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Sometimes when coming up with interesting names for tomato varieties, it happens that the breeder wants the best, but it turns out as always. The name of the tomato variety Scarlet Candles is very romantic, and besides, the shape of the tomatoes actually somewhat resembles burning candles. But... the colors of this variety of tomatoes are pink! Meanwhile, the buyer, having read only one name of the variety, is convinced that they must be red, and complains that he was again deceived with the seeds. But there is no deception - it’s just that the imaginative thinking of the author-breeders let them down a little in this particular case.
However, many other characteristics of the Scarlet Candles tomato in the description of the variety given by the manufacturer are more or less true. In this article, you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the characteristics of this variety, and with photos of its fruits, and with reviews from those who have grown it at least once on their plot.
Description of the variety
The Scarlet Candles tomato was bred through the joint efforts of famous Siberian breeders V.N. Dederko. and O.V. Postnikova, who have already given farmers many wonderful tomato varieties. In 2007, this variety was officially included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Russia with recommendations for cultivation in all regions of Russia, both under film and in open ground.
Plants belong to the indeterminate type, that is, theoretically their growth is unlimited, but in practice it can only be inhibited by the roof of the greenhouse or the set of nutrients present in the soil. Bushes of the Scarlet Candles variety really grow tall, up to 1.8-2 meters, very powerful, well-leafed. True, they become like this closer to mid-summer.
But after flowering ends, with good care, the bushes look very picturesque. The variety has a peculiarity - the stepsons practically do not deviate to the sides, but grow almost parallel to the main stem. And tomatoes ripen on clusters, each of which can contain from 3-4 to 6-7 fruits. Therefore, with proper garter, garlands of tomatoes are located around the entire bush. Manufacturers promise that the Scarlet Candles tomato has another positive property - the ability to set fruit with almost 100% success in any conditions, both in individual clusters and on different tiers.
Of course, such a tall, powerful bush requires obligatory gartering and shaping, that is, removal of stepsons. Usually a formation of 2-3 trunks is used. In colder regions with insufficient light, it is advisable to grow these tomatoes in one stem, carefully removing all excess stepsons.
Manufacturers claim that the Scarlet Candles tomato variety is mid-early, that is, 105-115 days pass from germination to the appearance of ripe fruits. Many gardeners in their reviews note a certain delay in the ripening of the Scarlet Candles tomato and therefore classify it as mid-ripening, or even late-ripening.
Another outstanding characteristic of this tomato is its yield. In a greenhouse, plants of this tomato variety can produce up to 12-15 kg of tomatoes per square meter. In open ground, the yield may be lower, but still worthy of respect.
The manufacturer does not say anything about the variety’s resistance to disease. But reviews from gardeners in this regard are rather favorable - many note the resistance of the Scarlet Candles tomato to late blight, and the tomatoes themselves do not crack either on the branches or after harvesting. When growing tomatoes in greenhouses, many are faced with an unpleasant disease - brown spot (cladosporiosis). This tomato variety is also resistant to this disease. In addition, it is not prone to blossom end rot, which is quite surprising for tomatoes of this shape.
Characteristics of tomatoes
The Scarlet Candles tomato fruits have an original shape - they are elongated in the form of a cylinder, while the tomatoes taper towards the end and are characterized by the presence of a small spout. As a result, their appearance really resembles either a burning candle or an icicle that has begun to melt.
At the same time, the fruits themselves are plump, with a dense and smooth skin, which can be easily removed if desired. The pulp is quite fleshy and retains its shape in cans even if the skin accidentally bursts.
Ripe tomatoes have a distinct pink color and a bright tomato taste and aroma.
Their flavor can be enjoyed fresh, straight from the plant, and they are very good in salads because they do not flow, maintaining their shape.
The size of the tomatoes is average; tomatoes weigh from 100 to 130 grams. This allows you to use them anywhere. They are excellent for pickling and pickling. And their dense flesh makes them very suitable for drying, drying and freezing.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Scarlet Candles tomato has a number of advantages that have allowed it to gain popularity among many gardeners:
- Attractive and unusual appearance of tomatoes.
- Sweet, excellent fruit taste.
- Excellent fruit set in any conditions, and as a result – high yields.
- Extension of fruiting.
- The versatility of using tomatoes.
- Resistance to many diseases and adverse environmental factors.
At the same time, the variety has some disadvantages:
- Thin stems combined with powerful growth force require constant bush formation and care.
- Fruit ripening can be delayed.
Features of cultivation
Seeds of this variety of tomatoes can be sown for seedlings approximately 60-65 days before the planned time of planting the plants in a permanent place. In the middle zone, this will occur in the middle - second half of March, if we are talking about growing in open ground. In the southern regions or when planting in a greenhouse, seedlings can be started to grow earlier, just do not forget about additional lighting for young plants. For Siberia, on the contrary, the sowing dates are shifted to the end of March so that the seedlings do not outgrow by the time they are planted in open ground.
If you grow up to 5-10 bushes, then you can immediately sow them in separate containers, so that in the future you don’t have to pick the seedlings, but simply transfer the grown plants into larger pots. If you are going to grow many plants of this variety, then it would be more advisable to first sow the seeds in a common container, and then, after two true leaves appear, pick the tomatoes into separate cups.
When planting seedlings in the ground in a permanent place, you should place no more than 3-4 plants per square meter. In order not to subsequently get confused in the branches of an intensively growing tomato bush, it is advisable to immediately provide for the construction of horizontal trellises made of wire or thick twine. Tomato bushes need to be tied to them regularly as they grow. All extra stepsons are also checked and removed at least twice a week.
Feeding and watering must be carried out regularly, at least once a week. In hot weather, daily watering may be required. If possible, it is better to mulch the bushes with straw or other organic material so that watering can be done less frequently. Mulching can also help combat weeds.
Reviews from gardeners
Reviews from those who have grown the Scarlet Candles tomato in their gardens for at least one season are positive. The taste of tomatoes satisfies absolutely everyone; many note their resistance to various diseases.
Conclusion
The Scarlet Candles tomato, despite its relative youth, has already managed to win the hearts of many gardeners with its productivity, delicious taste and resistance to many common tomato diseases.
