Methods for Cultivating Cordon Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cultivating Tomato Plants: A Guide to Growing Cordon Varieties
For successful tomato cultivation, it is essential to understand the distinct growth habits of these plants. 'Cordon' (indeterminate) varieties, also known as vine tomatoes, are trained to produce abundant fruit by pruning and training methods.
In the British climate, cordon tomatoes thrive with regular care, yielding tomatoes until early autumn. Left unattended, however, they will produce excessive growth with limited fruit.
The cordon growing method involves training the plant on a single stem, tying this into a cane, and removing all the side shoots that form between the stem and leaves. For optimal results, provide these plants with ample light and regular tomato feed. Cordon-trained plants will start flowering soon after the 10th true leaf has formed and will continue producing flower trusses up the stem.
Under glass, you can expect up to six trusses of fruit per cordon-trained plant by mid-September. Although more trusses can be encouraged to form, their benefits often outweigh their limitations, so it is advisable to prune the growing tip back to a leaf joint just above the uppermost truss. Outdoors, aim for around three trusses to ripen fully.
For guidance on sowing tomato seeds, refer to our comprehensive guide. To raise your cordon crop, follow the steps below.
Essential Items:
- Tomato plants
- Growing bags
- Twine
- Canes
Step 1: Staking and Tying
- Tie the main stem of the cordon-trained plant to a stout cane at regular intervals, ensuring ample support. Begin by tying the twine onto the cane first, followed by tying in the tomato plant.
Step 2: Removing Side Shoots
- Nip out any small side shoots emerging at the base of leaves where they meet the stem, taking care not to tear the main stem tissue or remaining leaf.
Step 3: Pruning Large Side Shoots
- Cut out large side shoots that develop between the stem and leaves using sharp secateurs. Remove these close to the shoot base, avoiding plant damage.
Step 4: Reducing Foliage Below the Fruit
- Trim foliage below the lowest truss of fruit once it has formed. Move along the leaf stalks and cut back to the pair of leaflets closest to the main stem.
Step 5: Final Pruning
- Under glass, cut the main stem once five to six trusses (three to four outdoors) have formed to focus energy on fruit swelling and ripening. Make the cut just above the top truss, at a leaf.
To propagate additional plants, consider rooting the removed side shoots in water then potting them up.
With consistent care, you can maximize your cordon (indeterminate) tomato harvest by training as a single stem, providing adequate support, pruning regularly, and ensuring suitable growing conditions.
In the heart of your home-and-garden, a well-cultivated cordon tomato plant can bring a burst of fresh flavor to your lifestyle. To achieve this, follow the essential steps of staking and tying, removing side shoots, pruning large side shoots, reducing foliage below the fruit, and performing final pruning when necessary. For continued growth and fruitfulness, maintain a balanced lifestyle for your tomato plants with ample light, regular tomato feed, and careful pruning.
