Multiflora in tomato plants: A fascinating growth form
The term multiflora describes a special growth form of tomato plants in which numerous flower heads grow in close succession. This arrangement of flowers means that a large amount of fruit can be harvested at the same time. Multiflora types are particularly popular with tomato lovers who attach great importance to a high harvest and an extraordinary appearance of the plant.
What exactly does Multiflora mean?
Multiflora tomatoes have characteristically branched, elongated inflorescences that often bear more than 20 to 50 flowers per panicle. This is in contrast to conventional tomato varieties, where the inflorescences usually have fewer flowers. The name "multiflora" is derived from the Latin words "multi" (many) and "flora" (flower), which refers to the above-average number of flowers per inflorescence.
Image of Multiflora: Marie's Rargarten
Benefits of Multiflora Tomatoes
High fruit yields: Thanks to the large number of flowers, a Multiflora tomato often produces a larger quantity of small to medium-sized fruits. This means that one plant can produce a higher yield than conventional varieties.
Decorative effect: The lush, richly branched inflorescences have a strong visual impact and make the plant an eye-catcher in the garden or on the balcony. This is particularly attractive for gardeners who value aesthetic aspects of their plants.
Compact growth: Multiflora tomatoes often tend to have a slightly more compact growth habit, making them ideal for growing in smaller gardens or in pots. Despite their compact growth, they produce an impressive number of fruits.
Well-known Multiflora varieties
"Red Marble": A well-known and popular multiflora variety that produces many small red fruits.
"Hundreds & Thousands": This variety gets its name from the impressive number of fruits it produces on one plant.
"Yellow Currant": A small-fruited yellow tomato variety that impresses with its decorative inflorescences and the large number of small, sweet fruits.
Care of Multiflora Tomatoes
Multiflora tomatoes have similar care requirements to traditional tomato varieties, but require special attention in terms of supporting their branches. Since the inflorescences can become heavy once the fruit ripens, it is important to support the plant well to prevent the panicles from breaking off.
In addition, multiflora tomatoes should be pruned regularly to control growth and ensure optimal fruit development. Due to the high fruit load, these varieties often require more nutrients and water, especially during the flowering and fruit formation phase.
Multiflora in breeding
Multiflora tomatoes offer an interesting field of research for breeders, as the varieties are being further developed due to their high yield and decorative properties. These varieties are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban agriculture and among tomato lovers who want to achieve high yields in a small area.
Multiflora tomatoes offer impressive flowering and high fruit yields, which makes them particularly interesting for ambitious hobby gardeners and breeders. They combine an aesthetic plant shape with high productivity and are an exciting element in every tomato garden. With the right care and support, these varieties can provide an abundance of delicious fruit and at the same time represent a visual highlight.