Content
The name of this tomato is somewhat pretentious, but justified. This variety has an excellent taste, its fruits are large and appetizing in appearance. Getting a high yield will not be easy. The king needs ideal conditions. This relatively young variety has become a real challenge for gardeners. The King of Kings tomato scared some away, while others succeeded in growing this capricious giant.
Characteristics and description of the King of Kings tomato
The variety is an indeterminate hybrid. His growth is unlimited. The bush is allowed to grow to a height of 1.5 to 1.8 m. After this, the main stem is pinched. Compact plants are easier to care for. This applies to both greenhouses and open ground. The stems of the King of Kings tomato are branching and require support. In one season, up to three tyings are carried out. The stems are covered with light fluff.
Medium sized leaves. Their surface is slightly wrinkled and covered with a thin network of veins. The colors are dominated by light tones of green. The inflorescences are simple. The first cluster of fruits is laid exactly above the ninth node. All subsequent ones are formed every T3 sheets. One brush can support about five ovaries.Approximately 110-120 days pass from seedling germination to harvesting.
Description of fruits
The shape of the fruit is rounded and slightly flattened. The tomato is slightly ribbed with smooth, rich red skin. The weight of one fruit ranges from 300 g to 1 kg.
Judging by the reviews with descriptions and photos of King of Kings tomatoes, there are lucky ones who managed to get tomatoes weighing 1.5 kg each. This figure is a record, not a standard. The ripeness of a tomato can be easily determined. If the green edging around the stalk has disappeared, it’s time to harvest. On overripe fruits, the skin bursts quickly, especially in hot and humid climates.
The pulp has a dense structure. The tomato is not watery and has few seeds. The taste is rich, sweet, with barely noticeable sourness. The fruits contain many useful substances: vitamin C, various trace elements, antioxidants and fructose. Harvested tomatoes are stored for a long time (up to 40 days) and do not lose their presentation even after long-term transportation.
The King of Kings variety is ideal for fresh salads. It makes delicious juices and pastes. Tomatoes can also be used to make pizza or baked in the oven. A whole tomato will not fit into the neck of the jar, so it is preserved in slices or made into lecho.
Fruiting dates, yield
According to reviews, tomatoes of the King of Kings variety (pictured) fully ripen within 4 months after planting the seeds. With proper care, you can collect 5 kg of excellent fruits from one bush. From 1 m2 the harvest will be more impressive - from 12 to 15 kg.The fruiting period is slightly extended. In open ground, tomatoes ripen better in the southern regions. In more severe weather conditions, the fruits need to be provided with the necessary conditions for ripening.
Variety resistance
The hybrid has strong immunity. The main scourge of nightshades is late blight. But it is not terrible for this variety. You should be wary of whiteflies. The back of the leaves is covered with small whitish dots. If measures are not taken in time, the plant will die. You can fight the pest with the help of Mospillan, Verticillin and Actellik.
Among fungal infections, the most dangerous are anthracnose, alternaria, all kinds of rot, fusarium wilt and brown spots. King of Kings tomato bushes must be inspected regularly. At the slightest suspicion, treat with medications. Compliance with the principles of crop rotation is of great importance. Before planting, the soil must be cleared of weed and disinfected.
Advantages and disadvantages
The purpose of hybridization is to create varieties with superior qualities. According to reviews with photos and descriptions of King of Kings tomatoes, this vegetable has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of this tomato include:
- excellent taste and aroma of fruits;
- impressive weight of tomatoes;
- high yields for any growing method;
- tomatoes retain their freshness for a long time, which makes them suitable for sale;
- The variety is rarely affected by pests and diseases.
Among the shortcomings of the variety is that the tomato seeds are not suitable for further cultivation. Planting material will have to be purchased. In cold areas, King of Kings tomatoes can only be grown in greenhouses. This entails extra costs for heating and lighting.
Growing rules
The King of Kings tomato variety needs stable conditions. If there is a sudden change in temperature or humidity, problems may arise. It is also necessary to regularly water the plants, fertilize and loosen the soil. It is more convenient to carry out all these manipulations in a greenhouse. Here you can create the desired “weather” without relying on the mercy of nature.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
The process includes the following sequential steps:
- Purchasing quality seeds. It is better to do this in specialized stores. You must carefully read the information on the bag. The seeds must already be treated with special preparations. You should also ensure the integrity of the packaging.
- Raw King of Kings tomato seeds require preparation. They are washed in a pale solution of potassium permanganate. Afterwards, soak for a day in any growth stimulant.
- It is worth preparing the soil mixture and containers in advance. A good option is boxes with holes for drainage. The King of Kings tomato variety responds well to purchased land. It is enriched with a set of microelements. You can prepare the substrate yourself. It should be nutritious and light. Acidity levels range from 6.6-6.8. Garden soil is mixed with compost and humus. All components go in equal shares. A little wood ash wouldn't hurt.
- Fill containers with soil. Moisten the soil and bury the seeds about 1.5 cm into it. Sprinkle peat on top. Seal the container with transparent film. Keep warm for a week.
- With the appearance of the first sprouts, the film is removed. Now they need intense diffused lighting and a temperature of + 16-18 °C. Over time, it rises to + 22-24 °C. Plants require moderate watering and complex fertilizing. Fertilizers are applied every 20 days.
- The appearance of the first strong leaves becomes a signal for picking. The sprouts are planted in small containers. A couple of days before, they are watered generously.
Transplanting seedlings
It is necessary to count two months from the date of sprouts appearance. This will be the time to transplant the King of Kings tomato variety into open ground.
Tomatoes are planted in the greenhouse early. But provided that it is glazed and there is bottom heating of the soil. There are no specific deadlines. Gardeners monitor the weather in their region and rely on experience.
For high yields of the King of Kings variety, planting density is important. At 1 m2 There are no more than two bushes of land. This will make it more convenient to water and fertilize the tomatoes. And the sun's rays will evenly warm the fruits.
Aftercare
Tomato bushes need to be fed frequently. Complex fertilizers are applied once every two weeks. The King of Kings is also responsive to nettle infusion, nitroammophoska and manure solution. Superphosphate promotes the formation of a good ovary.
Watering is no less important. Cracks in the soil indicate a lack of moisture. Water the bushes abundantly and often. But waterlogging of the soil will destroy the plants. Loosening will help conserve moisture and provide oxygen access to the roots.
It is imperative to plant tomatoes (three times per season). The lower shoots are cut off when the bush grows to 6 cm. It is also necessary to fight weeds and pinch the tops. To reduce weeding and watering of bushes, mulching will be required. Mown grass, sawdust, dry leaves and special films are suitable. Tall bushes must be tied up. The branches cannot support the weight of the fruit.
Conclusion
The King of Kings tomato fully lives up to its loud name. All your care efforts quickly pay off. It is a rare variety that can boast such a rich taste and rich harvest. It is worth paying attention to this tomato, and it will repay you with royal generosity.
Reviews
I sowed 7 varieties of tomatoes in one box.Each variety was marked with a corresponding label from its original bags. Now is the time to pick the tomatoes, because... Plants now have two main leaves. The leaves are like leaves, and the King of Kings variety has unusually shaped leaves, unlike the others. Maybe the seeds in the bag are mixed up? What shape do the leaves of the King of Kings tomato actually have?
Good afternoon
The leaves of the King of Kings tomato are indeed somewhat different from standard leaf blades. They are a little lighter. The leaves also differ in shape. And one more difference - they are slightly more corrugated (wrinkled) than regular leaves. In adult plants, the leaves may curl upward (boat).
It is worth noting that the shape of the leaves may vary depending on who the seed producer is. Seeds from different companies may show changes, but the general characteristics of the variety will remain the same.
Well, you shouldn’t completely rule out misgrading. Although small, the possibility that the seeds are mixed up still exists. It will be possible to find out about this only in the process of collecting ripened fruits.
Thank you! We will see what comes out of these seedlings. Already poured it into separate glasses. The seedlings are strong and healthy!