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The Rocket tomato was bred by Russian breeders in 1997, two years later the variety passed state registration. Over the course of several years, these tomatoes have gained wide popularity among farmers and summer residents. Below are the features, photos, productivity and reviews of the Rocket tomato.
The variety is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions, where planting is done in open ground. In the central strip, these tomatoes are covered with film. In areas with cold climates, the variety is planted in a greenhouse.
Characteristics of the variety
The description and characteristics of the Rocket tomato variety are as follows:
- determinate bush;
- mid-season variety;
- height of tomatoes – no more than 0.6 m;
- the first inflorescence appears above the 5th leaf, subsequent ones are formed after 1 or 2 leaves;
- Fruit ripening takes 115 to 125 days after planting.
The fruits of the Rocket variety have a number of features:
- elongated shape;
- smooth, glossy surface;
- average density;
- When ripe, the fruits become red;
- weight 50 g;
- 4-6 tomatoes are formed in one brush;
- dense pulp;
- 2-4 chambers in fruits;
- tomatoes contain from 2.5 to 4% sugars;
- good taste.
Productivity of the variety
According to the description and characteristics, the Rocket tomato variety has a universal purpose. It is used in the daily diet for preparing salads, appetizers, first courses and side dishes.
The variety is ideal for home canning. The fruits are small in size and can be pickled and salted whole or cut into pieces. Tomatoes tolerate transportation well over long distances without losing their marketable properties.
Boarding order
Tomato Rocket is grown using the seedling method. At home, seeds are planted, and when sprouts appear, the tomatoes are provided with the necessary conditions. Grown tomatoes are transferred to a permanent place.
Obtaining seedlings
Rocket tomato seeds are planted in March. Soil for tomatoes is prepared in the fall by combining humus and soil from the garden plot in equal proportions.
It is recommended to heat the resulting mixture. To do this, place it in the oven or microwave for 15 minutes. The treated soil mixture is left for 2 weeks to ensure the development of beneficial bacteria in it. If purchased soil is used, it does not need to be processed.
Low containers are prepared for the tomatoes and filled with soil. The seeds are placed in rows with a pitch of 2 cm. A layer of peat 1 cm thick is laid on top and watered using a strainer.
The container is covered with film or glass, after which it is put away in a dark place with a temperature of 25 degrees. When sprouts appear, the shelter is removed and the tomatoes are moved to a well-lit place.Over the next week, the tomatoes are provided with a temperature of 16 degrees, then it is raised to 20 degrees.
When 2 leaves appear, the tomatoes are planted in separate containers. As the soil dries, the plants are watered. Plantings should be well lit for 12 hours.
Planting in a greenhouse
The Rocket tomato is transferred to the greenhouse 2 months after germination. The variety is suitable for growing indoors under film, polycarbonate or glass.
The greenhouse should be prepared in the fall. First, remove the top soil layer (up to 10 cm), in which fungal spores and insect larvae spend the winter. The remaining soil is dug up and humus or rotted compost is added.
The bushes are placed in prepared holes; the earthen ball is not broken. Then the roots are sprinkled with earth, which is compacted well. Tomatoes need to be watered generously.
Planting in open ground
Beds for growing tomatoes need to be prepared in the fall. The soil is dug up and compost is added. In spring, it is enough to deep loosen the soil.
For several years in a row, tomatoes are not planted in one place. The best predecessors for them are root vegetables, onions, garlic, cabbage, and legumes.
Rocket tomatoes are placed every 40 cm. If several rows are organized, then 50 cm are measured between them. After planting, the tomatoes need to be watered and tied up. If frost is expected in the region, then the first time after planting the tomatoes are covered with film or agrofibre.
Features of care
The Rocket variety requires certain care, which includes watering and fertilizing. If the rules of care are violated, fruit cracking and plant growth slows down. To obtain maximum yield, bush formation is carried out.
Rocket tomatoes are disease resistant. If you do not allow increased humidity and thickening of plantings, you can prevent the spread of late blight, various types of rot and other diseases.
Watering tomatoes
Normal development and high yield of Raketa tomatoes are ensured with moderate moisture. For irrigation, warm water is taken, which has settled in barrels.
Each bush of the Rocket variety requires 2-5 liters of water, depending on the stage of development of the bush. After planting, the tomatoes are not watered for a week. During this time, the plants take root.
Before the formation of inflorescences, tomatoes are watered twice a week, the volume of moisture added is 2 liters. When tomatoes are actively flowering, one watering per week in the amount of 5 liters is enough. When the fruiting period begins, they return to the previous watering scheme: 2-3 liters twice a week.
Watering is done in the morning or evening so that the moisture has time to be absorbed into the ground. It is important to prevent water from getting on the stems and leaves so as not to burn the plants.
Fertilizing
For active growth, Rocket tomatoes require fertilizing. It is best to use substances containing phosphorus and potassium for these purposes. Phosphorus promotes the formation of a healthy root system. Due to potassium, the taste of tomatoes improves, and the plants themselves become more resistant to diseases and weather conditions.
Tomatoes are watered with a superphosphate solution, which is prepared by dissolving 40 g of this substance in 10 liters of water. Fertilizer is applied at the roots of plants. A week later, a solution of potassium sulfate is prepared and used in the same way.
Root feeding can be alternated with spraying tomatoes. For leaf treatment, prepare a solution containing 6 g of boric acid and 20 g of manganese sulfate. The components are dissolved in 20 liters of water.
Pinching and tying
The Rocket variety is distinguished by its compact bush size. The tomato does not need to be sprouted, but it is recommended to remove the saplings before the first inflorescence is formed. Shoots up to 5 cm long, growing from the leaf sinus, are removed manually.
When grown in open areas, the Rocket variety bush is formed into 3-4 stems. If tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse, then leave 2-3 stems.
It is advisable to tie the bush to a support so that an even and strong stem is formed. Due to tying, the bush does not break under the weight of tomatoes.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
The Rocket variety is a low-growing and compact tomato, but produces a good harvest. A feature of the variety is its sensitivity to watering and fertilizing regimes. Rocket tomatoes are used for canning, have good taste and resistance to diseases.
