The Almaz variety of eggplant can rightfully be considered the most popular for cultivation not only in Russia, but also in the regions of Ukraine and Moldova. As a rule, it is planted in closed ground, for which it is intended. Among the seeds in the store, “Almaz” is the one chosen most often, and on many agricultural company websites it has been presented as the best-selling product for many years. We will characterize the variety, describe its advantages and disadvantages, and show real photos of the harvest.
Short description
“Diamond” is a variety of eggplant, which means that the seeds of overripe fruits can be collected and replanted.
Outwardly, it looks standard, the fruits are medium-sized, elongated, dark in color. Sometimes the fruit is called a black diamond. The variety is considered mid-early; the harvest period largely depends on the region of growth and cultivation. Below is a table describing the variety. The characteristics allow you to make a choice in advance.
Table
Characteristic name | Description |
|---|---|
Ripening period | Mid-season variety, 110-150 days from the appearance of the first shoots to technical maturity. |
Taste and commercial qualities | Excellent, can be stored for a long time, can be easily transported from place to place, and can be used as a universal product. |
Resistance to viruses and diseases | Resistant to cucumber and tobacco mosaic virus, stolbur and wilt. |
Fruit size | The length is 15-17 centimeters, the weight of the fruit ranges from 100 to 180 grams. |
Fruit and pulp color | The fruit is dark purple, almost black, the flesh is slightly greenish. |
Description of the bush | Low, height up to 55 centimeters, compact. |
Care requirements | Weeding, loosening the soil, fertilizing is required. |
Description of sowing scheme | 60x30, maybe a little wider; There are no more than 6 plants per 1 square meter |
Features of growing the variety | They are most often grown in greenhouses, both heated and unheated; they can be planted in open ground only in the south of Russia, where cold snaps are excluded. |
Productivity per 1 sq. meters | up to 8 kilograms. |
Harvesting is simplified due to the fact that the Almaz bush does not have thorns. It is very comfortable.
Sowing
In our country, it is more common to plant different varieties of eggplant in a greenhouse. Even if conditions allow this to be done in open ground, preference is given to a method consisting of two stages:
- Sowing seeds for seedlings.
- Growing seedlings.
A month after sowing the seeds, it will become clear which of them will give a rich harvest and which will not. To grow, you will need to correlate the soil requirements with the capabilities that are currently available.
- the soil should be neutral or slightly acidic;
- if the soils are acidic, add lime every three years;
- When preparing the soil, be sure to add organic matter (about a week in advance, or earlier);
- You can plant eggplant after carrots, onions, cabbage, pumpkin and zucchini.
The description of the variety on the packaging is always extremely sparse, so many gardeners have to turn to other sources for information and read reviews, which we will discuss below.
Almaz seeds are small; they are preferred to be soaked before sowing, although this is not necessary.You can prepare the seeds sequentially, going through several stages:
- calibration;
- disinfection;
- stimulation for growth.
To correctly determine the sowing time for the region, it is necessary to count 50-70 days until the day when you can plant eggplant in a greenhouse or in open ground.
Below we will present a description of comprehensive care. The Almaz variety is unpretentious, but certain requirements still have to be met.
Seeds need to be planted in separate outlets. The plant does not tolerate picking well. The photo below shows what Almaz eggplants should look like.
Care
This variety has been grown since 1983, during which time it has not only appealed to gardeners, but also to the liking of professionals who grow eggplant in large quantities.
Plant care is carried out in accordance with certain rules:
- do not plant plants close to each other (maximum 6 bushes per square meter);
- when planting seedlings, there is no need to bury it;
- all care comes down to loosening, watering and fertilizing.
Loosening must be done carefully, because the rhizomes of eggplants are weak. As for feeding, it should be both organic and mineral.
The feeding scheme is as follows:
- before planting eggplants in the ground, add 10 kilograms of organic matter per 1 square meter;
- It is better to add nitrogen in the spring, and potassium and phosphorus in the fall before planting;
- After planting during the flowering and fruiting period, the Almaz variety is fed with a mineral complex up to three times.
A brief overview of the variety is given in the video.
Reviews
Black Diamond among all varietal eggplants is the very name that comes to mind after reading the reviews. The fruits have a glossy thin skin. Among the absolute advantages in the characteristics, gardeners name the following:
- low price for seeds;
- each bush has at least 5 ovaries;
- the variety bears fruit for a long time and abundantly;
- the fruit is glossy, beautiful black;
- pulp without bitterness;
- resistant to both temperature changes and common viruses.
Among the disadvantages, there is only one that must be mentioned: the formation of flowers and fruits occurs in the lower part of the plant, so the fruits are carefully monitored. If they are ripe, cut them off immediately to prevent bacteria from the soil from spoiling the eggplants.
The basis was taken only from reviews of gardeners who independently grew Almaz eggplant in their beds.
Once you plant this variety, it will become your favorite. Most gardeners consider it a classic and plant it every year, knowing well the characteristics of the variety. This allows you to guarantee a large harvest of eggplants from your beds. The experience of many will serve as an example for beginners.
Is it possible to plant next to peppers and tomatoes?
Good afternoon, Love!
You can plant eggplants next to peppers; they grow well next to each other. But you can’t plant eggplants next to tomatoes.Firstly, both plants belong to the same family (nightshades), and they are affected by the same pests and diseases. If a tomato gets sick, the eggplants will definitely get sick. Secondly, eggplants need to be watered more often, while tomatoes can easily tolerate short-term drought. It is especially important to follow this recommendation when growing eggplants in greenhouses and greenhouses.
We wish you high harvests!