Usually, summer residents use certain varieties for preparing winter preparations and canning. The fact is that not all tomatoes are able to retain their shape and taste during canning. One of the suitable varieties appeared on the beds of gardeners not so long ago. The hybrid tomato Empress, the description of which is waiting for you below, was created specifically so that the fruits retain excellent taste when preparing blanks and fit in a jar!
Variety description
The Empress was bred by Russian breeders. The tomato is intended for cultivation in film or capital greenhouses. The variety belongs to the indeterminate type, in greenhouse conditions its height can reach two meters. There are many leaves on the bushes, they are large, have a rich green color. The Empress tomato is characterized by a well-developed root system.
Gardeners note that in the southernregions of the country, this variety feels great in open ground. The main condition is to have time to pinch the growing point at the end of summer, otherwise the tomatoes simply will not have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.
Tomato Empress: fruit characteristics
The variety belongs to the category of mid-ripening, from one square meter you can collect up to 20 kilograms of plum-shaped fruits. In the stage of full maturity, tomatoes acquire a rich red color, at the tip they have a small spout. When cut, you can see two chambers in which there is a small amount of seeds. The stalk does not show a green spot.
Pros and cons of the variety
Gardeners say that the Empress is one of the best varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses. Among the positive characteristics of the variety are the following:
- Ovary can form even if growing conditions are not observed.
- The hybrid is quite resistant to various diseases, which members of the nightshade family often suffer from.
- The stems of the plant are long, they form a large number of brushes with fruits.
- The size of the fruit is small, they are dense, with elastic skin. Due to the fact that the Empress has an excellent presentation and transportability, it can be grown even for commercial purposes.
- Excellent yield. During the season, about 7 kilograms of cream tomatoes can be harvested from one bush of tomatoes.
- Tomato Empress is suitable for salads, juices, sauces and s alting.
As for the shortcomings, according to gardeners, this hybrid simply does not have them. Breeders have tried to develop a variety that is resistant to diseases and pests, has good keeping quality and taste.
Preparation of planting material
Start with seed treatment with hot water. The optimum temperature is 60 degrees. Instead of water, a lamp and the same temperature will do. Experts say that this procedure helps to prevent diseases. Another way to disinfect seeds is to immerse them in a one percent solution of potassium permanganate for a day. After that, the seeds can be sown in boxes. Previously, the soil can be watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. In order for the seedlings to grow well, gain strength, but not stretch out, it will need lighting for at least 10 hours a day. If natural light is not enough, fluorescent lamps should be used.
Planting tomatoes in a greenhouse and features of agricultural technology
According to the manufacturer's information, the Empress tomato is one of the most unpretentious varieties. But in order to get the maximum yield, you should take into account the peculiarities of growing tomatoes.
To use the space of the greenhouse rationally, but at the same time, the tomatoes were not crowded, only two or three bushes can be placed on one square meter. Since the Empress is of the determinant type, a garter to supports or trellises is required. The first garter should be done within 7 days after you plant the seedlings in the ground. Otherwise, the plantsink under the weight of the fruit, or simply break.
It is best to keep tall type tomatoes in one stem. From time to time, old yellowed leaves should be removed. This will improve air exchange and significantly reduce the time required for fruit ripening. Do not forget to moisten the soil, loosen and mulch it, and also ventilate the greenhouse.
An important rule: all determinate type tomatoes are recommended to be watered exclusively under the root. Moisture should not get either on the leaves or on the fruits. On cloudy days, you can water the bushes once a week, and on hot days - once every 2 days.
Fertilization
The first feeding, experts say, should be done 10 days after planting seedlings in a greenhouse or soil. The best option is a solution of mullein or bird droppings. Ready-made fertilizers are also suitable. Immediately after top dressing, it is necessary to mulch the soil, which will retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from germinating. After the plants bloom 2nd brush, you should wait two weeks and carry out a second top dressing. Under each bush, fertilizer should be applied, consisting of two liters of a solution of mullein or bird droppings, combined with one tablespoon of Mortar and three grams of manganese and copper sulfate. During the period of harvesting the first fruits, the same fertilizer must be applied under each bush in an amount of 2.5 liters.
Reviews
In reviews of the Empress tomato, vegetable growers say: caring for it differs littlefrom caring for other tall varieties. The Empress rarely gets sick, the hybrid attracts gardeners with high yields. In hot weather, when growing tomatoes in the beds, it is necessary to water the bushes more often, and also cover them from the scorching sun.
