Tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Nagina' tomato is characterized by its vibrant green foliage with a typical leaf structure associated with tomato plants, featuring several lobes with a serrated margin. The leaves are arranged spirally around the stems, providing a lush backdrop for the fruiting action that takes place throughout the growing season. The blossoms of the Nagina tomato are yellow and bear a star-like shape, typical of tomato flowers, which eventually give way to the noteworthy fruit. The tomatoes produced by the Nagina variety are notable for their color and complexion, starting off as a bright green and transitioning through shades of yellow to a deep, rich red when fully ripe. These fruits are commonly smooth and glossy, with a round to slightly oblong shape, and contain numerous small seeds encased within a juicy pulp. The skin of the tomato is taut and when ripe, offers a slight give to the touch which indicates the readiness for harvest. The Nagina tomato's overall appearance reflects a classic garden tomato with its inviting color and familiar form, making it a popular choice among growers for its appearance and taste.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae.
Synonyms
Tomato, Love Apple, Garden Tomato.
Common names
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Solanum esculentum var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Child, Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme (Dunal) Alef., Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) H.Karst., Lycopersicon esculentum var. lycopersicum, Solanum esculentum Dunal.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' is tomato. Tomatoes are generally not toxic to humans when ripe; however, the green parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain solanine, which can be toxic in large quantities. Eating large amounts of the green parts of the tomato plant may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, may cause central nervous system effects. The ripe fruit is commonly consumed without adverse effects.
To pets
The common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' is tomato. While ripe tomatoes are generally considered safe for pets in small amounts, the green parts of the plant—including the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit—contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids. Consumption of these parts can be harmful to pets, leading to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, can cause central nervous system depression. Care should be taken to prevent pets from ingesting the green, potentially toxic parts of the tomato plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina', commonly known as tomato, is a significant source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium.
- Dietary Fiber: Tomatoes provide dietary fiber that is essential for good digestive health.
- Low in Calories: Being low in calories, tomatoes can be a staple in weight management diets.
- Hydration: Tomatoes have high water content, which can help in staying hydrated.
- Culinary Versatility: Tomatoes are widely used in cuisines around the world for their flavor and ability to enhance dishes.
- Home Gardening: Tomatoes can be easily grown at home, providing a satisfying gardening experience and fresh produce.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Tomato plants can provide aesthetic value to gardens with their bright red fruits and green foliage.
- Economic Value: Growing tomatoes can reduce grocery bills by providing a steady supply of fresh produce.
- Educational: Growing tomatoes can be a valuable educational activity for children and adults to learn about plant life cycles and gardening.
- Community Engagement: Sharing excess tomato produce with neighbors or community can foster relationships and community involvement.
Medical Properties- Rich in antioxidants: Helps to protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Source of vitamins: Contains vitamins A and C which support the immune system and skin health.
- Lycopene content: Associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer.
- Heart health: Potassium and vitamin B content contribute to heart health.
- Supports bone health: Vitamin K and calcium present in tomatoes are essential for maintaining bone health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subject: Tomato plants, including the 'Nagina' variety, are often used by photographers to capture the vibrant colors and intricate shapes of flowers and ripening fruit for botanical photography.
- Natural dye: The skin and pulp of tomatoes can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or craft projects.
- Insect deterrent: Some gardeners plant tomatoes near other vegetables as they believe that the strong scent of tomato leaves may help repel certain insect pests.
- Educational tool: Tomato plants like 'Nagina' are frequently used in schools and educational programs to teach children about the growth cycle of plants and the basics of gardening.
- Stress relief: People often find gardening, including tending to tomato plants, to be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity.
- Aesthetic improvements: With their bright red fruit and green foliage, tomato plants can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Companion planting: Tomato plants are commonly used in companion planting strategies to improve the growth and health of nearby plants, such as basil, which is said to repel certain pests and improve tomato flavor.
- Tomato festivals: Tomatoes are celebrated in numerous festivals around the world, where plants like 'Nagina' may be showcased in competitions for the largest or most unusual tomato.
- Culinary education: Tomato plants are used to teach culinary students about the importance of fresh produce in cooking and can introduce them to the farm-to-table concept.
- Seed saving: Heirloom varieties like 'Nagina' can be used in seed saving initiatives to preserve genetic diversity and promote sustainable gardening practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe tomato is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe tomato is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The most common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' is the tomato. In some cultures, tomatoes are associated with love and affection because their red color can symbolize the heart and emotions.
- Vitality: Tomatoes are often seen as a symbol of vitality and health, perhaps because of their nutrient-rich composition, including vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Passion: The rich, deep red of a ripe tomato can also represent passion and deep desire.
- Good Luck: In some traditions, tomatoes are considered a sign of good fortune or prosperity, possibly originating from their historical value in European food after being brought from the Americas.
- Prosperity: Due to their once-high value as a crop and the way they can flourish under the right conditions, tomatoes symbolize abundance and financial success.
WaterThe common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' is tomato. Tomatoes should be watered deeply and evenly to keep the soil consistently moist, which typically means providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week. The exact amount can change depending on weather conditions like heat and wind. During particularly hot or dry periods, watering may need to be more frequent. It's best to water tomatoes in the morning to reduce evaporation losses, and to apply water directly to the soil rather than spraying the foliage to help prevent disease.
LightTomato plants thrive in full sunlight, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. The ideal spot for a tomato plant is an unobstructed south-facing location where it can receive ample morning and afternoon light. Partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help in extremely warm climates, but generally, more sun equals a healthier plant and better fruit production.
TemperatureTomato plants prefer warm conditions and will perform best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures do not drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will stop growing below this threshold. Tomato plants are vulnerable to frost, and temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit may inhibit fruit set.
PruningPruning tomatoes helps to increase air circulation and sun exposure, reducing the risk of disease and encouraging healthy growth. For indeterminate tomato varieties, remove suckers that grow in the joint between two branches to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. Prune tomato plants early in the morning when the plant is dry, and regularly check for and remove any dead or diseased foliage. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for tomatoes, including the Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina', is a well-draining, loamy mix with compost and perlite, having a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 for optimal growth.
RepottingTomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' don't typically require repotting; instead, they are transplanted once from starter pots to their final growing location in the garden or a larger container.
Humidity & MistingTomatoes prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%, but good air circulation is crucial to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full-spectrum lights and consistent temps for indoor tomato cultivation.
Outdoor
Plant tomatoes in full sun, well-draining soil after the last frost.
Hardiness zone
3-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of the tomato plant Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina' begins with seed germination, where the seed must be sown in warm, well-draining soil and will sprout in 5-10 days under suitable conditions. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the growth of the first true leaves after the initial embryonic leaves, or cotyledons, appear. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a strong stem and more leaves, preparing for the flowering stage that typically occurs several weeks after planting. During the flowering stage, yellow flowers pollinated by insects or wind develop into fruit; this is the reproductive phase of the plant's life cycle. The fruiting stage sees the development of green tomatoes that gradually ripen to their final color (often red), which typically takes between 20-30 days after pollination. Finally, when the fruits are harvested, the plant has completed its lifecycle, although under appropriate conditions, it may continue to produce fruit until the end of the growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For the tomato plant Solanum lycopersicum 'Nagina', the most popular method of propagation is through seeds. Generally, it is ideal to start the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date to ensure that the plants are ready to be transplanted outdoors when the weather is suitable. To propagate, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into small containers filled with seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (approximately 21°C) for optimal germination. Seedlings typically emerge in 5 to 10 days. Once the seedlings have grown and the danger of frost has passed, they can be carefully transplanted outdoors to a sunny location, ensuring they’re spaced about 24 inches (61 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth.
