Despite the fact that breeders produce a huge number of varieties and hybrids of tomatoes every year, gardeners do not refuse the well-deserved ones that have been grown for half a century. One of the oldest varieties that has not yet lost its popularity is the Heart of Ashgabat tomato. Description of the variety, fruits, yield, as well as the history of growing this tomato and reviews about it are waiting for you below!
Cultivation history
The heart of Ashgabat belongs to the varieties of folk selection. It was brought out in the Turkmen SSR in the sixties of the last century. The variety quickly gained popularity among numerous gardeners of that era. The Heart of Ashgabat received registration in 1972, however, we note that at present there are no records about it in the State Register of the Russian Federation. Most often, the tomato Heart of Ashgabat is grown by gardeners from the southern regions of Russia, which is quiteno wonder - the variety feels great in open ground. True, tomatoes of this variety can grow in a greenhouse throughout Russia. The heart of Ashgabat is one of the best varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses in the Moscow region, the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. And in open ground it can be grown in the Crimea, Rostov and Astrakhan regions, Stavropol.
Variety description
Heart of Ashgabat belongs to semi-determinant stem varieties. The height of one bush can reach a height of about one and a half meters. The bushes are medium leafy, summer residents note that the plant needs to be shaped. Experienced gardeners recommend growing the Heart of Ashgabat in two or three stems, necessarily tying the bushes to supports. No more than 3-4 plants can be placed on one square meter.
Tomato Heart of Ashgabat is practically not affected by tomato diseases such as late blight and cladosporiosis, however, it is important to consider that periods of prolonged rains adversely affect the fruits: tomatoes may begin to crack.
The variety is considered medium-early, the first ripe fruits can be tasted 100-110 days after sowing the seeds either for seedlings or for a garden bed. The tomato yield is quite high: about 7 kilograms of large and fleshy fruits can be harvested from one bush.
Tomato Heart of Ashgabat: characteristics of tomatoes
As the name implies, this variety has a heart-shaped tomato. They are quite large: the weight of one canreach about 300-400 grams. However, the first tomatoes on the bush can weigh half a kilogram. The tomato contains 6-7 chambers inside, the color of the fruit is rich yellow, in a state of technical maturity this shade is closer to orange. Due to the dense pulp and strong skin, the fruits are well stored, they are suitable for transportation over medium distances. The tomato has few seeds, the pulp is fragrant, fleshy, sweetish, there is practically no sourness in it. In their reviews, some gardeners call the Heart of Ashgabat one of the best yellow-fruited varieties.
Fruits are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. Of course, whole-fruit canning in jars is difficult, the reason for this is the large size of the fruit, which is why tomato juice of a pleasant yellow color is usually prepared from them. Suitable tomatoes Heart of Ashgabat and for drying. Variety recommended for diet food
Main benefits of the variety
Of course, if the tomato of this variety did not have so many advantages, gardeners would probably have forgotten about it in 50 years. However, it should be noted that interest in the Heart of Ashgabat has only increased in recent years, which indicates the great potential laid down by breeders of the last century. The positives include:
- high yield;
- excellent fruit taste;
- long-term preservation;
- good transportability;
- resistance to the main diseases that members of the family are most often exposed tonightshade;
- beautiful appearance.
Disadvantages of the variety
The heart of Ashgabat practically does not differ from other yellow and orange varieties of tomatoes. Among the relative disadvantages is the need to form a bush, increased thermophilicity, due to which it will not be possible to grow a tomato without shelter in central Russia or the northern regions.
Features of cultivation
Sowing seeds is recommended to be done 60-65 days before planting plants in the ground. Already after 110 days the first fruits ripen. In the event that you manage to create suitable conditions for the growth of tomatoes, from each plant you can get at least 6-7 kilograms of the crop. This means that from each square meter you get about 30 kilograms of product, which is an excellent yield. When growing tomatoes of this variety, you should know that it is demanding on light and temperature conditions, sensitive to climatic conditions, and needs periodic top dressing. Please note: under the weight of heavy fruits, branches may break off. That is why it is recommended to tie up not only the stem, but also the branches.
Diseases and pests
Tomato Heart of Ashgabat is quite resistant to any fungal diseases that usually affect tomatoes, however, improper care can cause the fungus to appear. In order to prevent such a problem, it is recommended to observe the irrigation regime and regularly ventilate the greenhouse. Another preventive measure isregular loosening of the soil. With insects that can attack the heart of Ashgabat, a drug called "Bison" will perfectly cope. To eliminate the problem of pests when growing tomatoes in open ground, it is recommended to loosen the soil in a timely manner, water the plants with mustard powder diluted in water.
Reviews
In reviews of the tomato Heart of Ashgabat, gardeners say: the fruits are very tender, there is no sourness in them. Tomatoes are characterized by a bright orange color, the shape is either classic or similar to a flattened heart. Gardeners note: the variety responds well to fertilizing, but with a lack of nutrients in the soil, the bushes become frail. Gardeners recommend fertilizing three times a season: the plant will need organic and mineral complex fertilizers two weeks after transplanting to a permanent place, during the flowering period and during the formation of fruits. If you do not remove the extra leaves in time, the bushes will be too sprawling.
