Tomato, Giant Belgium
Giant Belgium Tomato
Heirloom. Organic. Belgian giant is part of the Solanum genus and is a Tomato variety. Its scientific name is Solanum lycopersicum 'Belgian giant'. 'Belgian giant' is considered a heirloom OP (open polliated) cultivar. This variety produces very large 2lb fruit, reportedly able to produce fruit as large as 5lbs. Pink, yellow, or bicolored skin and flesh, sweet with low acidity, Giant Belgium-type fruit with few seeds. Regular leafed plant. These tomatoes grow fairly quickly, produce huge (up to 2 pounds!) fruits, and are relatively easy to grow. They are not often available in the grocery store as they are not well-suited to mechanized growing on a large scale. A common mistake made by those new to Giant Belgium Tomatoes is to underestimate the amount of space the plants require. They can grow as much as 8 feet in height and spread two to three feet wide, so minimum spacing of 36 inches is a must. As with most tomatoes, pinching early shoots will encourage upward growth and production. They should be tied to a trellis, staked or caged. Giant Belgiums often get end-rot and other problems when not held upright. Watering correctly is vitally important to Giant Belgium varieties. Watering on the ground and increasing frequency when tomatoes begin forming will discourage blossom end rot and larger fruits.
Planting Giant Belgium Tomatoes While starting seeds of the Giant Belgium Tomato is not necessarily difficult, the right conditions will make the process successful. Some gardeners sow Giant Belgium Tomato Seeds directly in the ground in the spring when the threat of frost has passed or start in containers one to two to four weeks before transplanting into soil. Keep the ground moist but not wet for the first couple of weeks. Pick a sunny, well-drained spot for planting for the best performance. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Giant Belgium Tomatoes are hot weather loving plants that prefer well drained loose soil and an even amount of water. Plant heirloom Giant Belgium Tomatoes in rows or hills but make sure the soil is well warmed. In cooler climates, you can start Giant Belgium Tomato seeds indoors 2-4 wks. before last frost to extend the growing season. Plant seeds 1/4" deep. Plant seeds or set out Giant Belgium Tomato transplants in full sun. For rows plant 24-36" apart, in rows 24’' apart. Germination should occur in 10-15 days in soil 70-85°F.
Height: 8-10’ (indeterminate vine) Spacing: 24-36" inches, 24 inches between plants Depth: 1/4 inch Germination: 10-15 days
Starting from Seed Indoors
Generally, the time to start your seeds is about 2-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area, planting the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date. Another way to figure is to plan on setting out sturdy seedlings in the garden when night temperatures stay in the mid-50 degree range both day and night. Count back and sow seeds 2-4 weeks before that date normally arrives. Place a few seeds (5 to 10) into each pot and push them into the soil with your finger. Cover the seeds to a depth of approximately 1/2 inches of the potting mix. Mist each pot with water until the soil appears moist. Place the pots in an area which will provide both light (which is required for germination) and heat, preferably about 65 to 70 degrees F and at least 8 hours of light each day. Check on the seeds every day and keep the seeds damp but not drenched by misting with your plant mister. You should see sprouting in about 5 to 10 days. Once your seedlings have reached about 1 to 2 inches in height, choose an area in your garden to transfer them. You can also use containers like barrels or clay pots. Dig holes twice the width and depth of each of your pots. Fill up each hole with water then let it drain off. Place a pot in the hole center and level so that your seedling is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Push dirt in carefully all the way to fill the hole back up. Water each seedling carefully so as not to soak the leaves or stem.
Direct-seeding into the Garden
Turn over the area you've selected to a depth of approximately 1/2 inches. Rake the area until it's level and smooth. Water the area until the soil is damp but not saturated. Scatter the seeds in the area. Gently rake the area to distribute the seeds further and protect them from birds. Or, press the seeds into the soil and cover with no more than 1/4 inches of soil. You can also place 2 to 3 seeds every 24 to 36 inches in rows approximately 24 inches apart, and cover seeds with 1/4 inches of soil. Place planting stakes around the area so you will know where to water. Check on your seeds about once a day. Make sure to mist the soil whenever it appears dry. Germination for the Giant Belgium Tomato is approximately 10 to 15 days, depending on the warmth of the soil.
Germination Problems
Growing plants from seeds successfully depends on a lot of factors and this makes it impossible to guarantee success on every batch of seeds planted. Factors include, soil composition, PH, temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, soil density, seed viability, seed storage and many others. We tested the germination of all our seeds and this seed variety is around 80%, but your results may vary based on exactly how you plant and all the environmental factors. Good luck.
Please Visit our Website: