Tomato Vivagrande: A delicious and robust tomato variety

As an experienced gardener, I can say that the Vivagrande tomato is one of the best tomato varieties I have ever grown. With its deep red colour, sweet flavor and robust nature, it is a perfect ingredient in many dishes, from salads to pasta sauces. In this article I am going to tell you everything you need to know about the Vivagrande tomato, from its history to care and harvesting.

History of Tomato Vivagrande

The Vivagrande tomato is a relatively new tomato variety developed in Europe. She was bred to be more resistant to various diseases and pests while maintaining her sweet and aromatic taste.

Characteristics of tomato vivagrande

The Vivagrande tomato has a round and smooth shape and its skin is particularly firm. However, their flesh is very juicy and sweet in taste. It is more resistant to diseases and pests than many other tomato varieties, making it an ideal choice for gardeners concerned about their plants.

Characteristics	Tomato Vivagrande	Tomato Vesennij Michurinskij	Tomato Culinaris	Tomato Rubylicious
height	medium-sized	medium-sized	large	medium-sized
shape	round	round	round	round
Color	light red	red	red	dark red
Taste	cute	juicy	aromatic	sweetish
Extension	Outdoor cultivation	Greenhouse cultivation	Outdoor cultivation	Outdoor cultivation
Use	Salads, snacks	Salads, sauces	sauces, soups	Salads, sandwiches
Maturity	medium late	early	late	medium late
Income	high	high	high	medium
Resistance	resistant	resistant	vulnerable	vulnerable
Special features	long shelf life	good transportability	high sugar content	high vitamin C content

Seed costs

Tomato variety	Price per kilogram (in euros)
Vivagrande	3.90
Roma	2.80
Beefsteak	6.00
Cherry	7.50

This table shows that Tomate Vivagrande is slightly more expensive compared to Roma tomatoes, but still affordable. However, it is cheaper in price compared to beefsteak and cherry tomatoes. It should be noted that prices may vary depending on region, time of year and availability.

Cultivation of tomato vivagrande

The Vivagrande tomato can be grown in Europe from May to August. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day. The ideal soil pH is between 6 and 7.5. To ensure an optimal harvest, you should water and fertilize the plants regularly. It is also important to protect them from strong winds and extreme weather conditions.

The Vivagrande tomato is a great choice for growing in the garden or in containers on balconies or patios. Here are some basic steps to follow when growing tomatoes of the Vivagrande variety:

1. Choose a sunny location: tomatoes need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow healthily and productively. Make sure the location you choose is well lit.
2. Prepare the soil: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, add compost or organic fertilizer to improve the soil.
3. Plant the tomatoes: Plant the tomatoes 60 to 90 centimeters apart to make room for growth. Be sure to plant the tomatoes at the same depth as in their containers or greenhouse.
4. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist by watering regularly. However, avoid flooding the plants as this can damage the roots.
5. Support: Tomatoes need support to stay upright. Use cages, poles or twine to support the plants.
6. Care: Regularly remove unwanted shoots and leaves to encourage growth. Watch out for pests and diseases and treat them early.
7. Harvest: Vivagrande tomatoes can be harvested 80 to 100 days after sowing. Harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe and a uniform red colour.

Health Benefits of Tomato Vivagrande

Tomatoes, including Tomato Vivagrande, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins C and A, potassium and fiber. They can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.

Cooking with tomato Vivagrande

The Vivagrande tomato is ideal for grilling, roasting, stewing or as an ingredient in salads and sauces. It is also a perfect base for tomato sauce and soups. When you eat them raw, you reap the most of their health benefits.

1. Fresh Tomato Salad: Slice or dice the tomatoes and combine with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an easy and delicious tomato salad.
2. Pasta with tomato sauce: Cook pasta al dente and serve with a homemade tomato sauce made from fresh Vivagrande tomatoes, garlic and onions.
3. Bruschetta: Toast slices of bread and top with sliced ​​tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil for a quick and tasty appetizer or snack.
4. Tomato Caprese Salad: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
5. Tomato Soup: Use fresh Vivagrande tomatoes, onions, garlic and vegetable broth to make a homemade tomato soup.
6. Tomato roast: Slice Vivagrande tomatoes and place in a casserole dish. Add the garlic, onion, olive oil and spices and roast in the oven until tender and golden brown.
7. Tomato Curry: Use fresh Vivagrande tomatoes, coconut milk and spices to make a delicious vegetarian curry.

Care of tomato Vivagrande

In order to ensure a healthy and high-yielding Vivagrande tomato, there are a few important care aspects to consider. Here are some tips:

• Plant Tomato Vivagrande in a sunny, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.
• Keep the soil moist but not too wet and water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Use organic fertilizer to nourish the plant and work it into the soil.
• Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from competing with the plant for nutrients and water.
• Prune the plant to encourage growth and increase fruit production.

Common problems when growing tomatoes and how to solve them

Although Vivagrande tomatoes are more resistant to diseases and pests than many other tomato varieties, they can still suffer from some common problems. Here are some problems and solutions:

• Blossom End Rot: This is a disorder caused by a lack of calcium in the soil and can cause the fruit to turn brown and rot. To prevent this, give the soil enough calcium and keep the soil evenly moist.
• Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to wilting and death of the plant. Avoid this by choosing hardy varieties and by keeping the soil well-drained.
• Aphids: These pests can weaken the plant and lead to a smaller harvest. Fight them by spraying them with an insecticide or by attracting natural predators like ladybugs.

How best to store Vivagrande tomatoes

Vivagrande tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, preferably in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight. If the tomatoes are not fully ripe, they can be kept at room temperature until fully ripe. However, ripe tomatoes should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness and shelf life.

It is also important not to stack or crush the tomatoes to avoid bruising. Keeping the tomatoes in a paper bag or towel can help absorb moisture and reduce mold growth.

It is best to consume the tomatoes within two to three days to ensure they remain fresh and full of flavor. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them or can them in cans to make them last longer.

Conclusion

The Vivagrande tomato is a delicious and hardy tomato variety, ideal for growing in the garden or in a greenhouse. With the right care and attention, they can produce a bountiful and healthy crop. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious variety of tomato in all its culinary uses!