Content
Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes are a new variety bred for cultivation in regions with harsh climates. The variety has universal use and produces high yields in drought and cool weather. It is planted in the middle zone, in the Urals and Siberia.
Botanical description
Characteristics and description of the tomato variety Chelyabinsk meteorite:
- tall bush from 120 to 150 cm;
- round red fruits;
- weight of tomatoes 50-90 g;
- sweet taste;
- resistance to adverse conditions;
- ability to form ovaries in drought and cool weather.
Tomatoes are used for consumption without processing, for making sauces, snacks, and salads. In home canning, the fruits are pickled, fermented and pickled.
Due to their thick skin, tomatoes can withstand heat treatment and long-term transportation. With whole-fruit canning, tomatoes do not crack or fall apart.
Obtaining seedlings
The Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato variety is grown in seedlings. Seeds are planted at home. After germination, the tomatoes are provided with the necessary temperature conditions and other care.
Preparatory stage
Tomatoes are planted in prepared soil obtained from fertile soil and humus. You can prepare it yourself or purchase soil mixture at a gardening store. It is convenient to plant tomatoes in peat tablets. Then 2-3 seeds are placed in each of them, and after they germinate, the strongest tomatoes are left.
Before planting, the soil is treated by exposure to high temperatures. It is placed in a microwave or oven. The soil is steamed for 15-20 minutes to disinfect. Another treatment option is to water the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate.
If there is a colored shell, the seeds do not need to be processed. This type of planting material is covered with a nutrient mixture. During germination, tomatoes will receive the necessary nutrients from it.
The moistened soil is distributed into containers 12 cm high. 2 cm are left between the tomato seeds. A 1 cm thick layer of fertile soil or peat is poured on top.
Containers with tomatoes are kept in the dark. They are covered with glass or film. At temperatures above 25 °C, tomatoes germinate faster. When sprouts appear, the plants are moved to a window or other lighted place.
Seedling care
For the development of tomato seedlings, the Chelyabinsk meteorite requires the following conditions:
- daytime temperature from 20 to 26°C;
- night temperature 14-16°C;
- constant ventilation;
- continuous lighting for 10-12 hours;
- watering with warm water.
Tomatoes are watered by spraying the soil with a spray bottle as it dries. Warm, settled water is used for irrigation. Moisture is added every week.
When tomatoes develop 2 leaves, they are picked.If the plants were planted in separate containers, then picking is not required. Tomatoes are transplanted into containers filled with fertile soil.
If the seedlings look depressed, they are fed with minerals. To 1 liter of water add 5 g of superphosphate, 6 g of potassium sulfate and 1 g of ammonium nitrate.
2-3 weeks before transferring the tomatoes to a permanent place, they are left for several hours on the balcony or loggia. Gradually increase the time the tomatoes spend in the fresh air. This will allow the tomatoes to quickly adapt to natural conditions.
Landing in the ground
Tomatoes must be planted 1.5-2 months after germination. Such seedlings have reached a height of 30 cm and have 6-7 full leaves. Plants are replanted in April - early May, when the soil and air are warm enough.
The Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato variety is grown in greenhouses or under other cover. In the southern regions, planting in open areas is allowed. A higher yield is obtained in closed ground.
Areas where peppers, potatoes, and eggplants grew a year earlier are not suitable for planting tomatoes. Replanting tomatoes is possible after 3 years. The best predecessors for tomatoes are legumes, cucumbers, cabbage, root vegetables, and green manure.
The soil for tomatoes is dug up in the fall and fertilized with humus. In the spring, deep loosening is done and depressions are made. The Chelyabinsk meteorite variety is planted in increments of 40 cm. A gap of 50 cm is made between the rows.
The plants are moved without breaking the earthen ball and covered with soil, which must be compacted. Water the tomatoes generously. Mulching with straw or peat helps maintain soil moisture.
Care procedure
According to reviews, Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes produce high yields with constant care. Tomatoes need watering and fertilizing. Plants are pinched and tied to a support.
Watering
Tomatoes are watered weekly with warm, settled water. Moisture is applied in the morning or evening, when there is no direct sunlight. Apply 3-5 liters of water to each bush. After watering, be sure to loosen the soil to improve the absorption of moisture and nutrients by the tomatoes.
Before flowering, tomatoes are watered every week. 4-5 liters of moisture are added to the plants. When the formation of inflorescences begins, the tomatoes are watered every 3 days with 2-3 liters of water.
During fruiting, the intensity of watering is again reduced to once a week. Excess moisture leads to cracking of fruits and the spread of fungal diseases.
Top dressing
Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes are fed several times during the season. Both minerals and organic fertilizers are used.
For the first treatment, prepare a solution based on mullein in a ratio of 1:15. Fertilizer is applied at the roots of plants to stimulate green mass. In the future, such fertilizing should be abandoned to avoid increased planting density.
The next feeding of tomatoes requires the addition of minerals. Add 25 g of double superphosphate and potassium salt to 10 liters of water. The solution is used to water the plantings at the roots.
Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes require additional feeding during the flowering period. Plants are treated leaf by leaf with a solution of boric acid obtained by dissolving 2 g of the substance in 2 liters of water. Spraying increases the ability of tomatoes to form ovaries.
Instead of mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers are used. A universal top dressing is the use of wood ash. It is embedded in the soil or infused for watering.
Bush formation
According to its description and characteristics, the Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato variety is tall. To harvest a high yield, it is formed into 2 or 3 stems.
Shoots growing from the leaf axil are plucked off by hand. 7-9 brushes are left on the bushes. Proper formation of the bush prevents excess thickening.
Protection from diseases and pests
With high humidity, Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes are susceptible to fungal diseases. When dark spots appear on fruits and leaves, plants are treated with copper-based preparations or fungicides. To prevent diseases, regularly ventilate the greenhouse with tomatoes and monitor the level of soil moisture.
Tomatoes attract aphids, gall midges, whiteflies, cutworms, and slugs. For pests, insecticides and folk remedies based on onion peels, wood ash and tobacco dust are used.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes attract gardeners with their high yield and unpretentiousness. The bush is tall, so it needs pinching. The fruits are light in weight and suitable for canning and inclusion in the daily diet. Caring for tomatoes involves watering, fertilizing, and protecting them from diseases and pests.
