Family
Solanaceae
Botanical Name
Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme 'Riesentraube'
Plant Common Name
Riesentraube Tomato, Tomato
General Description
The richly flavored fruits of this German heirloom cherry tomato are borne in large grape-like bunches (hence its name, which translates to “giant grape"). Harvest begins 70 to 80 days after plants are set out, and continues through summer. This indeterminate ("vining") cultivar dates back to at least the mid-nineteenth century. It is propagated by open-pollinated seed.
Tomatoes are short-lived tender perennials that are usually grown as annuals. Their medium green, hairy, compound leaves have a strong fragrance and are not to be eaten. Mature vines produce distinctive yellow flowers, which are bee pollinated. These are followed by succulent tomato fruits, which are technically berries.
Tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Seeds germinate poorly in cool soil, so plants are best started indoors several weeks before the last frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them to the garden. Set them deeply in the ground for best establishment; the main stem will form roots beneath the soil’s surface. Indeterminate types such as this should be staked, trellised or grown in tomato cages to contain their rambling stems.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it is important to provide them with regular water and nutrients. Be sure to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Overwatering can result in cracking of fruit and diminished flavor. Best production and flavor occurs when both days and nights are warm. Tomato fruits become tough and less flavorful when subjected to cooler temperatures, and should not be stored in the refrigerator for this reason. In warm, frost-free regions they may be grown as a winter crop.
For more detailed information about tomato pests and diseases, refer to the general entry for the species (Lycopersicon esculentum) in the Learn2Grow.com plant database.
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Vining/Climbing
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Yellow
-
Fruit Color
Red, Dark Red
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
Yes
-
Fragrant Foliage
Yes
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
Yes
-
Edible Fruit
Yes
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
