Content
The Gypsy tomato is a medium-ripening variety that is distinguished by dark chocolate-colored fruits. The fruits have good taste and are used in salads.
Features of the variety
Characteristics and description of the Gypsy tomato variety:
- average ripening time;
- 95-110 days pass from emergence to harvest;
- bush height from 0.9 to 1.2 m;
- The first bud appears above the 9th leaf, the subsequent ones - after 2-3 leaves.
Features of the fruits of the Gypsy variety:
- round shape;
- weight from 100 to 180 g;
- pinkish chocolate color;
- fragile skin;
- juicy and fleshy pulp;
- sweet taste with slight sourness.
The fruits of the Gypsy variety are added to snacks, salads, hot and main courses. Juices, purees and sauces are obtained from tomatoes. The fruits have a limited shelf life and can be transported over short distances. Gypsy tomatoes are distinguished by a high content of dry matter, vitamins and microelements.
Obtaining seedlings
Gypsy tomatoes are grown in seedlings. At home, seeds are planted. The resulting seedlings are provided with the necessary conditions: temperature, soil moisture, lighting.
Preparatory stage
Gypsy tomato seeds are planted in mid-March or early April.An equal amount of fertile soil and humus is taken for planting. It is permissible to use peat tablets or soil for seedlings, sold in gardening stores.
Before planting begins, the soil is calcined in an oven or microwave oven for the purpose of disinfection. Treatment duration is 20 minutes. Another disinfection option is to water the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
If the seeds have a colored shell, then they are ready for planting without additional processing. The manufacturer covered such planting material with a nutrient mixture. During germination, tomatoes will receive the beneficial substances necessary for their development.
Planting containers 12-15 cm high are filled with soil. When using individual cups, tomatoes do not need picking. If the seeds are placed in large containers, then the plants will have to be replanted later.
Gypsy tomato seeds are deepened by 0.5 cm and watered. The top of the container is covered with film and transferred to a dark place. Seed germination occurs at a temperature of 20-25°C for 7-10 days.
Seedling care
After germination, the Gypsy tomatoes are moved to the windowsill. For the active development of tomato seedlings, certain conditions are necessary:
- daytime temperature 18-24°C;
- night temperature 14-16°C;
- bright diffused light for half a day;
- regular ventilation;
- watering every 3 days.
If necessary, Gypsy tomatoes are provided with artificial lighting. Phytolamps are installed above the seedlings and turned on when there is insufficient daylight.
Tomatoes are watered by spraying with warm, settled water.When 2 leaves appear, the tomatoes are planted in separate containers with a capacity of 0.5 liters or more.
A couple of weeks before planting in a permanent place, they begin to harden the Gypsy tomatoes. Gradually reduce watering, and leave the seedlings in direct sunlight for 2 hours a day. This period is increased so that the plants get used to natural conditions.
Landing in the ground
Gypsy tomatoes are recommended for growing indoors. In the fall, they prepare a place for planting tomatoes. About 12 cm of soil in the greenhouse is replaced, since insects and fungal pathogens overwinter in it.
Tomatoes prefer light, fertile soil that allows moisture and air to pass through well. In autumn, the soil in the greenhouse is dug up and fertilized with 5 kg of humus, 15 g of double superphosphate and 30 g of potassium salt per 1 sq. m.
The best precursors for tomatoes are legumes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and green manure. After any varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes, planting is not performed.
According to the characteristics and description, the Gypsy tomato variety is tall, so the plants are planted in increments of 50 cm. When organizing several rows of tomatoes, a gap of 70 cm is made. The seedlings are moved into prepared holes along with a clod of earth and the roots are covered with earth. Be sure to water the plants abundantly.
Tomato care
Constant care for Gypsy tomatoes ensures high productivity of the variety. Tomatoes are watered and fed with minerals and organic matter. Be sure to form and tie up the bush. Additional processing is required to protect plants from diseases and pests.
Watering plants
Gypsy tomatoes are watered taking into account weather conditions and their stage of growth. For irrigation, use warm water, settled in barrels. Moisture is applied in the morning or evening strictly at the root of the plants.
Watering scheme for Gypsy tomatoes:
- until the inflorescences appear - weekly with 5 liters of water under the bushes;
- during the flowering period - after 4 days using 3 liters of water;
- during fruiting - 4 liters of water every week.
Excess moisture provokes the spread of fungal diseases. After watering, the greenhouse or greenhouse is ventilated. It is especially important to regulate watering during fruiting to prevent tomatoes from cracking.
Fertilizing
Gypsy tomatoes need a supply of nutrients for full development. Fertilizing involves the use of organic and mineral substances.
For the first treatment of tomatoes, 0.5 liters of liquid mullein is required, which is diluted in 10 liters of water. The solution is applied at the root in an amount of 1 liter per bush.
The next treatment is carried out after 2 weeks. When forming ovaries, plants require phosphorus and potassium. Tomatoes will receive the necessary substances from a solution consisting of 30 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfate per 10 liters of water.
An alternative to minerals is wood ash. It can be applied directly to the soil or added to the water a day before watering.
Bush formation
Gypsy tomatoes are formed into 2 or 3 stems. Excess shoots growing from the leaf sinus are removed manually. Then the plant will direct its forces to fruit formation.
Gypsy tomato bushes are tied to a support.To do this, metal rods, wooden slats, and thin pipes are dug in next to the plants. This ensures the formation of an even stem. Additionally, you need to tie up the fruit clusters.
Protection from diseases and pests
According to reviews, the Gypsy tomato is resistant to diseases. Disease prevention is by ventilating the greenhouse, proper watering and eliminating excess shoots.
If signs of disease appear, the affected parts of the plants are removed. Plantings are treated with Fundazol or Zaslon.
The insecticides Grom, Bazudin, Medvetoks, Fitoverm are used against pests in the garden plot. An effective folk remedy against insects is tobacco dust. It is sprayed on the soil and tops of tomatoes. Pests are repelled by strong odors remaining after treating plants with a solution of ammonia.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Gypsy tomatoes are suitable for fresh consumption or further processing. The variety gives a high yield with regular watering and fertilizing. Gypsy tomatoes are grown under film shelters, where the necessary temperature and humidity conditions are provided.
