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Relatively recently, the wide Russian tomato seed market has been filled with varieties of Siberian selection, among them the already well-known Altai Masterpiece tomato. The main attraction of the entire variety of these varieties is their ability to produce high yields in unfavorable weather conditions. This tomato variety was included in the State Register in 2007 and has become popular not only in its homeland, in the Siberian climate characterized by harsh weather conditions. The plant's resistance to rainy summers and low temperatures, along with its remarkable taste characteristics, was noticed and appreciated by gardeners in the central part of the country.
Positive qualities and disadvantages of the Siberian variety
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of any variety makes it easier to determine whether they are suitable for growing in a particular environment. Judging by their description, Altai Masterpiece tomatoes have many advantages.
- The yield of these tomato bushes, if all agricultural technology requirements are met, can reach 10 kg of the total fruit harvest from one square meter. In country gardens, in open ground beds, those who like to grow their own vegetables are guaranteed to harvest 3-5 kg of fruits of this tomato per 1 sq. m. m. In the greenhouses of experienced gardeners, the yield rises to 7 kg.This data is taken from various reviews on forums;
- The taste quality of large, attractive and appetizing tomato fruits is very high;
- The attractiveness and commercial properties of the Altai Masterpiece tomato fruits, according to the reviews of those who feasted on them, deserve praise from both sellers and all buyers;
- The resistance of the skin of large tomato fruit to cracking is also highly valued when sold in markets, as well as in ordinary home consumption;
- Strong tomato bushes of this variety are distinguished by a long fruiting period, which begins in August and lasts until the end of October under greenhouse growing conditions;
- The original immunity to disease makes this variety of tall tomatoes a favorite of gardeners, since it resists pathogens of fungal and viral diseases both in a greenhouse and in ordinary open beds;
- Resistance to low temperatures.
Even such excellent qualities may not please those gardeners whose reviews indicate that the Altai Masterpiece tomato variety has shortcomings. They all boil down to the fact that a powerful tomato bush requires a little care for itself in exchange for delicious huge fruits.
- Tall Siberian tomato plants realize their full potential in spacious greenhouses, almost two meters high;
- To obtain the fruit size characteristic of this variety of tomatoes, it is necessary to regularly shoot the plants;
- The size of the fruits of this variety of tomatoes does not allow them to be preserved whole.
Description of the plant
Indeterminate non-standard tomato bushes Altai Masterpiece, as described in the descriptions of gardeners who planted them, grow even higher than two meters. It is necessary to stop the growth of the bush of these powerful plants by pinching the top. The most acceptable height of this tomato bush is 1.5 m in open beds and 1.8 m in greenhouses.
The stem of this tomato bush is powerful, thick, and produces many shoots. The branches are equally strong, capable of bearing a significant load from several heavy fruits. The leaves are light green in color and large. Clusters of flowers begin to form at the top above the 10th or 11th leaf. Then they appear regularly every third leaf. The plant has a simple inflorescence. The stalk is characterized by articulation.
The bright red, ribbed fruits of these tomatoes, as seen in the photo, have a round, flattened shape. Until ripe, the fruits are light green, with a darker spot around the stalk, which disappears in the ripeness phase. The fruits of this variety of tomatoes weigh from 200 to 400 g. If all agrotechnical requirements are met, one fruit can reach a weight of 500 g. In greenhouse conditions, these tomatoes also grow record-breaking specimens - up to 1 kg.
The tomato pulp is of medium density (dry matter - 5-6%), fleshy, juicy, aromatic. Each fruit has six seed chambers. Tomatoes taste pleasant, delicious, sweet and sour. The skin of the fruit is also dense and does not crack.
Characteristic features of the variety
Having knowledge of valuable agricultural practices, you can achieve an exceptionally good harvest from the bushes of the Altai Masterpiece variety, this mid-season tomato.Its fruits ripen 110-120 days after germination, usually in early or mid-August.
- Ripe tomatoes are distinguished by their uniformity and the fact that the berries on this powerful bush amaze with their incredible size. The fruits on each cluster are very large, and not just on the lower ones, as is often the case with tomatoes of this type.
- The originators of the variety indicate the fruits of these tomatoes as salad fruits. This means that the red berries of the plant fully reveal their harmonious taste in fresh salads. Of course, with a large harvest, they are prepared from them in the incomplete ripeness phase for various canned products. Fully ripe berries, saturated with thick pulp, produce delicious juice or sauces;
- Due to the density of the pulp, tomato fruits tolerate transportation well and are stored indoors for quite a long time;
- This tomato plant is non-hybrid: gardeners select seeds from the fruits for further propagation;
- A characteristic feature of the variety is the rapid filling of fruits. Early tomatoes may already be fully ripe, but these bushes are just beginning to form berries. With the beginning of August, the plants are literally strewn with large fruits that ripen in a short period.
Growing stages
Gardeners propagate the Altai Masterpiece tomato variety by seedlings. Seeds must be sown two months before planting in a permanent place.
Seedling care
Altai Masterpiece tomato seeds are sown to a depth of 1-1.5 cm in early March if the plants will be placed in a greenhouse. For garden planting, sowing is carried out a little later. You need to focus on your own conditions. If the seedlings are placed in a sunny corner, you can sow in early April. When the sprouts develop two true leaves, they are picked.
Garden chores
Seedlings are transferred to greenhouses from the beginning of May, to open ground - from the second ten days of May to mid-June, protected from direct rays of the sun and from frost with uncovered material. If there is a threat of low temperatures, create additional shelter from film. Typically, tall tomato seedlings are arranged in a 50x40 pattern.
- Water with warm water in the evening, and in greenhouses - only in the morning;
- Loosening is necessary so that air penetrates to the roots, and at the same time they are destroyed weeds. You need to get rid of weeds, because insect pests often develop on them;
- When pinching, you need to be careful not to cut off the entire branch. Otherwise, the plant stem will be damaged; it is better to leave the stumps up to 1 cm;
- Tomatoes are fed 3-4 times during the growing season.
Useful secrets
- Altai Masterpiece tomato bushes must be pinched, tied up or supported;
- When topping plants, it is necessary to leave 4-6 leaves above the topmost inflorescence;
- Many gardeners grow bushes of these tomatoes in one stem. Although the plants bear fruit quite well if they are formed into two or even three stems. To get the second stem, leave the stepson that grows under the first brush;
- On plants below the first cluster, leaves are removed to improve air exchange and greater access of sunlight to the fruits;
- To form larger fruits, gardeners tear off small or ugly flowers on the clusters.
Simultaneously with this famous variety, a real masterpiece, the Barnaul agricultural company “Demetra-Siberia” also offered the varieties Altai Red, Altai Pink, and Altai Orange.They are similar in agricultural technology and qualities, but there are also distinctive features.
