Content
Tsar Bell tomatoes are valued for their excellent taste and large size. Below is a description, reviews, photos and yield of the Tsar Bell tomato. The variety is characterized by early ripening and compact bushes. Plants are grown both in open areas and under various types of shelters.
Features of the variety
Characteristics and description of the Tsar Bell tomato variety:
- average ripening time;
- determinate bush;
- bush height from 0.8 to 1 m;
- large dark green leaves;
- the first ovary develops above the 9th leaf, further ones - after 1-2 leaves.
The fruits of the Tsar Bell variety have the following features:
- heart-shaped;
- bright red color at maturity;
- average weight 200-350 g;
- maximum weight 600 g;
- fleshy pulp;
- good sweet taste.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are of the salad type. They are used for preparing appetizers, salads, sauces, first and second courses.
Tomatoes are picked green and stored at room temperature, where they ripen quickly.In home preparations, the variety is used to obtain tomato juice and assorted vegetables.
Obtaining seedlings
I grow Tsar Bell tomatoes by seedlings. First, the seeds are germinated at home. The resulting seedlings are transferred under cover or directly to the beds.
Planting seeds
To plant Tsar Bell tomatoes, prepare fertile soil fertilized with compost. For the culture, you can use purchased soil intended for seedlings. An alternative option is to plant tomatoes in peat pots.
Seeds of the Tsar Bell variety are placed in a moistened cloth for a couple of days. You can speed up the appearance of sprouts using any growth stimulator.
If the Tsar Bell tomato seeds are brightly colored, then they do not need additional processing. Such planting material is covered with a nutrient shell containing substances necessary for the development of sprouts.
Containers are filled with prepared soil. For tomatoes, containers up to 15 cm high are enough. The seeds are placed on the surface of the soil with an interval of 2 cm. The seeds are covered with earth or peat 1.5 cm thick.
At temperatures above 25 degrees, seed germination takes 2-3 days. When shoots appear, the containers are moved to a windowsill or other illuminated place.
Conditions for seedlings
Tsar Bell tomato seedlings actively develop when certain conditions are provided:
- temperature during the day: 20-25 degrees, at night – 10-15 degrees;
- constant soil moisture;
- access to fresh air in the absence of drafts;
- lighting for half the day.
The soil is moistened as it dries. Water the tomatoes using a spray bottle. You need to use warm, settled water. Until the plants develop 4-5 leaves, they are watered weekly. In the future, moisture is added every 3 days.
When the Tsar Bell tomato seedlings have 2-3 leaves, they are planted in separate containers. If the seeds were planted in cups, then picking is not required.
A couple of weeks before planting, tomatoes are prepared for changing growing conditions. Gradually reduce the intensity of watering, and transfer the seedlings to fresh air. First, the plants are kept on the balcony or loggia for 2 hours, gradually increasing this period.
Planting tomatoes
Tsar Bell tomatoes are planted in prepared beds in an open area or in a greenhouse. Plants that have reached a height of 30 cm are subject to transplantation. Such tomatoes have about 7 leaves and begin to bloom. Before planting, remove the bottom 3 leaves from the plants to provide the tomatoes with even lighting.
The soil for planting is prepared in the fall. They dig it up, add compost, potash and phosphorus fertilizers. Tomatoes are planted after cucumbers, melons, root crops, green manure, and cabbage. You should not plant tomatoes two years in a row, or after potatoes, eggplants or peppers.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are planted in prepared holes. A gap of 40 cm is maintained between plants, rows are arranged every 60 cm.It is recommended to arrange the tomatoes in a checkerboard pattern. As a result, plants are provided with access to sunlight.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are transferred to the ground along with a lump of earth. The roots of the plant are sprinkled with earth, which is lightly compacted. Then the tomatoes are watered generously.
Variety care
With constant care, Tsar Bell tomatoes produce a good harvest and are not susceptible to disease. The plantings are cared for by watering, fertilizing and forming a bush.
Plants are tied to a wooden or metal support near the crown. The soil under the tomatoes is loosened and mulched with straw or compost.
Watering tomatoes
After planting, Tsar Bell tomatoes begin to be watered for 7-10 days. This period is necessary for plants to adapt to external conditions.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are watered according to the following scheme:
- before the formation of ovaries - once a week using 4 liters of water under the bush;
- during fruiting - twice a week with 3 liters of water.
After adding moisture, the greenhouse is ventilated to prevent high humidity and the development of fungal diseases.
Tomatoes are watered with warm water, which has been warmed and settled in containers. Plants develop more slowly when exposed to cold water.
Plant nutrition
Tsar Bell tomatoes are fed several times a season. At the beginning of the growing season, plants need nitrogen. Subsequently, potassium and phosphorus are added to the bushes to strengthen the root system and improve the taste of the fruit.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are fed according to a certain scheme:
- 14 days after planting the tomatoes, add liquid mullein diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15;
- after the next 2 weeks, fertilize the tomatoes with a solution of superphosphate and potassium salt (30 g of each substance per large bucket of water);
- When the fruits ripen, the tomatoes are fed with a solution of humates (1 tablespoon per bucket of water).
Mineral fertilizers can be replaced with wood ash. It is embedded in the soil or added to water when watering.
Bush formation
The Tsar Bell variety is formed to form one or two stems. Stepchildren growing from the leaf sinus must be eliminated.
The first pinching is carried out after transferring the tomatoes into the ground. The lateral shoots of plants are broken off, leaving up to 3 cm in length. The procedure is carried out in the morning every week.
When the fruits begin to ripen, the lower leaves are removed from the bushes. This improves air access and reduces humidity in the greenhouse.
Protection from diseases and pests
The Tsar Bell variety is resistant to tomato diseases. By following agricultural practices, regular ventilation and rationing of watering, the spread of fungal diseases can be avoided. To prevent planting, they are sprayed with fungicides Quadris or Fitosporin.
Tomatoes are attacked by aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, and wireworms. Folk remedies are used for pests: tobacco dust, infusions of onion and garlic peels. Insecticides also help get rid of insects.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
According to the description and characteristics, the Tsar Bell tomato variety is unpretentious and requires minimal care. The fruits of the variety have an excellent taste, which is preserved even during processing.
