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Pink varieties of tomatoes are always in great demand among gardeners and large-scale farmers due to their fleshy, juicy texture and sweet taste. Consumers especially liked the hybrid tomato Pink Spam.
The basis for breeding an early-ripening hybrid was the long-known and popular variety Bull's Heart, reminiscent of Pink Spam in size and color of the fruit.
Features of the variety
Description of the variety Pink Spam characterizes it as indeterminate, producing rich harvests in the greenhouse and in open beds - up to 25 kg can be obtained from each square meter; for comparison, the variety Bull's Heart produces about 3.5 kg. Although in the southern regions the tomato grows well in open ground, as a hybrid variety, it is better adapted to greenhouse conditions. The height of the bushes reaches one and a half meters; the top of the shoot needs to be pinched. Tomato leaves are medium-sized, simple. The bush is formed into one or two stems, the remaining shoots are removed.
Beautiful heart-shaped tomato fruits of a rich pink color, brighter than the old variety, have smooth thin skin that is not prone to cracking.The Pink Spam variety, according to reviews, has good transportability, but does not withstand long-term storage. The fruits are multi-chambered and can weigh up to 200 g when ripe. The excellent taste of tomatoes allows them to be used fresh and in homemade preparations.
Advantages of tomato
Among the advantages of the Pink Spam f1 tomato, reviews note:
- high stable yields;
- much earlier ripening than the old variety - about 100 days from the moment of germination;
- long fruiting - it lasts from June until frost;
- a significant percentage of fruit set - each ovary forms up to several tomatoes;
- strong skin without cracking;
- pleasant sweet taste;
- rapid ripening of tomatoes at home;
- rich composition of microelements;
- good resistance to viral and fungal diseases.
Some disadvantages of the Pink Spam f1 tomato do not detract from its advantages at all. These include:
- lack of high keeping quality;
- the need to tie up tall bushes;
- more complex agricultural technology;
- low immunity against late blight.
Preparing seedlings
The development of tomato and its fruiting depend on growing conditions. It is most convenient to grow this hybrid variety in seedlings.
Seed treatment
Planting seeds for seedlings must be done two months before transplanting into the ground. Typically this period occurs in the middle or end of March, depending on the type of region. However, first the hybrid seeds should be treated:
- soak for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
- rinse with water;
- To accelerate growth, place it in a stimulant for an hour - it can be prepared from a teaspoon of honey and a glass of water;
- spread on paper to dry.
Soil composition
In order for Pink Spam tomato seedlings to turn out to be of high quality, reviews advise ensuring the correct composition of the soil. It can be purchased at the store, but it is best to take soil from the area where the tomato will grow and prepare a substrate based on it:
- the mixture should contain equal amounts of peat, sand and garden soil;
- adding a small amount of wood ash will reduce acidity and disinfect the soil;
- Additionally, you can disinfect the substrate with potassium permanganate.
Sowing seeds
Dried tomato seeds should be placed on the surface of the substrate and sprinkled with a centimeter layer of soil. After this, the boxes with crops are covered with transparent film or glass and placed in a warm place. The germination of seeds of a hybrid variety depends on their freshness, which must be taken into account when purchasing.
When the first shoots of Pink Spam tomatoes appear, reviews with photos show that the transparent coating needs to be removed and the boxes with tomato seedlings should be placed in a sufficiently lit place, but without direct sunlight. The most comfortable temperature for seedling growth is +23 degrees. The soil should be periodically carefully moistened with a spray bottle, avoiding drops of water from falling on the still tender tomato leaves.
Seedling care
Two leaves that appear on the sprouts are a signal for the start of the hybrid picking. You can plant plants in peat pots. They are convenient because they can then be immediately planted in the ground along with the bushes.
Watering tomatoes should be regular as the soil dries. It needs to be produced only at the root. Sprouts also require regular feeding.For the first time, the Pink Spam tomato characteristics and description of the variety are recommended to be fed 1-2 weeks after transplantation, and then provide additional nutrition approximately every two weeks.
Half a month before replanting into open ground, you need to start hardening off the bushes, taking them out into the fresh air. The holding time of tomatoes should be gradually increased, starting from 10-20 minutes. When the night frosts end, you can leave the seedlings outside overnight. Gradually you need to accustom the tomato bushes to direct sunlight. Around the 20th of May or a little later, if the danger of night frosts has passed, Pink Spam tomato seedlings can be transplanted into a greenhouse or open ground. Everything depends on weather conditions.
Agrotechnical measures
In order for the hybrid bushes to develop intensively, receiving sufficient lighting and good air permeability, a 60x60 scheme will be optimal for planting.
Planting bushes in garden beds
The beds for tomatoes should be prepared in the fall - dug up and fertilized with manure. Pink Spam tomatoes love light loamy or sandy soils with low acidity. To plant tomatoes, it is better to choose a site in the southern part of the garden. Crops such as potatoes or eggplants are not suitable as predecessors for tomato beds, as they are susceptible to the same diseases. As reviews and photos show, Pink Spam f1 tomatoes feel comfortable in beds where onions or cabbage grew.
Organization of tomato care
In the future, caring for the hybrid consists of creating optimal conditions for its development:
- Watering the bushes is best done in the early morning or evening after sunset;
- The optimal watering regime is twice a week, at the root;
- Mulching the beds will help retain moisture;
- Regular loosening and weeding of tomatoes will help ensure free access of oxygen to the roots of tomatoes;
- for more intensive branching of roots, the bushes need to be hilled;
- half a month after transplanting tomatoes into the beds, you need to start fertilizing with mineral and organic substances - it is better to do them during or after watering;
- the top of the main shoot of the Pink Spam variety must be pinched to limit its growth;
- the second stem is formed from the stepson under the lower ovary;
- The bushes must be tied up, otherwise they will not support the weight of the fruit.
Despite its resistance to pests, the Pink Spam tomato must be treated with copper-containing preparations in a timely manner. They will protect tomatoes from late blight. To prevent it:
- the soil should not be over-moistened;
- it is necessary to ventilate the greenhouse in a timely manner;
- do not allow bushes to thicken.
Bright hybrid
Thanks to the tireless work of breeders, new varieties of tomatoes are being created not only with a variety of sizes and shapes, but also in color. Among them, the Orange Spam tomato stands out; reviews from summer residents indicate its early fruiting and excellent taste. Its indeterminate, tall bushes require mandatory support and garter.
They produce the first harvest within 3-3.5 months after germination. The hybrid variety is used for protected soil, but also grows well in open beds. It is characterized by high resistance against viral and bacterial diseases of tomatoes. In the maturity stage:
- juicy, fleshy tomatoes acquire a golden orange color and a very pleasant taste;
- each brush produces 6 tomatoes weighing up to 180 g, which are distinguished by their excellent presentation;
- Tomato yield is up to 20 kg/sq. m.
Tomato Orange Spam, thanks to its bright appearance, is a wonderful table decoration and an excellent component of any vegetable salad.
Reviews from gardeners about the variety
Conclusion
The Pink Spam tomato variety has won the hearts of many summer residents with its wonderful taste. And simple rules of agricultural technology will allow you to obtain high yields.
