping is a method used to break the dormancy of seeds and stimulate them to germinate by providing the necessary environment for germination including the moisture in the soil, the surrounding atmosphere and the temperature by wrapping the covering of the soil containing the seeds with a plastic wrap. It is preferable to perform this step in small planting pots that accommodate the size of the seed, or what is called a seedling tray or find other solutions that achieve the same function)

• After germination, the plants are exposed to indirect light and close attention is paid to irrigation to preserve the seedlings from any damage or stress that may expose the young plant to death.

• After 10 days of germination the plant is irrigated with water mixed with fertilizers, rich in the necessary elements that are needed for plant growth until it reaches maturity where it can adapt and grow in a healthy manner

• After 25 to 35 days of germination, the plant can be transferred to a container in which the plant will continue its growth, and it is preferable that the added soil mixture contains a sufficient percentage of compost (vegetable compost) up to 30%

2- Vegetative Growth Stage:

It is the stage in which the plant forms thick and strong leaves and stems

• Close attention must be paid to the plant’s nutrition and its continual supply with the necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. At this stage, the plant needs a large amount of nitrogen, which is involved in many vital processes of the plant and stimulates vegetative growth.

• The more vigorous and prolific the vegetative growth is, the more the plant can grow endurance and give a bigger crop.

• Different types of organic fertilizers can be used. Other fertilizers that contain balanced amounts of elements can be used as well.

• The stage of vegetative growth is not limited to the growth of the green leaves only, its roots also grow extensively. Despite our inability to see it, the roots are branched in a significantly large way, in proportion to the growth of the plant, its size and age

3- Flowering Stage:

The stage in which flowering begins is considered one of the most important stages for the plant since based on the number of flowers available, the amount of the crop is determined.

• The higher the foliage of the plant is, the more it can absorb and process the nutrients in a better way. Also, the healthier and stronger the growing stage is, the more it can produce flowers.

• Elements such as potassium, phosphorus, boron and copper greatly control the growth and vitality of the flowers and raise the percentage of the fruit holding in them. (Fruit holding is the flower’s ability to form fruit after its pollination)

4- Fruit Holding and Fruit Growth Stage:

It is the stage, after flowering, in which the plant begins to grow fruits, after the pollination process is completed successfully, which is the main purpose of agriculture in general.

• Close attention must be paid to fertilization, especially elements such as copper and boron, which preserve the fruit stems and the potassium element responsible for the fruits saturation and the outer walls of the fruits

• Good care is taken in regards to irrigation to maintain the growth and vitality of the roots, maintain the quality of the fruits, and to prevent cracks resulting from the inconsistency in irrigation.

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