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The early ripening tomato Gourmand has been loved by many gardeners for a long time. This popularity is primarily due to the fact that harvesting can begin in early summer; in addition, this variety is famous for its high yield level. The Lakomka tomato variety is one of the representatives of low-growing tomatoes. Ripe fruits are round in shape and have a rich crimson hue. Due to their versatility, the fruits can be eaten fresh or used for canning. As a rule, compact tomatoes do not exceed a weight of 130 g.
Description of tomato Gourmand
The Lakomka tomato variety is the first to ripen in the garden. As practice shows, harvesting can begin 85 days after planting seedlings in open ground. Due to the fact that a distinctive feature of tomato bushes is compactness, you can use a dense planting scheme. Thus, for 1 sq. m you can plant up to 10 bushes, the optimal solution is 6 bushes.
The Gourmand variety grows up to 60 cm in height, as a result of which no work is required to form the bush.Due to the fact that only a small number of leaves grow, it is not necessary to reduce their number. The shape of the bushes is semi-spreading. On each bush, several brushes are formed during the growth process. As a rule, the first brush of a Lakomka tomato variety is located above the 8th leaf, subsequent brushes with an interval of 1-2 leaves.
Description of fruits
A distinctive feature of ripe fruits is their smooth, even round shape. Each fruit weighs approximately 125 g. Ripe fruits attract attention with a rich crimson hue, while the base of the stalk remains dark green; this spot disappears during the ripening process. As a rule, tomatoes grow the same size.
The taste qualities fully correspond to the name - the tomatoes not only ripen early, but are also quite tasty and appetizing. The Gourmand variety has quite dense and fleshy pulp, a delicate, sweet taste. Thanks to their versatility, tomatoes can be used for any purpose - canned, eaten fresh, prepared as first and second courses.
Despite the fact that the skin is very thin, it is quite dense, thanks to which the fruits can withstand treatment with hot water. If necessary, the crop can be transported over long distances without fear of loss of presentation. Since tomatoes have a fairly low density level, they are cut into pieces for canning.
Characteristics of Gourmand tomatoes
If we consider the characteristics of the Lakomka tomato, it is worth noting the level of productivity, which is quite high.
Among the characteristics the following points can be highlighted:
- simultaneous process of tomato ripening;
- high level of rot resistance;
- the unpretentiousness of the variety, as a result of which Lakomka tomatoes are able to produce high yields even in unfavorable conditions;
- early ripening - harvesting begins 80-85 days after planting the planting material in open ground;
- small height of the bush - 60 cm;
- a small amount of leaves;
- versatility of ripe fruits;
- if necessary, it can be transported over long distances without losing its appearance;
- excellent taste;
- small fruits.
According to reviews from experienced gardeners who grow this variety and have managed to appreciate all the benefits, from each square. m you can collect up to 6-7 kg of ripe fruits.
Assessing advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages it is worth noting:
- high level of productivity;
- high level of drought resistance;
- unpretentiousness of the variety;
- high resistance to many types of diseases.
No significant deficiencies were found during the growing process.
Growing rules
According to the description and reviews, the Lakomka tomato variety is capable of growing at low temperatures and during drought. Despite this, to obtain a high yield, it is necessary to provide the crop with high-quality care:
- apply fertilizers;
- water regularly;
- remove weeds in a timely manner;
- mulch the soil as necessary.
This is the only way to count on getting a good harvest with excellent taste.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Photos and reviews of those who planted the Lakomka tomato confirm that this variety does not need to be soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate before planting, since the material goes on sale in a processed form, but the soil must be subject to treatment.
If you plan to play it safe, the following compositions can be used to process planting material:
- mushroom-based decoction;
- aloe juice;
- potato juice;
- solution with added ash;
- honey solution
With the help of aloe juice, you can not only disinfect planting material, but also give the seeds all the necessary nutrients. Regardless of the solution chosen, you will need to perform the following steps:
- Soak the seeds in clean water for 5 hours.
- Place in a gauze bag.
- Dip into disinfectant solution.
- Dry the seeds.
Soil preparation is usually done in the fall. For these purposes, take peat, sand, turf and mix everything thoroughly. 3 weeks before the planned planting, the soil must be calcined for 30 minutes. You can use your own homemade fertilizer as fertilizer. To do this you will need:
- 10 liters of water;
- 25 g superphosphate;
- 25 g potassium sulfate;
- 10 g urea.
After the Lakomka tomato seeds have been planted, it is recommended to cover the container with film and place it indoors at a temperature of + 20 °C. After the first shoots appear, the film is removed and the containers with seedlings are moved to the windowsill.
Transplanting seedlings
Considering the reviews about Gourmand Aelita tomatoes, it is worth noting that seedlings are planted in open ground in the first half of April, and in greenhouses in the second half of March.
If you decide to grow Lakomka tomatoes in a greenhouse, then you should take into account a number of nuances:
- It is much more efficient to use biofuel greenhouses. It is recommended to install the greenhouse in an area that has previously been completely cleared of snow. The soil must be calcined and manure mixed with sawdust spread throughout the greenhouse in an even layer.
- Planting seedlings should be done after the ground has warmed up to + 10 °C.
- If the Lakomka tomato variety grows in a solar heated greenhouse, then fertilizers are applied in the fall. 3 weeks before the intended planting, the ground is dug up.
In open ground, seedlings grow best on a southern slope. An excellent option is to use the land on which vegetables were previously grown. To maintain optimal conditions, the ground is covered with a transparent film. As a rule, beds are formed in several rows. The distance between bushes should be at least 40-50 cm.
Planting care
According to the description and photo, caring for a Lakomka tomato is not as difficult as it seems. During the process of seedling growth, it is necessary to regularly water the crop; at the time of flowering, the volume of water used for irrigation is reduced.
It is recommended to use mullein as a top dressing, which is pre-diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. In addition, you can use mineral fertilizers: potassium salt, superphosphates. An herbal solution is perfect as an organic fertilizer.
It is necessary to weed the beds regularly, as weeds slow down the growth of tomatoes.After irrigation, the soil is loosened. If fruit ripening is slow, it is recommended to remove leaves that shade the tomatoes.
Conclusion
The Lakomka tomato is an unpretentious variety; it is suitable for both beginners and more experienced gardeners. If you follow all the recommendations for growing and caring for seedlings, you can get a good harvest.
