The tomato, or tomato in our language, is the second most popular vegetable in Europe and North America. There are so many varieties of tomato that gardeners have a hard time making a choice in favor of just one of them. When choosing, it is worth considering not only the yield of a particular tomato variety, but also its geographical origin. For our latitudes, we need to give preference to domestic and Russian varieties. It is they who, in our climate, will be able to demonstrate high yields and resistance to diseases. One of the best varieties of Russian selection is the Alsou tomato.
Characteristics of the variety
The Alsou tomato variety is a fairly new variety of Russian selection. It is perfect for both greenhouses and open beds. It is worth considering that when grown in open ground, determinate Alsou bushes can reach a height of 80 cm. In a greenhouse, the height of the bushes will be about 1 meter. Despite this height and standard shape, plants of this variety are not accepted.
The green leaves of this variety are medium in size. The abundant fruiting of the Alsou variety is due to the fact that the ovaries are formed every 2 leaves. Moreover, the higher the tomatoes are located on the bush, the smaller they are in size.
The Alsou tomato is an early ripening variety.This means that the first harvest can be harvested 90–100 days after the appearance of the first shoots. Tomatoes of this variety are heart-shaped with a slightly ribbed glossy surface. They are quite large in size and average weight up to 500 grams, but specimens weighing 700–800 grams are also possible. Unripe fruits of the Alsou variety are green. Near their stalk the color is several tones darker. When ripe, tomatoes acquire a bright red color, and the dark spot on the stalk disappears. The distinctive features of Alsou tomatoes are simple inflorescences and joints on the stalks.
The taste characteristics of this variety are excellent. The dense and juicy pulp of Alsou tomatoes has 6 cavities. The dry matter in it is at an average level. It is perfect for salads and for making juices. The pulp of this variety contains a huge amount of useful vitamins and minerals. It is especially rich in vitamins A and C. In addition, it contains the strongest antioxidants: vitamin E and lycopene. This composition makes Alsou tomatoes not only tasty, but also healthy.
The main advantages of the Alsou variety include:
- resistance to cold and drought;
- undemanding to soil;
- high yield - from 7 to 9 kg per square meter;
- good immunity to diseases and pests;
- excellent taste and product characteristics;
- large fruit size.
In addition to the advantages, Alsou tomatoes also have disadvantages:
- seedlings, young seedlings and the stem of an adult plant are rather weak;
- Tomatoes of this variety are not suitable for canning in their entirety.
Despite the shortcomings, the Alsou tomato variety is quite successful. It is actively grown for sale. If agrotechnical recommendations are followed, it will give the gardener a rich harvest of large fruits.
Recommendations for cultivation
The Alsou tomato variety is grown in seedlings. In order to get strong and healthy seedlings, you need to properly prepare the seeds. Their preparation includes several stages:
- Selection of small and damaged seeds. After this sorting, it is recommended to immerse all the seeds in water and select those that float to the surface. These seeds are empty and unsuitable for planting.
- Treatment with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. It is very important to achieve a weak solution. Strong concentration can spoil the seeds. Keep them in the solution for no more than 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
- Soak seeds for up to 12 hours.
This seed preparation is optional. But its implementation can increase the germination of seeds and strengthen their immunity.
Alsou tomatoes are not as demanding on soil as other varieties. They can grow well even in universal soil. But in order for young seedlings not to experience stress after transplantation, experienced gardeners recommend planting seeds in garden soil. Soil from any garden bed will do, except for potatoes and tomatoes.
The Alsou variety should be planted for seedlings no earlier than the beginning of March. You can plant seeds in separate containers, or in one large one. The main requirement for planting is the sowing depth. It should be 1.5 cm. If the planting is deeper, the seedlings will be weak.When planted superficially, the seeds may dry out. Providing an optimal temperature of 20 - 26 degrees will allow seedlings to appear already on the 5th day. After their appearance, the temperature can be lowered to 14 - 16 degrees during the day and to 12 - 14 degrees at night.
To do this, place containers with seedlings near an open window at night. In order for the plants to get stronger, but not freeze, they need to be covered with a film to prevent drafts. If this is not done, the seedlings may stretch out. Hardening should be carried out for 1.5 - 2 weeks, after which the temperature should be increased by several degrees.
If the seeds were planted in one container, then when the first two leaves appear, they must be planted. It is very important to water young plants before transplanting - this will preserve their root system. Under no circumstances should seedlings be pulled. They need to be carefully dug up with a thin stick. All damaged, weak and diseased plants must be discarded without pity.
Avoid mistakes when growing tomato seedlings video will help:
Ready Alsu tomato seedlings are planted in a permanent place 55 - 60 days from the moment the first shoots appear. It is worth considering that regardless of whether it is planted in open or closed ground, there should be 50 cm of free space between neighboring plants of this variety. The optimal distance between the rows will be about 40 cm. One square meter of land can accommodate from 5 to 9 Alsou tomato bushes.
Caring for the Alsou tomato variety is no different from caring for any other tomato variety and includes:
- Timely watering. Despite the fact that the Alsou tomato variety has good resistance to drought, you should not allow the soil to dry out too much.If tomatoes grow in a greenhouse, then they should be watered no more than once a week. When grown in open ground, watering is carried out 1 - 2 times a week. It is very important not to get on the tomato tops when watering.
- Mandatory garter and stepson. In addition, bushes of this variety must be formed into two or three stems.
- Weeding and loosening.
- Regular feeding. Alsou tomatoes are undemanding when it comes to fertilizing. They will respond equally well to both mineral and organic fertilizers.
You can learn how to properly form a tomato stem from the video:
The Alsou tomato variety is one of the best varieties bred recently. It is quite undemanding to care and has increased productivity.
The Alsou variety is excellent, it has grown almost two meters, the tops have been cut off. The weight of the fruit is 820-960 grams. It is bright red in color, only for some reason around the stalk have turned yellow.