Content
The Betta tomato was obtained by Polish breeders. The variety is characterized by early ripening and high yield. The fruits have a wide range of applications and are suitable for the daily diet and home canning. Betta tomatoes require minimal care, which includes watering and fertilizing with minerals.
Features of the variety
The characteristics and description of the Betta tomato variety are as follows:
- early maturation;
- 78-83 days pass from seed germination to harvest;
- determinate bush;
- standard tomato with a small amount of tops;
- bush height 0.5 m;
- 4-5 tomatoes ripen per bunch.
The fruits of the Betta variety have a number of features:
- round shape;
- smooth surface;
- weight from 50 to 80 g;
- juicy pulp with a small number of seeds;
- pronounced tomato taste.
Betta tomatoes are suitable for growing at home. In garden plots and on farms, the variety is planted in greenhouses or open areas.
Productivity of the variety
Up to 2 kg of fruits are harvested from one Betta tomato bush. Tomatoes are used fresh for preparing snacks, salads, tomato paste and juice.
Due to their small size and thick skin, Betta tomatoes are suitable for canning.They are used for pickling and salting and in general. The fruits tolerate long-term transportation well and do not crack when ripe.
Boarding order
Betta tomato is grown in seedlings. First, seedlings are obtained at home, which require certain conditions. Then the plants are transferred to an open area, a greenhouse or greenhouse.
Obtaining seedlings
Betta tomato seeds are planted in February-March. For planting, special soil is required, obtained by mixing garden soil and compost in equal proportions. You can also purchase ready-made soil at garden stores.
Seed material is also processed. It is dipped in warm water for a day to stimulate the emergence of seedlings. Seed producers often treat them with nutrient solutions. In this case, the seeds are brightly colored and do not require additional growth stimulation.
Betta tomato seedlings are grown in containers up to 15 cm high. They are filled with soil, after which seeds are placed every 2 cm. Peat is poured on top with a layer of 1 cm. The final stage is to abundantly water the seeds and cover the containers with film.
To stimulate germination, containers are kept warm at a temperature of 25 degrees. When the tomatoes sprout, they are placed in a window and provided with light for 12 hours. Water the seedlings periodically, trying to prevent the soil from drying out.
Planting in a greenhouse
Betta tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse 2 months after the sprouts appear. By this time, the seedlings reach 25 cm, have 6 leaves and a developed root system.
The greenhouse is prepared for growing tomatoes in the fall. The top soil layer needs to be replaced, since insects and pathogens can overwinter in it. The renewed soil is dug up and fertilized with compost.
Holes are prepared to a depth of 20 cm for Betta tomatoes. The tomatoes are placed in 30 cm increments. 50 cm are left between the rows. It is recommended to plant tomatoes in a checkerboard pattern. This simplifies the care of plantings, and the shoots of plants do not interfere with each other.
Plants are placed in them together with a ball of earth, which is covered with soil. Then the soil is trampled down a little and the tomatoes are watered abundantly.
Growing in open ground
As reviews of the Betta tomato show, in regions with a favorable climate the variety is planted in open ground. It is advisable to wait until the soil and air warm up well.
Beds for tomatoes are prepared in the fall. Choose well-lit places that are not exposed to wind load. Tomatoes are planted after cabbage, root vegetables, onions or garlic. If the predecessors are tomatoes of any variety, peppers and potatoes, then such a place is not suitable for planting.
2 weeks before planting, the seedlings are hardened off on the balcony or loggia. First, it is left in the fresh air for several hours, gradually increasing this period.
The tomatoes are lowered into the holes and the soil is compacted. Plantings are watered with warm water. Although the variety is low-growing, it is recommended to tie up the tomatoes so that they do not break under the influence of weather conditions.
Care plan
Betta tomatoes require care, which includes watering and fertilizing.Pruning is not carried out, since according to its characteristics and description, the Betta tomato variety is undersized. To ensure that the stem grows even and strong, and the shoots do not fall to the ground, tomatoes are tied to a support.
The variety is resistant to major tomato diseases. To prevent diseases, you need to follow the rules of watering, regularly ventilate the greenhouse, and do not plant tomatoes too often. Due to early ripening, the variety is not affected by late blight.
Watering and loosening
The Betta variety needs watering, which is done with warm, settled water. On average, tomatoes are watered once or twice a week. Soil moisture is maintained at 80%. Lack of moisture leads to yellowing and curling of leaves and falling of inflorescences. Its excess also has a negative effect on plants: the root system rots and signs of fungal diseases appear.
After transferring the tomatoes to a permanent place, they are watered only after 10 days. When the plants adapt to new conditions, moisture is added twice a week, and 2 liters of water are used per bush. When flowering begins, it is enough to water each planting, but the volume of water used must be increased to 5 liters.
When the fruits ripen, tomatoes are watered every 3 days. One bush requires 3 liters of water. When the fruits begin to turn red, watering should be reduced to avoid cracking.
After watering, the soil under the tomatoes is loosened to a depth of 5 cm. This improves air exchange in the soil, and the tomatoes better absorb moisture and nutrients. It is also recommended to hill up tomato trunks, which strengthens the root system.
Feeding tomatoes
According to reviews, the Betta tomato responds well to fertilization. The first feeding of tomatoes is carried out a week after planting. To do this, use 10 liters of water and 30 g of superphosphate. The substance is dissolved in water, after which the tomatoes are watered. Phosphorus improves metabolic processes and strengthens the root system of tomatoes.
A week later, a second feeding is performed. A solution is prepared for plants based on 10 liters of water and 30 g of potassium salt. The taste of fruits and the immunity of tomatoes depend on the intake of potassium.
To stimulate the formation of ovaries, boric acid is used, 10 g of which is diluted in a 10-liter bucket filled with water. Treatment is carried out by spraying the tomatoes.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
The Betta tomato is an early ripening variety that produces a large harvest of tasty fruits. These tomatoes require little care; just water and feed them. The bush is compact and does not take up much space. The variety is grown in greenhouses, in open areas, as well as at home on balconies and loggias. The fruits are suitable for sale, they are stored for a long time and do not crack when ripe.
