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In the sea of amazing diversity of modern tomato varieties, their names play the role of both a guide and at the same time an advertising beacon that attracts the attention of inexperienced tomato lovers. For example, the Scarlet Mustang tomato can no longer fail to interest people just by its name. On the other hand, the tomato actually lives up to its name to some extent, with its strength and density evoking associations with a strong and muscular wild mustang.
Tomatoes of the Scarlet Mustang variety, the description and characteristics of which are presented in this article, appeared relatively recently, but have already gained fame as a promising variety for cultivation.
Description of the variety
Scarlet Mustang tomatoes were bred by famous breeders V.N. Dederko and O.V. Postnikova in the 10s of this century. In 2014, the variety was officially registered in the State Register of the Russian Federation for cultivation in all regions of Russia.
This variety can be safely classified as an indeterminate tomato, that is, one that has no growth restrictions.
Naturally, like all indeterminate varieties, the tomato needs pinching, shaping and regular tying as it grows. Most often it is formed into two stems.
Despite the fact that the Scarlet Mustang tomato can be grown both in open and in closed ground, the best results, according to reviews from gardeners, are obtained when planting it in greenhouses. In open ground, a good harvest can only be obtained in the southern regions, with sufficient heat and sun.
The bushes are quite strong, but they have few leaves, which allows the fruits to receive the required amount of sunlight even in conditions of minimal lighting. Tomatoes of this variety are distinguished by a powerful root system, which allows them to tolerate a relative lack of moisture. But when growing seedlings, this fact must be taken into account, after picking, providing each plant with a container for optimal development of the root system, with a volume of at least one liter.
The inflorescence of tomatoes is simple, the first cluster is usually formed after 7-8 leaves. One cluster can contain up to 6-7 fruits.
In terms of ripening time, the variety is classified as mid-early; tomatoes begin to ripen 110-116 days after the appearance of full shoots. Thus, the harvest time for tomatoes of this variety most often falls at the end of July - August.
The yield of tomatoes of this variety is largely determined by growing conditions and care. It is quite demanding in terms of agricultural technology, so the average yield per bush is about 2-3 kg.
At the same time, the marketability of the collected fruits, that is, the percentage of the number of tomatoes according to their external characteristics suitable for sale out of all the collected fruits, is about 97%.
The originators have not stated any special data on the resistance of the Scarlet Mustang tomato to diseases.But judging by the reviews of gardeners, this variety of tomatoes is quite resilient against many adversities in the form of numerous diseases and pests.
But, tomatoes of this variety do not respond well to prolonged exposure to low temperatures. In conditions of insufficient heat, they may not show the highest yield results.
Fruit characteristics
Tomatoes of the Scarlet Mustang variety have a rather original appearance. Not only that, their shape resembles a sweet pepper, and they can be extended up to 20-25 cm in length, and the tip of each tomato ends with an expressive spout. Their surface is smooth and slightly ribbed. Tomatoes of this variety also have incredibly dense pulp and equally dense skin. By the way, it is for this reason that they are positioned, first of all, as a variety that is most suitable for preservation. Because they completely retain their beautiful unique shape in jars and do not burst. In addition, distinguished by their fleshy, strong pulp, they are very tasty in marinades and pickling.
Of course, the thick skin does not make these tomatoes ideal for use in salads, although professional tasters rate the taste of the fruit itself as 5 points on a five-point scale. The dense pulp makes Scarlet Mustang tomatoes ideal for drying and drying, but you most likely will not be able to make tomato juice from these fruits.
When unripe, tomatoes have a light green tint, while as they ripen, the fruits acquire a bright red-crimson color.
The size of the fruits can be small and medium, the weight of one tomato is usually about 100 grams, it is 15-18 cm long. But with good care, the fruits often reach 200-230 grams, and they stretch up to 25 cm in length. Few the seeds are enclosed in three chambers.
Due to its properties, Scarlet Mustang tomatoes are ideally suited for transportation over long distances, so it makes sense for farmers to take a closer look at this variety.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the variety include the following facts:
- Tomatoes of this variety are resistant to many diseases and pests characteristic of the nightshade family.
- The variety is characterized by high yield, however, this requires some effort.
- Scarlet Mustang tomatoes, along with attractive taste characteristics, have good keeping quality and transportability.
This variety of tomatoes also has disadvantages:
- Low resistance to low air temperatures;
- Relatively demanding care, without which you will not get a decent harvest.
Features of cultivation
To grow tomatoes of this variety, a seedling period is required, even when sown in the southern regions. Seeds are sown in small trays approximately 60 days before the expected date of planting the seedlings in a greenhouse or open bed. Immediately after germination, it is important to increase the degree of illumination of the seedlings to the maximum and at the same time reduce the temperature of the plants by at least a few degrees.These conditions will guarantee the formation of strong and squat, well-rooted seedlings.
After the first two true leaves appear, young tomato plants need to be pruned and each one transplanted into a separate container. Considering the formation of a powerful root system in tomato bushes over time, it is advisable to transfer the plants several times along with a lump of earth into large pots before planting them in the ground in a permanent place.
For each square meter of beds, no more than 3-4 Scarlet Mustang tomato bushes are planted. The bushes must immediately be tied up and then formed into two trunks, periodically cutting off all excess stepsons.
Feeding and watering throughout the season form the basis of regular tomato care. Mulching your plantings with straw or rotted plant debris can greatly facilitate your work in combating weeds and will make loosening the soil unnecessary.
Reviews from gardeners
Despite the relative novelty of the variety, many gardeners have already become interested in the Scarlet Mustang tomato and planted it on their plots.
Conclusion
The Scarlet Mustang tomato is excellent for pickling, marinating and other preparations, although many enjoy consuming it in salads.In addition, it will delight you with disease resistance and even yield if you give it a little more than usual attention.
