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Retail outlets offer a huge selection of tomato varieties. Most vegetable growers traditionally give preference to new selections and, most often, of foreign origin. Old domestic varieties are gradually fading into the background, but in vain. Such crops are more adapted to our climate. A simple example is the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato, which bears large fruits.
Characteristics of the variety
When considering the characteristics and description of the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato variety, it is worth considering that the crop is not so easy to grow. The tomato is suitable for any type of planting: in shelter and in the garden. The domestic variety is endowed with good immunity against common diseases. The difficulty of caring for a tomato arises from its growth. The bush grows from 1.5 to 2 m in height. When growing in an open way, the stems of the plant must be carefully secured to the trellis so that they do not break off from gusts of wind and under the weight of the fruit.
The Cosmonaut Volkov variety belongs to the group of indeterminate tomatoes. Bush type - standard. In terms of ripening time, the tomato is considered medium-early, since the first harvest can be obtained in 110 days.The high yield of the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato at one time made the variety popular among domestic vegetable growers. Having created good conditions for growth, the vegetable grower will be able to take up to 7 kg of fruit from the bush. When recalculating yield from 1 m2 you can get up to 18 kg of tomatoes.
From the description considered, the following advantages of the variety can be identified:
- A high yield always comes first in the characteristics of any garden crop. The Cosmonaut Volkov variety fully meets the requirements in this regard.
- Excellent adaptation to our weather conditions and good immunity have made the tomato invulnerable to many viral and fungal diseases.
- The fruits are characterized by good taste and large size. The tomato is suitable for all types of processing, preparing salads, and decorating dishes. But tomatoes are not used for whole-fruit canning. Large fruits simply won’t fit into the jar.
Many vegetable growers consider the high growth of the bush to be a disadvantage of the variety. Caring for a plant takes a lot of effort and time. The tomato needs to be trellised, the growing stems must be constantly tied, and heavy clusters of fruits must be supported. Most problems arise with the branches of the lower tier. The largest tomatoes grow on them. You need to manage to make supports so that the fruits do not touch the ground.
The review of the description and photo of the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato should be completed with a description of the fruit. The variety is considered large-fruited. The average weight of a ripe tomato varies from 500 to 650 g. On the lower tier, the fruits usually grow larger. Their weight can reach 800 g. The shape of the tomato is round with a strongly flattened part at the stalk. The apex of the fruit is round or slightly flattened.The pulp is sugary and turns red when ripe. The size of the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato seeds is average. The grains are distributed evenly across 6 or 7 chambers. The dry matter content of tomato pulp is no more than 6%.
Despite the fact that the fruits are quite large, they can be stored for a long time. Tomatoes can be transported. The fleshy pulp produces a thick paste, ketchup, and juice. Small fruits can be used for pickling in a barrel.
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Rules for growing the variety
So, we got acquainted with the characteristics and description of the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato. Now is the time to learn the secrets and rules of growing crops. To get a good harvest, you need to do the following:
- The tomato is characterized by tall bush growth. It is necessary to tie it up. In a greenhouse, the plant can stretch up to 2 m. Long tomato stems can only be tied to a trellis. The structure is usually made of posts on which rope or wire is pulled. In the open air, smaller bushes grow. Usually their height is limited to 1.5 m, but a garter is still needed. If there are few bushes, you can do without a trellis. Wooden stakes driven into the ground will serve as a good support.
- When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, Cosmonaut Volkov needs to take care of good lighting. Lack of light will affect the development of the plant. The bush will constantly reach towards the transparent ceiling of the greenhouse. The tomato stem will be thin and weak. As a result, the fruits will receive less nutrients, which will affect their quality and yield.
- Tomatoes are grown from seedlings. They buy it ready-made at the market or get it themselves from seeds. Sowing is carried out no earlier than 2 months before planting the seedlings in the garden. Self-harvested tomato grains must undergo disinfection with potassium permanganate, hardening and germination before planting. Store-bought seeds are usually ready for sowing.
- Boxes are usually used for sowing tomato seeds. When the plants have formed two full-fledged leaves, they are picked, seated in separate cups.
- Tomato seedlings are planted in the greenhouse from the middle or at the end of March. Tomatoes are planted in open ground when the days are warm outside and the soil has warmed up. It must be remembered that Cosmonaut Volkov is a tall variety. Bushes need freedom to develop. It is advisable to maintain a gap of at least 70 cm between each tomato.
- In mid-July, you need to limit the growth of bushes. This is done by pinching the tops of the tomatoes. Slowing growth is required for the bush to fully form. The late brushes that appear should not be regretted. They are cut off. The fruits will still not even have time to reach technical ripeness by the time the main tomato harvest is harvested. Forming a bush requires removing excess stepsons. The process is the same as for any tall tomatoes. The plant is formed into one or two stems.
- The Cosmonaut Volkov variety of tomatoes does not like frequent watering. It is better to do this less often, but pour more water. The frequency of watering is increased during the ovary period. It is not advisable to use cold water from a well. It will slow down the growth of tomatoes. It is good to have a storage tank on the site in which the water will warm up during the day. Water tomatoes early in the morning or late evening.The second option is preferable in hot weather.
- When the water is absorbed after watering, the soil must be loosened. When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, ventilation is required. This process is required after each watering. Fresh air is needed for the full development of tomatoes. Plus, insects fly into the greenhouse through open doors and windows. They are needed for pollinating flowers.
Cosmonaut Volkov tomatoes are characterized by amicable ripening. If the fruits need to be stored, it is better to pick them slightly unripe. Tomatoes will ripen on their own in a warm, dry place.
Feeding tomatoes
Over the entire season, tomato plantings require three mandatory feedings. They are introduced into the soil before fruit sets. In general, the tomato variety is considered unpretentious to the composition of the soil, but without fertilizers it will be difficult for the crop to develop. Large fruits draw a lot of nutrients from the plant, and they need to be replenished.
Humus and wood ash alone are not enough here. Tomatoes need complex fertilizers containing minerals. They are bought in the store. The dose of fertilizer is written in the instructions on the package. Experienced vegetable growers regulate it themselves. The poorer the soil, the more the dose of feeding the tomatoes is increased.
Preventive measures and pest control
Despite the resistance of the Cosmonaut Volkov variety to various diseases, during an epidemic it is worth taking preventive measures. In addition, pests are not averse to eating juicy foliage and fruits. To preserve tomato plantings, you need to take the following measures:
- Malicious tobacco mosaic can completely kill the plant. If infected branches are found on a tomato, they should be cut off and burned. The wound on the plant is treated with a strong solution of manganese.
- As a result of mistakes made by the vegetable grower, brown spots appear on the tomato. This is due to improper watering or temperature violations. After regulating these actions at the initial stage, you can get rid of this disease. If everything is neglected and the tomatoes are severely damaged, you can try to save the plants by spraying them with chemicals. The last resort is to remove the affected tomato bushes.
- The whitefly is a nasty white moth that causes damage to tomato foliage. You can get rid of the enemy with the drug Confidor. A solution consisting of 10 liters of water and 1 ml of the drug is sprayed on tomato plantings. This volume is enough to treat an area of 100 m2.
- Tomatoes growing outdoors are at risk of spider mites. A regular soap solution will come to the rescue. Tomato bushes are sprayed with it, and severely affected areas can even be washed.
- If there is often dampness under the bushes, there is a possibility of slugs appearing. The method of struggle is simple. Ash or ground hot pepper is scattered on the ground around the tomato bushes.
It is better to protect yourself from any pest or disease using preventive measures. In advanced cases, no medications can help.
Reviews
There are different reviews about the Cosmonaut Volkov tomato variety. Some vegetable growers like tomato, others were unable to grow it. Let's read what ordinary gardeners say about this vegetable.
