TheNaturePlanet

Perhaps many friends have questions when considering tomato varieties for planting. Upon seeing the name "Qingtian No. 2," they might wonder: Is this little guy really the sweetest cherry tomato on the market? If there's no courtyard at home and one can only plant it on a balcony or even in the living room, can it survive and bear fruit? Today, let's delve into these two most-concerned questions.

Is Qingtian No. 2 the sweetest cherry tomato? In fact, its sweetness is quite prominent among cherry tomatoes, generally reaching a Brix level of 10-15. In planting bases such as Yuncheng, Shanxi, and Rong'an, Guangxi, field measurements show that high-quality fruits consistently have a Brix level of 14-15, significantly higher than the approximately 7 Brix of ordinary tomatoes, offering a truly fresh and sweet taste.

However, there are also other varieties renowned for high sweetness on the market, such as Chaotian 100 and Busan No. 88. For example, Busan No. 88 can also exceed 10 Brix, and Chaotian 100 is often described as "extremely sweet." Therefore, whether Qingtian No. 2 is "the sweetest" may depend on specific comparisons, but there is no doubt that it belongs to the "top tier" of high-sweetness cherry tomatoes.

Can ordinary households grow Qingtian No. 2 indoors? Absolutely, and many have succeeded. This cherry tomato has good environmental adaptability, and with a little care, you can harvest fruits hanging from the branches at home. First, it needs sufficient light—preferably 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. A south-facing windowsill is ideal. If natural light is insufficient, a grow light can be used. It can even be planted on a semi-shady balcony, though the fruit yield may be slightly lower and the sweetness slightly milder, with minimal impact.

Choosing a suitable flower pot is crucial. Use one with a diameter of over 30 cm, and ensure the bottom has drainage holes to prevent root rot from overwatering. Loose and fertile sandy loam or nutrient soil is ideal for allowing roots to grow comfortably. Since there are no winds or insects indoors to aid pollination, manual pollination is necessary. Gently brush the flowers with an electric toothbrush or use a cotton swab to transfer pollen, which can increase fruit set rates.

Fertilization and watering also require attention during growth. In the early stages, apply more nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen the stems and leaves. Once fruiting begins, increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote large and sweet fruits. About 10 days before harvest, reduce watering to prevent fruit cracking, and spray calcium fertilizer to thicken the skin.

Qingtian No. 2 is a vining variety that continues to grow tall, so it needs a support structure about 1.8 meters high, such as bamboo poles or a special plant stand. Tie the vines to the support and promptly prune side shoots and old leaves to improve air and light circulation, reduce diseases, and direct nutrients to the fruits.

It is not picky about temperature, thriving best at 20-25°C. In hot summer, remember to ventilate by opening windows or move it to a cooler spot. In winter, with central heating and a grow light, it can continue to flower and bear fruit.

After discussing all this, I believe everyone has a clearer understanding of Qingtian No. 2. In terms of sweetness, while it may not claim to be "the best," it is definitely an unforgettable "sweet darling." For planting, as long as it receives adequate light, a support structure, and occasional fertilization and watering, even beginners can grow it lush and fruitful indoors.