TOTEM TOMATO patio vegetables- available through vegetalis Cultural Information

Introduction
F1 Totem has been on the market for a number of years but it is still amongst the market leaders in the fast growing area of Patio Tomatoes. Totem is a dwarf, determinate variety that has been bred for growing in packs, pots and containers. Totem flowers very rapidly taking only four to six weeks to produce a saleable plant in flower. It needs little support until the fruit starts to swell when the sheer weight of fruit produced may mean that a stake is needed. The round fruit is crimson in colour when fully ripened, and it lasts well on the plant, making it an ideal subject to pick and use in salads or barbecues. Totem also makes a superb garden Tomato.

Tumbling Tom is available in two colours red fruited and yellow fruited. As the name suggests the varieties have been bred as hanging basket plants, and one plant will fill a 12 -15inch basket, and provide a heavy crop of small slightly oval fruits.

Sowing and Germination
Sow directly into plug trays using moist, well-drained media, and cover with coarse Vermiculite, or similar to a depth of about ? inch (6mm). Sufficient depth of cover is important in ensuring that the seed coat is stripped from the cotyledons during germination, helping to reduce the incidence of seedling related diseases. Water well and place in a temperature of 20°C (70°F). Growth Rooms are ideal for Tomato germination, which is rapid and uniform. A careful watch must be kept to ensure that young seedlings do not stretch, particularly if they are germinated in the dark.

Once the seedlings are beginning to emerge (after two or three days) lower the night temperature to 15°C (65°F), and place under High Intensity lights, until the plants are ready for transplanting, three to four weeks after sowing.

If plants are being grown for sale as plugs, then a light liquid fertiliser just before delivery using 100 ppm Nitrogen in a 1.1.3 formulation will be beneficial.

Growing On
The plants should be transplanted as soon as the cotyledons are fully expanded, ensuring that, after transplanting, they are about ? inch (6 mm) above the media. This will help to prevent botrytis and other damping off diseases attacking the young plants. Transplant into cell-packs or small pots, the final container if being grown for sale as bedding plants. If however it is intended to sell the plants as half-grown or basket plants, then a further transplanting from 10cm (4in) pots will be needed.

Maintain the night temperatures at 15oC (65°F) until the plants become well established. Daytime temperatures can be allowed to rise to 20°C (70°F) before venting. Once the plants are growing strongly, then the night temperature can be lowered to 12°C (55°F), venting at 15°C (65°F). At these temperatures a short, compact and strong plant should be produced.

Start supplementary liquid feeding once the roots touch the side of the pot or pack, using 100ppm Nitrogen in a well-balanced fertiliser with minimal levels of Phosphate. A 1.0.1 formulation is ideal. Feed once a week at this rate until fruit set, when a 1.1.3 formulation should be used weekly.

Growth regulators are not generally permissible on food crops, so soft growth and long internodes can be avoided by controlling the amount of water applied, and ensuring that temperatures (day or night) do not exceed 15°C (65°F).

Pests and Diseases
Whitefly is the major pest, and can be controlled by close monitoring of the crop, applying biological or chemical controls as necessary.

The major disease is Botrytis, and this is best controlled by good crop husbandry, and by maintaining a good airflow at all times.