Content
Tomatoes are one of the most popular and widespread vegetable crops in the world. There are a huge number of varieties of tomatoes, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. One of the interesting and popular varieties is the Shchelkovsky early tomato.
Where and how did the variety appear?
The Shchelkovsky early tomato was developed as a result of breeding work by Russian breeders more than 30 years ago. It was bred back in the 80s of the 20th century. The originator of the variety is the Federal State Budgetary Institution “All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Crops Breeding”.
Description of the tomato variety Shchelkovsky early
The Shchelkovsky early tomato belongs to determinate varieties, that is, it forms limited growth of the bush and stops growing after the formation of peduncles. The plant forms a compact dwarf bush about 30-40 centimeters high. The leaves are light green, dense, medium-sized, potato-type. Its stems are thin but strong.The flowers are small, bright yellow, with a simple inflorescence.
Characteristics of Shchelkovsky early tomato
The fruits of the Shchelkovsky early tomato have a round shape and a bright red color, which becomes more saturated as it ripens, without a green spot at the stalk. Tomatoes are small in size, growing up to 5 cm in diameter. The weight of one fruit is approximately 40-60 grams.
The taste of this tomato variety is also pleasant - the fruits have a sweet and juicy taste. But growing in rainy summer conditions, they can develop a sour taste. Vegetables without many seeds and with a thin, glossy skin.
Ripe tomatoes have a uniform, rich red color, while technically mature ones have a light green color.
Maturation period
Shchelkovsky early belongs to the ultra-early tomato varieties. This means that the fruits begin to ripen relatively quickly after the first flowers appear. Typically, about 60-70 days pass from the appearance of flowers to the ripeness of the fruit. The first batches of tomatoes become available in the second half of June, while the maximum harvest can be expected in July.
Tomato yield Shchelkovsky early
This tomato variety has good yield. It is capable of producing a significant number of fruits on each plant.
From 1 m² you can harvest 8-9 kg of ripe tomatoes
Disease resistance
The Shchelkovsky early tomato is resistant to major diseases such as fusarium, verticillium, mosaic and others. This allows gardeners to grow the variety without any special problems or worries.
In what regions is it grown?
The Shchelkovsky early tomato is successfully grown in many regions of Russia, including central and northern ones, where short summers and cool nights can affect the cultivation of other varieties. It is adapted to various climatic conditions and can be grown both in open ground and in greenhouses.
The Shchelkovsky early tomato grows especially well in regions with a temperate climate, where the average summer temperature is about 20-25°C. Such conditions promote productive growth and ripening of fruits.
Purpose and application
The areas of use of the Shchelkovsky early tomato are very diverse. It is ideal for fresh consumption in salads, soups, sauces and other culinary dishes. Due to its high yield, this variety is also well suited for canning and freezing. The fruits can be processed into tomato paste, sauce, ketchup, juice or other canned products that can be used throughout the year.
Advantages and disadvantages
A characteristic feature of the Shchelkovsky early tomato is the quick and friendly yield of the crop. It is distinguished by its early ripening period, which allows you to get a harvest at the beginning of the season.
The small size of the tomato bush makes it convenient for growing in limited spaces
Pros:
- high taste qualities of fruits;
- early ripeness;
- compact growth;
- strong immunity;
- good yield;
- ease of care.
Minuses:
- sensitivity to cold and frost;
- Not suitable for lovers of large tomatoes due to the small size of the fruit.
Growing and care
Shchelkovsky early is suitable for growing both in open ground and in greenhouses and film greenhouses.It is most convenient to grow tomatoes in seedlings, but you can also sow the seeds directly into the ground.
The timing of planting seeds for seedlings usually depends on climatic conditions and regional characteristics. Typically, Shchelkovo early tomato seeds are sown approximately 6-8 weeks before the expected date of planting in the ground. To sow seeds, use suitable soil for seedlings or a special mixture for tomatoes. The seeds are planted to a depth of about 2 cm and the containers are placed in a warm place with good lighting, having previously been covered with a transparent film. The tomatoes should sprout on the seventh day.
Check the soil moisture regularly and keep it moderately moist. Overdried or waterlogged soil can negatively affect seedlings. Seedlings are periodically thinned, removing weak or overly elongated plants. This will help ensure there is enough space and nutrition for the healthy growth of strong plants.
You can transplant tomato seedlings to a new place after four true leaves appear on it. This usually happens after 55-60 days from the moment the seeds are planted. Depending on the growing region and certain conditions, plants are replanted from late May to early June.
Transplantation scheme in open ground:
- Choose a sunny place on the site, protected from the wind, with loose and fertile soil. The distance between plants should be about 45-60 cm so that they have enough space to grow.
- Before transplanting the seedlings, add organic fertilizer or compost to the soil to provide nutrients.Form holes up to 5 cm deep.
- When transplanting seedlings, proceed carefully so as not to damage the roots of the plants. Plant the seedlings in the ground at such a depth that the first leaves are above the ground level.
Subsequent care of the plant is very simple. Due to its compactness and small size, the Shchelkovo early tomato bush does not require pinching or staking.
Shchelkovsky early tomatoes are regularly watered with warm water, especially during periods of dryness. Moderate soil moisture should be maintained, avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To prevent the development of diseases, water the plants at the base, avoiding water getting on the leaves.
During active growth and fruit formation, tomatoes are regularly fed with fertilizers. Use complex mineral fertilizers designed specifically for tomatoes or vegetable crops.
Do not forget about timely weeding of the soil, especially after watering the plants.
Disease and pest control
Although the Shchelkovsky early variety has high immunity to most common diseases, plants should be regularly inspected for signs of disease or damage. If necessary, appropriate drugs or control methods can be used.
To prevent diseases, it is recommended to follow the rules of crop rotation, regularly treat plants with pest control drugs, and also remove affected leaves and fruits, if any.
Conclusion
The Shchelkovsky early tomato is a high-yielding and tasty variety that has early ripening and disease resistance.With its help, gardeners and gardeners can get an early and abundant harvest even in the northern regions. Thanks to disease resistance and the compact size of the bush, growing this variety becomes more convenient and effective.
Reviews from gardeners about the Shchelkovsky early tomato variety
