In our article we will consider one of the most popular varieties of tomato - "mushroom basket". A tomato of this species has won a strong place on the table not only due to its special appearance. Here, the taste of the tomato also played a significant role. Gardeners who grow this variety at home actively praise it for its unpretentiousness and excellent yield. To get such beauty, you just need to study the features of growing and caring for tomatoes.
Tomato "mushroom basket": description
This variety will be of interest to those who like to experiment with vegetables and prefer non-standard forms. This tomato is considered a greenhouse option, but if the location and climatic conditions allow, you can plant it outdoors, but using a film.
Initially, this species was the brainchild of breeders from Russia. Greenery grows according to the principle of vines, therefore, it needs special facilities for convenient growth and development. Reaching a height of about two and a half meters, the branches need a strong support. The tomatoes themselves are large.size, bright red tint and excellent transport properties. The ribbed shape made the tomato a wonderful table decoration. A tomato can weigh between 250 and 500 grams, with the larger fruits usually growing at the bottom. Many gardeners fell in love with the "mushroom basket". A tomato can produce up to three kilograms of fruit from one bush per season, and this is a very high figure. But in order for the whole process to be successful, you must not forget about proper care.
Tomato "mushroom basket": pros and cons
This variety has enough advantages to make even a novice gardener think about growing it in his garden:
- non-standard fruit shape;
- high yield;
- excellent shipping properties;
- long shelf life;
- high immunity and resistance to attack by diseases and pests.
Tomato "mushroom basket", reviews of which can only be read positive, still has a number of features. They cannot be called cons of the variety, but still it is worth knowing about them, because these facts may be perceived as a disadvantage by some tomato lovers.
- The fruits of this variety are not very juicy, so those who prefer an abundance of tomato juice should think about the appropriateness of planting.
- Tall branches, like lianas, wind high and need high, stable supports. If you are unable to make such, then you should not start the process.
- The variety requires constant heat, so it is inmainly grown in greenhouses. And only in very warm regions you can try to grow it outdoors, otherwise you will not get a normal harvest.
- Tomatoes are not suitable for use in canning, as there is too much emptiness inside the fruit.
Planting variety
Those who decide to grow this variety need to know how to properly plant a “mushroom basket”. The tomato should be placed at a distance of about 60 centimeters, while leaving up to 80 centimeters between rows. Seeds should be sown for seedlings around the beginning of spring. The soil is recommended to take loose and light with an admixture of turf and humus. Soak the seeds before planting. Each seed should be planted two centimeters deep, then covered with a film and a temperature of about 25 degrees should be provided. Only when the sprouts acquire two leaves, you can dive them into separate pots. Seedlings can be planted in the ground around the end of the spring period, after feeding it with a mineral fertilizer complex.
Features of care
As for care, the mushroom basket tomato is not particularly capricious. Watering regime - about once a week. The main thing is to provide warmth, but do not allow excessive humidity, ventilate the greenhouse. Do not forget to also feed the plant with mineral fertilizers. It is enough to do this three times during the entire period of growth and development. Pay special attention to the formation of branches. Follow their development and help by guiding them in the right direction. Otherwisecase, instead of properly formed rows, you will have a real jungle.
Possible problems
There are a number of problems that may arise in the process of growing the "mushroom basket" variety. The tomato is quite resistant to various diseases, but nevertheless such troubles as late blight or gray rot can hit it. In order to prevent this from happening, it is recommended to regularly treat the plant with special solutions, and this must be done starting with the seeds. Seeds must be disinfected in a solution of manganese and subsequently irrigate the seedlings with the same solution or Fitosporin. Pests can also harm the plant. Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies are the most frequent guests in the tomato garden. For prevention, you need to constantly ventilate the greenhouse, mulch the ground and constantly inspect the branches. Upon detecting the presence of a pest, take immediate action: remove the parasite, treat the plant with soapy water or celandine, and save the plant at the initial stage. This is how you will be able to get a rich harvest.
