Zlatava tomatoes offer a unique option for home gardeners seeking something beyond traditional red varieties. This distinctive tomato stands out with its striking appearance and balanced flavor, providing fresh, flavorful fruit throughout the growing season.
Understanding Zlatava Tomato Characteristics
The Zlatava tomato, developed in the Czech Republic around 2008, is known for its unique coloration. The exterior ripens golden-orange or yellow, while the interior flesh is a vibrant, blood-red hue, resembling a sliced blood orange or grapefruit. This striking contrast makes Zlatava visually appealing, especially when sliced for salads or garnishes.
These tomatoes are round to slightly heart-shaped, weighing 80 to 100 grams (about 2 to 3 ounces). They have a sweet flavor with citrus notes, balancing sweetness and mild acidity. Zlatava is an indeterminate variety, meaning its vines continue to grow and produce fruit until frost. It is also crack resistant.
Growing Zlatava Tomatoes
Successful cultivation of Zlatava tomatoes requires attention from seed starting through maturity. Providing the right conditions ensures healthy plant development and a bountiful harvest.
Starting Seeds
Begin Zlatava tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) deep in pots or trays with seed-starting compost. Maintain 18–21°C (64-70°F) for germination, which occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into individual 9 cm (3.5 inch) pots.
Ideal Planting Location and Soil
Zlatava tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable for tomatoes. When transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, space plants 50×50 cm (about 20×20 inches) or up to 3 feet apart for adequate air circulation and nutrient access.
Watering Needs
Consistent watering prevents fruit splitting and blossom end rot in Zlatava tomatoes. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water thoroughly and deeply at the root zone, avoiding overhead watering to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings prevents overwatering and root issues.
Fertilization
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from a fertilization schedule. At transplanting, use a balanced fertilizer or one with higher nitrogen for initial foliage growth. Once fruit trusses set, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium to support fruit development, size, color, and flavor. A high potash feed can be applied fortnightly or every two to three weeks. Calcium supplementation, through foliar spray or soil amendments, helps prevent blossom end rot during fruiting.
Support and Pruning
As an indeterminate variety, Zlatava tomatoes require robust support for vigorous growth and heavy fruit load. Staking, caging, or trellising keeps tall plants upright and prevents fruit from touching the ground. Pruning, specifically removing suckers (shoots that emerge between the main stem and leaf branches), directs the plant’s energy towards fruit production. This also improves air circulation, reducing disease incidence.
Troubleshooting Zlatava Tomato Issues
Tomato plants can encounter various problems. Understanding common pests, diseases, and environmental stressors allows for timely intervention and preventative measures to protect your Zlatava harvest.
Common Pests
Zlatava tomatoes attract common pests such as aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, can be dislodged with a strong water spray or treated with insecticidal soap. Larger pests like tomato hornworms are visible and can be hand-picked. Regular inspection helps early detection, allowing for organic control before severe infestations.
Fungal Diseases
Zlatava is susceptible to fungal diseases like early blight or Septoria leaf spot. These diseases manifest as spots on leaves, particularly in humid conditions. To prevent spread, ensure good air circulation around plants through proper spacing and pruning. Watering at soil level rather than overhead keeps foliage dry, reducing conditions favorable for fungal growth. Removing and disposing of infected plant material limits disease progression.
Environmental Stress
Blossom end rot, a dark, sunken spot on the fruit’s bottom, results from inconsistent watering or calcium deficiency. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and adequate calcium mitigates this issue. Fruit cracking occurs due to rapid water fluctuations, causing the fruit to expand too quickly. Regular, deep watering maintains even moisture levels, reducing cracking likelihood.
Harvesting and Enjoying Zlatava Tomatoes
Harvesting ripe Zlatava tomatoes is the culmination of gardening efforts. Knowing when and how to pick these fruits ensures best flavor and quality. Once harvested, their distinctive appearance and balanced taste make them versatile in the kitchen.
Zlatava tomatoes are ready for harvest when their exterior turns vibrant golden-orange or yellow, yielding slightly to a gentle squeeze. The internal red blush becomes prominent as they ripen. While best flavored when fully ripened on the vine, they can be picked at the “breaker stage” (about half-colored) and ripened indoors without significant quality loss. Gently twist or snip the fruit from the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached if possible.
These tomatoes are excellent for fresh consumption, particularly in salads where their two-toned appearance provides a striking visual element. Their sweet, slightly citrusy flavor makes them suitable for sauces, salsas, or fresh snacking. Zlatava’s firm flesh and crack resistance contribute to good storage.