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Today to early varieties of tomatoes More and more gazes of summer residents are riveted. This important advantage is considered one of the most sought after when choosing a variety, since weather conditions in many regions of Russia do not allow the cultivation of heat-loving crops for a long time. This is especially true for those areas where there are no well-equipped greenhouses.
Choosing a tomato variety
Every gardener begins in winter to think about which varieties to grow in the summer. The simple task of buying seeds sometimes turns into a real problem. Tomato is one of the most important vegetables on our table today. It can only compete with cucumbers in popularity.
The main problem of choice is the great competition between manufacturers. Every year, store shelves are replenished with new products, and now, after five years, an experienced gardener begins to get lost in the choice of varieties. Let’s figure out how to choose the right variety that will delight you with both taste and yield.
Firstly, they pay attention to what climate the variety or hybrid is intended for. In the fight for their buyer, breeders try to adapt tomatoes to grow in certain conditions.Northern varieties are designed for short summers, they ripen faster, and are adapted to withstand low temperatures. The southern ones, on the contrary, easily tolerate drought and hot sun; the bushes of such tomatoes are more leafy, which is not welcome in the northern regions.
Information about the growing region is not always contained on the packaging. What to do in this case? It is suggested to navigate strictly by the name. Let's give a simple example: the varieties “Snowdrop”, “Alaska”, “North”, “Metelitsa”, “Bullfinch”, “Polyarnik” and so on were created specifically for the central and northern regions.
The second aspect that is important when choosing is the growing location. In the south, tomatoes most often grow in open ground, and in the central region the number of greenhouses increases every year. There are tomato varieties that are designed only for a specific growing method.
The third selection criterion concerns plant care itself. You should pay attention to the following inscriptions on the packaging:
- determinate variety;
- indeterminate variety;
- dwarf, standard or superdeterminate.
Not everyone understands these terms, however, this question is quite simple: determinate varieties are represented by compact bushes, the height of which can barely exceed a meter. As a rule, these tomatoes reach a height of 60-90 centimeters.
Caring for them, as well as standard varieties more simple. The fact is that the tomato is a tall plant (indeterminate varieties can reach three meters in height), its bush grows strongly and requires constant pinching. If the garden is large, then a lot of effort is required.
And, of course, you need to pay attention to the ripening period of tomatoes.
Early ripening varieties of tomatoes
When going for tomato seeds, be sure to answer two questions:
- What is the climate where the purchased varieties will grow?
- How soon is the harvest needed?
It is clear that when growing this crop in central Russia in open ground or in unheated greenhouses, preference is always given to early ripening varieties. Only in the southern regions does it make sense to grow late-ripening tomatoes.
For comparison, mid-season and late ripening tomato can bear fruit for a long time, and the fruits reach enormous sizes.
Below we provide a table of important parameters for early ripening tomato varieties. It is designed to help beginning gardeners in growing and caring for tomatoes. The fact is that it is quite difficult to follow general recommendations, because the country is very large and climatic conditions vary greatly.
Table
General period of crop ripening | Age of seedlings for planting in the ground (early ripening varieties only) | Time from sowing to emergence | Planting tomatoes in open ground (for the south) | Planting tomatoes in open ground (for the Black Earth Region and the central region) | Planting tomatoes in open ground (for the Urals) | Planting tomatoes in open ground (for Siberia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
from 80 to 140 days | 40-50 days | 4-6 days | April 10th | May 10-15 | June 10th | June 15 |
These terms may vary depending on the variety; more detailed information can be found on the packaging.
The best early ripening tomatoes
So, we previously found out that it is the early ripeness of a tomato that can significantly affect the deterioration of a number of indicators:
- fruit size;
- harvest rate;
- productivity;
- shelf life.
The early-ripening variety is considered more tender; such tomatoes are often canned and consumed fresh. However, among all the early ripening hybrids and varieties, you can choose those that will satisfy the needs of a large number of gardeners. Below is a large list of such tomatoes.
Amur standard
One of the best early-ripening tomato varieties, it grows well both under film and in open ground. One of its significant advantages is the resistance of seeds to temperature changes. The variety can be grown by sowing in open ground without wasting energy on the seedling method. The ripening period is only 85-95 days, the bush of the plant is standard, compact, its height does not exceed 50 centimeters. The fruits are round, red, weighing an average of 100 grams, and are very good for fresh consumption.
“Amur standard” is well suited for growing in greenhouses and open ground in the following regions:
- Far East;
- Ural;
- Siberia;
- north of the European part.
Mystery
Early ripening tomatoes are gaining popularity today. Gardeners in the northern regions are interested in it, since the ripening period does not exceed 87 days. At the same time, the bush is compact, of a determinate type, however, it requires pinching. Some stepsons can be removed in order to increase yield.
One of the advantages is the ability to grow in shaded areas or climates with little sunlight. The fruits are small, bright red, and do not exceed 100 grams in weight. The marketability is high, tomatoes can be transported over long distances subject to storage conditions.Growing regions:
- Middle lane;
- Siberia;
- Ural.
Augustine
The variety is represented by small scarlet fruits that do not crack and are resistant to blossom end rot. "Augustine" was bred specifically for cultivation in Russia with its risky farming conditions. Tomatoes are very tasty and contain a large number of sugars. From the first shoots to harvest, an average of 95 days pass. The plant is compact, determinant, grows well in the middle zone.
Agatha
Describing the best early varieties of tomatoes, one cannot help but recall “Agatha,” which has already become a favorite of many gardeners for a number of excellent qualities. The ripening period is 98-113 days; seedlings can be planted both in a greenhouse and in open ground. The plant itself is low, compact, and does not need to be pinched. Many summer residents spend a lot of time looking for a tomato variety that they can plant and forget about caring for a while.
The height of the bush is 45-50 centimeters, no more. The yield is quick. Growing areas:
- central Russia;
- south of the country.
Productivity is above average: 5-6.7 kilograms per square meter.
Gourmand
The early-ripening variety “Lakomka” ripens in 85-100 days and is represented by fleshy raspberry-colored fruits weighing up to 120 grams. The skin is thin. Best growing regions:
- Chernozem region;
- Crimea;
- other southern areas;
- Volga region.
It is grown exclusively in open ground, as it requires high-quality pollination. The yield is high and reaches 7 kilograms per square meter of planting. The height of the bush is 60-70 centimeters.
Openwork F1
The hybrid "Azhur" is interesting because its fruits are quite large.Some specimens reach 400 grams, but this is rare. Average weight is 250 grams. The plant is determinate, its height is 70-80 centimeters. Given that the yield is high and the skin is dense, which has a positive effect on transportability and shelf life, this hybrid is popular among owners of large farms.
The ripening period does not exceed 110 days, the hybrid is resistant to a large number of major diseases. Distinctive qualities:
- drought resistance;
- tolerates heat well.
They all say that the hybrid is intended for cultivation in the southern regions of the country. With reduced sunlight and falling temperatures, it is able to produce a crop, but the ripening period will increase, and the yield will decrease to 6 kilograms per square.
Alpha
The late blight-resistant early ripening variety "Alpha" ripens quite quickly (85-90 days). The standard bush is simply strewn with red tomatoes, which is why they need to be tied up. Since the weight of the fruit does not exceed 80 grams, the yield will be average: 4-6 kilograms per square. Grown in open ground, universal use.
Grandma's kiss
Not very small tomatoes of the “Grandma’s Kiss” variety will become a table decoration. They are fleshy, bright yellow, and do not crack. Fruits are used for pickling and salads. The ripening period is 95-105 days. These tomatoes can be stored, the taste is excellent. By the way, a large number of yellow and pink varieties and hybrids are famous for their taste.
Sanka
For two or three years now, the list of “Best varieties of early tomatoes” has been headed by “Sanka”. What is he famous for? Below are the most important qualities:
- yield from 5 to 15 kilograms per square;
- universal use of tomatoes;
- The fruit ripening period is only 78-85 days;
- long fruiting period (until frost);
- excellent taste.
Perhaps, the early ripening variety “Sanka” has collected all the qualities that are necessary for all gardeners who want to find the best tomato.
The bush of the plant is determinate, its height is 40-60 centimeters, the fruits are very tasty, medium (up to 150 grams) and scarlet in color. The tomatoes are quite dense, do not crack, and with thick skin do not lose their taste. The variety is resistant to most diseases.
Yablonka Russia
Another popular early ripening tomato variety today, “Yablonka Rossii”, is famous for its excellent taste. Small fruits ripen in 85-100 days, the yield is high, 7-14 kilograms per square. One bush can bear up to 5 kilograms, which is why the branches of the plant bend under the weight of the fruit and need to be tied up.
The variety is ideal for central Russia and Siberia; in cold regions it can produce a smaller amount of harvest. It is not grown in greenhouses; during cold weather, the seedlings can be covered with film. Transports well due to its thick skin. Universal use.
In our table, we specifically indicated the period before the sprouts appear.
Below is a video showing the early ripening varieties “Yablonka Rossii”, “Sanka” and others:
Liana
The early ripening variety “Lyana”, intended exclusively for open ground, ripens in just 93 days. The bushes are compact, low (up to half a meter) and do not require the formation and removal of stepsons, however, they will still have to be tied up. The tomatoes turn out to be small, due to which the yield in kilograms is lost. From one square meter you can harvest up to 5 kilograms of excellent quality tomatoes.
The skin is dense, the tomatoes do not crack and are stored for a long time. At the same time, the taste qualities are rated by experts as five points. This tomato variety bears fruit best in moderately warm climatic zones of Russia.
F1 President
The hybrid “President” of Dutch selection has already managed to win the love of Russian gardeners. It can be successfully planted in greenhouses and beds in the sun. The ripening period varies greatly depending on growing conditions: 68-110 days. Resistant to late blight, alternaria and other diseases.
Keep in mind that the bush of the plant is indeterminate, it is very tall and requires pinching, staking and other work to form the plant. Only in this case, the gardener can expect a truly rich harvest (about 8 kg from one bush). The fruits are dense, red, round. They weigh above average (200-250 grams), look great and withstand transportation well. The hybrid is ideal for growing on an industrial scale.
Buyan (Fighter)
One of the best early ripening varieties. Good both in the south and when landing in Siberia and the Urals. The ripening period is only 95 days. This variety is not afraid of bacterial diseases and TMV; it is very persistent and hardy. Those who live in dry areas will also be interested.
The fruits of the Buyan variety have an interesting shape - they are cylindrical.There is a variety with yellow flesh. The tomatoes are small and medium-sized, the harvest yield is friendly. Due to the fact that the weight of the fruit is small, the yield in kilograms is small, but the bush is strewn with fruits. The taste is good, the tomatoes are perfectly preserved for a long period. The bush of the plant is compact, of determinant growth type, up to 45 centimeters in height.
Instead of a conclusion
As a rule, tomatoes are grown in seedlings, since this affects germination and depends directly on climatic conditions. In Russia, you can start sowing tomatoes in February-March, and in most parts of the territory there is still snow at this time.
When growing early ripening varieties in the greenhouse Keep in mind that during the flowering period it is better to shake the bushes a little and then water them. Tomatoes are pollinated by bees, which are not found in greenhouses. Ventilation is another way to positively influence fruiting.
Tomatoes are extremely responsive to the application of mineral fertilizers. Don't forget about this. It is also important to understand the purpose for which a particular tomato variety is grown. This point is taken into account at the seed selection stage. For fresh use and use in salads, varieties with excellent and excellent taste are grown. When canning, it is enough to pay attention to the size of the tomato fruits and the “B” taste. This is quite enough even for making sauces.
It’s not difficult to learn how to grow early-ripening varieties of tomatoes, the main thing is to do it with passion!
