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The Stone Flower tomato is a new product in recent years that has become popular among many summer residents. A dwarf hybrid that produces delicious cherry tomatoes. Great for growing on a windowsill at home. The bushes are resistant to adverse weather conditions, so in most regions they can be grown in open ground.
History of origin
Stone flower tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. lycopersicum) is a first-generation hybrid (designated F1), bred by breeder V.I. Blokin-Mechtalin. (he is also the originator). The application for admission was submitted in 2018; the hybrid was registered in the register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation in 2020.
Approved for cultivation in most Russian regions:
- middle lane;
- Volga region;
- Northwest;
- Chernozem region;
- southern regions;
- Ural;
- Western and Eastern Siberia;
- Far East.
Tomato Stone Flower is quite resistant to different weather conditions.Therefore, it can be grown both in film shelters and greenhouses, and in open ground.
Description of the tomato variety Stone Flower
Stone flower tomatoes are dwarf bushes, the height of which reaches 35-40 cm. Tomatoes have a small number of shoots, the leaves are elastic, small, the surface is slightly corrugated. The shape is typical, the color is rich green. Inflorescences of a hybrid of a simple or semi-complex type. The plant is determinate; growth stops when it reaches a height of 40 cm. The last shoot is usually a semi-compound raceme.
All clusters of the Stone Flower tomato are compact, dense, the first one grows above the seventh leaf, then they are laid, alternating with 1-2 plates. On each bush, an average of 6-8 shoots are formed, in a good season and subject to proper agricultural practices - up to 16-20 branches. Tomato fruits are simple, set very good. Each bunch produces 8-11 tomatoes, sometimes 18-25. If grown at home, the brushes will produce 2-3 shoots, less often 4. In total, from 6 to 10 inflorescences will form on them, and each brush will produce from 6 to 8 ovaries.
Tomato Stone Flower F1 belongs to the cherry group: the fruits are small / weighing on average 9-10 g, less often up to 12 g. The shape is round, the color is rich red. The cut shows two chambers with seeds. But it is not advisable to collect them - it will not be possible to grow full-fledged bushes, since they are a hybrid. The taste is excellent - sweetish, without the slightest sourness. The pulp is fleshy, quite dense, juicy and has a pleasant aroma. The surface of the fruit is smooth, glossy, and glistens in the sun.
Characteristics of tomato Stone flower
The hybrid grows well both in greenhouses and in open ground.It is not picky about soil composition and weather conditions. At the same time, it produces a stable harvest of tasty tomatoes.
Tomato yield Stone flower
For the cherry category, Stone Flower tomatoes are quite productive: from 3 to 3.8 kg can be harvested per square meter. Considering that at 1 m2 you can place 7-8 miniature bushes, the yield per plant will be almost 500 g. You can slightly increase the indicator when growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, film shelter or on a balcony (subject to regular lighting and ventilation).
In terms of ripening time, the Stone Flower hybrid is classified as ultra-early (super-early). From the moment of emergence of seedlings to the stage of technical ripeness, 80-85 days pass. The fruits have time to ripen on the branch; no ripening is required.
Resistance to diseases and pests
There is no data on the crop's resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, after transplanting into the ground or into a greenhouse, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatment against fungal infections. After transplanting into the ground, the bushes should be periodically inspected. If aphids, cutworms and other pests are detected, the Stone Flower tomato bushes should be sprayed with a homemade solution (according to folk recipes) or a chemical preparation.
How to use
Stone flower tomatoes are used fresh. They are great for side dishes, vegetable cuts, salads, and for serving main courses. It is also possible to pickle or marinate cherry tomatoes for the winter. These tomatoes look appropriate with miniature cucumbers - gherkins.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Stone Flower tomato appeared recently. Many summer residents have managed to appreciate its excellent taste, attractive appearance of the fruits and good yield.The bushes are compact, which makes it possible to grow them even in a small area, for example, under a film or on a regular windowsill.
Pros:
- pleasant taste;
- excellent tying;
- fast and friendly ripening times;
- compact bushes that take up little space;
- can be grown on the balcony or in the room;
- suitable for cultivation in most regions;
- decorative bushes;
- keeping quality and transportability.
Minuses:
- seeds have to be purchased every year;
- no data on disease resistance;
- at the end of the growing season, pinching is necessary;
- if there are a lot of fruits, a garter may be required.
How to Grow a Stone Flower Tomato
Since the Stone Flower tomato is an ultra-early tomato, its seeds can be planted either as seedlings or by direct sowing in the ground. The dates fall in April, in the middle or second half of May (in the southern regions it is possible at the beginning of the month). At the same time, to get a good harvest, gardeners recommend using the seedling method.
Thanks to its miniature size, the Stone Flower tomato can also be grown on a windowsill. Seed planting is planned for April to avoid additional lighting. At home, the fruits ripen in 70-75 days. Therefore, the second batch of seeds can be planted at the end of June.
Standard instructions for growing seedlings:
- Prepare the soil in advance from turf soil, humus, black peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1:1.
- Disinfect it by keeping it in the freezer for several days or 20 minutes in the oven at 150 degrees.
- Plant Stone Flower tomato seeds to a depth of 1 cm at intervals of 4-5 cm.
- Water from a spray bottle.
- Cover with film with holes and place in a warm place (24-26 degrees).
- Ventilate and water periodically.
- After emergence of shoots, remove the film.
- After three leaves appear, dive into peat pots.
- Start hardening two weeks before transplanting.
Planting of seedlings in open ground or a greenhouse is carried out in mid-May or a little later. The density can be high: the interval between seedlings is 20-30 cm, the placement pattern is staggered.
Caring for Stone Flower tomatoes is standard and includes the following actions:
- Water regularly, at least twice a week, 3 times during drought.
- Fertilizing every 10-15 days using complex mineral fertilizers and organic matter (mullein, droppings, infusion of freshly cut grass).
- Periodic loosening, weeding.
- Ventilation of the greenhouse.
- Mulching the soil with sawdust, straw, hay.
- If there will be a lot of fruits, you should prepare a wooden peg or other support in advance. At the right time, you can quickly stick it into the soil and tie up the bushes.
Pest and disease control
When growing Stone Flower tomato seedlings on a plot, it is recommended to treat them once with a fungicide a few days after transplanting. You can use any effective drug:
- Bordeaux mixture;
- "Fitosporin";
- "Profit";
- "Maksim";
- "Fundazol".
Aphids, wireworms, spider mites, Colorado potato beetles and other pests are fought with traditional methods (infusion of tobacco dust, wood ash, chili pepper, mustard powder) or insecticides:
- "Decis";
- "Biotlin";
- "Fufanon";
- "Match";
- "Ephoria".
Conclusion
The Stone Flower tomato is suitable for different growing conditions - at home, under film, in a greenhouse or in an open garden bed. The crop is quite productive, the fruits are tasty, shelf-stable and transportable. No critical deficiencies were identified.
Reviews from gardeners about the Stone Flower tomato