Momotaro Tough Boy Fight, Hybrid

Cultivation: Cultivation: Start seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost date (or 8 weeks before expected transplanting date). Keep soil warm until emergence (75-80°F minimum). Seeds will not germinate in cool soil and planting out too early may affect plant vigor. Harden off plants carefully before transplanting. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Transplant in late spring/summer (soil temperatures at least above 60°F) in a warm and sunny location. Plant so that soil level is just below the lowest leaves. Train to a vertical support. Too much nitrogen will produce lush foliage and few fruits.

Momotaro varieties do not like daytime temperatures above 86F and poor fruit setting will result. Temperatures above 95F most pollen die and flowers will abort.

(Points for successful production)

Making healthy seedlings is very important and stressed seedlings do not produce good yields. Transplanting of very young seedlings causes excessive vegetative growth. The best timing to make transplanting is the first flower stage. If growers do not succeed in making fruit setting at first flower stage, it may lead to excessive vegetative growth without fruits for the coming two flowers. Pruning of side branching is recommended for easier control of plant vigor. The timing of additional fertilizer is around the 3rd flower stage, depending on conditions. Growers need to pay attention to the plant vigor until the end since it is sensitive to the amount/application of water & fertilizer.