Content
Broccoli Tonus is an early ripening representative of the crop. The variety has long been included in the State Register of the Russian Federation, is distinguished by its large size and is universal in use. Such cabbage is planted mainly as seedlings, but direct sowing is also acceptable.
Description of broccoli variety Tonus
Broccoli Tonus has been listed in the State Register of the Russian Federation since 1986. The originator is the Federal Scientific Center for Vegetable Growing. The variety was developed in the Moscow region. It can be grown in any Russian region.
According to the ripening period of broccoli, Tonus is an early ripening variety. Harvest occurs in July-August. It takes 2-3 months from the moment the seedlings emerge. The duration of this period directly depends on growing conditions, including climatic conditions, and care.
Main characteristics of the variety:
- the size of the heads is large;
- weight 160-200 g;
- height 5-8 cm;
- the color is bluish-green, the tint may become brownish at low temperatures;
- the density of the heads is average;
- excellent taste;
- dense and compact socket;
- whole leaves of small size, dark green color with a bluish-gray tint, moderate waxy coating.
Large size at the central heads. After they are collected, lateral (axillary) heads are formed. Their taste characteristics and properties are the same, but the sizes are significantly smaller - 50-70 g. They are usually formed a week after the central heads are cut off, and they grow quickly and amicably.
Broccoli Tonus does not require heat. The optimal temperature for culture growth is 16-20 °C. Cabbage of this variety can withstand frosts down to -7 °C.
Germination of broccoli seeds remains at a decent level for up to six years
Productivity
From 1 m², 1.6-2 kg of Tonus broccoli is harvested. One plant brings a yield of 200 g to 1 kg.
Advantages and disadvantages
Broccoli Tonus is used fresh and stored for the winter. The variety is attractive because it retains its taste and other properties when frozen.
Shoots of the Tonus variety appear together
Pros:
- early maturation;
- large heads;
- excellent taste;
- amicable maturation;
- versatility in application;
- undemanding to heat.
Minuses:
- tendency to bloom;
- sensitivity to watering.
Planting broccoli Tonus
Broccoli Tonus can be sown with seeds directly in the garden or first started with seedlings. The site is selected in accordance with such requirements;
- good lighting;
- loam or black soil is optimal;
- protection from cold wind.
Growing broccoli seedlings Tonus from seeds
Sowing Tonus broccoli seeds for seedlings is carried out in the last ten days of March or early April.The timing should be based on the climate of the region.
For seedlings, use ready-made soil or make it yourself, taking the following ingredients in a ratio of 1:4:8:
- sand;
- turf land;
- humus.
Half of the humus can be replaced with peat. For 10 liters of soil mixture add a glass of wood ash and 1 tbsp. l. complex fertilizer such as Fertiki Lux. For seedlings, you can use cassettes or boxes. The optimal depth is 5-7 cm.
The algorithm for sowing seedlings is as follows:
- If there is no hole in the bottom of the container, add a layer of drainage - expanded clay, sand or perlite. A height of 1 cm is sufficient.
- Fill containers with soil mixture.
- Moisten the soil using a spray bottle.
- Soak the seed for five minutes in hot water (50 °C).
- Sow seeds at intervals of 1 cm, leaving 3 cm between rows. Deepen to 5-10 mm.
When a true leaf appears, the seedlings are plucked. Use containers 10 cm deep.
You can do without picking if you immediately use individual containers. In this case, the seeds must first be placed in a damp cloth so that they hatch.
Broccoli germinates well at 20-24 °C. After germination, the temperature is reduced to 15 °C.
It is effective to grow broccoli seedlings in greenhouses or greenhouses - the conditions there are better than in an apartment
Seedlings are planted in open ground when they are 35-45 days old. By this age, 5-6 leaves should have formed. Before planting, seedlings need to be accustomed to new conditions. During the week, she is exposed to the street, starting from 1-2 hours and gradually increasing the time to a day.
The area for the crop is prepared in advance. When digging per 1 m², add:
- humus - 2 buckets;
- wood ash – 1 l;
- bone or dolomite meal – 1 cup;
- superphosphate – 1 tbsp. l.
Cabbage is planted in open ground at intervals of 35-40 cm. 0.6 m is left between the rows. The holes are made with a diameter of 50 cm. The day before planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly, again before moving into the ground. The holes themselves are also moisturized. The seedlings are planted after absorbing moisture. Afterwards it is watered again
Sowing in open ground
This option is possible due to the fact that the variety can withstand frosts down to -7 °C. In the middle zone, the landing is planned for the second ten days of May, in the south - at the end of April.
The plot is prepared according to the same scheme as for seedlings. The holes are watered abundantly and after absorbing moisture, 3-5 seeds are placed in each. After the emergence of seedlings, they are thinned out, leaving the strongest and healthiest specimens. The rest can be planted.
The first time of planting you need to cover. Agrofibre on arcs or cut and inverted bottles are suitable for this.
Caring for broccoli Tone
Immediately after planting and watering the seedlings, the cabbage should be mulched. Straw or cut grass will do. It is better to shade the first time of planting.
Regular watering is important in caring for Tonus broccoli. Even short-term drying out of the soil is unacceptable. This has a bad effect on marketability.
Broccoli Tonus is fed every two weeks. There are several options:
- herbal infusion;
- wood ash;
- complex fertilizer – Agricola, Biohumus.
At temperatures above 24 °C, shading or sprinkling is recommended
Harvest and storage
When growing Tonus broccoli, it is important to harvest in a timely manner. This should be done immediately after closing the heads. The harvest must be harvested within 2-3 days after this.
The cabbage heads are cut off.It is better to do this early in the morning or in the evening. When cutting, you can capture a part of the stem up to 7 cm. It is eaten. The cut is made obliquely.
The broccoli crop is harvested in several stages, while continuing to care for the crop. This will ensure the formation of the side heads.
Fresh broccoli does not last long. Optimal conditions for this:
- temperature 0-10 °C;
- humidity 90-95%.
To store the harvest of the Tonus variety, freezing is recommended
Conclusion
Broccoli Tonus is an early maturing variety of domestic selection, included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. After harvesting, cabbage forms smaller lateral heads; young shoots and inflorescences are also eaten. For long-term storage, freezing is practiced.
Reviews from gardeners about broccoli Tonus
