Content
The name of a tomato variety alone can tell a lot about the ideas that its creators, the breeders, put into it. Canopus is one of the largest and most significant stars in the sky, which ranks second in brightness of all stars visible from Earth after Sirius (not counting, of course, the Sun). The Canopus tomato, judging by its characteristics in the description of the variety, also occupies far from the last place in the world of tomatoes that seems endless in its diversity.
This tomato can interest both experienced farmers, thanks to its productivity indicators, and novice summer residents due to its unpretentiousness in care and resistance to many diseases and pests.
Description of the variety
The Canopus tomato variety was born about 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of breeding scientists from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, which is under the jurisdiction of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists at the research center of this institute have developed many interesting varieties of vegetables and, above all, tomatoes, which are particularly resistant to the vagaries of the weather and various manifestations of pathogenic organisms.
Since the Canopus variety comes from Siberia, more precisely, from Novosibirsk, it is most suitable for growing in the difficult conditions of the Siberian summer, as well as for all regions with similar climatic conditions. However, other regions of Russia also appreciate the Canopus tomato and are happy to grow it both in greenhouses and in ordinary beds in open ground.
By the way, this tomato variety was registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Russia back in 2000 and is recommended for cultivation throughout the country in open ground conditions.
Seeds of the Canopus variety are found on sale either directly from the manufacturer (SIBNIIRS) or in packages of seed companies located mainly outside the Urals - “Altai Seeds”, “Ural Summer Resident”, “Agros”, “Plasma Seeds”.
Canopus tomato plants are determinate because they have limited growth. When grown outdoors, they do not require pinching or shaping.
A garter may be necessary because, as a rule, a very large number of tomatoes are tied to the bushes and under their weight the bushes can fall to the ground and even break. In addition, tying up branches and sometimes fruits often makes harvesting much easier. But with a large number of bushes during industrial cultivation, it is possible to do without a garter. In this case, the tomatoes may have to be collected directly from the surface of the ground.
Canopus tomato bushes have a relatively compact size, reaching only 50-60 cm in height. Therefore, they can easily be planted in the beds at the earliest possible time, covering them in the first few weeks with arches with any non-woven material or film.
Bushes of the Canopus variety have medium foliage and branching. The leaves have a traditional tomato shape and are dark green in color.
A simple inflorescence is formed only after 7-8 leaves; subsequently they are formed either through one or two leaves.
If we talk about ripening times, the Canopus variety belongs to mid-season tomatoes - the vegetative period, starting from the moment of full germination, is approximately 115-120 days.
In terms of productivity, the Canopus tomato rightfully belongs to the record holders in the tomato world. It is not for nothing that this variety quickly attracted the attention of farmers and those who are trying to grow tomatoes primarily for sale. On average, the yield per square meter is 3-3.5 kg of commercial quality tomatoes. But with good care, the same number of fruits can be obtained from one bush, and up to 5-6 kg of excellent quality tomatoes are harvested per square meter.
The Canopus variety, in addition, is distinguished by its genetic immunity to the tobacco mosaic virus and good resistance to late blight and various types of bacterial spots. Based on growing experience and reviews, various pests from the insect world also avoid it.
And, of course, a tomato variety of Siberian selection should withstand various types of natural disasters relatively easily, which is quite true for the Canopus tomato.
Characteristics of tomatoes
According to the characteristics of tomatoes declared by the originator, the Canopus tomato belongs to a relatively rare type - it has oblong or almost oval fruits of quite large sizes. True, the shape of the fruit can vary greatly under different growing conditions. The very first or largest tomatoes on the bush often have a more traditional flattened shape. The smooth surface of the fruit may change and become slightly folded at the base of the stalk.
Most often, the average size of the fruit is small; the weight of one tomato can vary from 110 to 180 grams. But when using special growing techniques (forming into one stem, constant pinching and, of course, providing the maximum amount of sunlight and plenty of nutrition), you can get fruits from these tomatoes weighing up to 400 grams, or even more, each.
The color of Canopus tomatoes at the stage of technical maturity is green with a pronounced dark green spot in the area of the stalk. Fully ripened tomatoes are bright red in color.
Each tomato has more than 4 seed nests, the skin is quite dense, the flesh is elastic, fleshy, with sufficient juice content.
Canopus tomatoes have good taste characteristics; some are completely delighted with them, while others consider them ordinary and even sour. In any case, the taste, as well as the size of the fruit, is significantly dependent on the growing conditions and the quantity and quality of the added nutrients.
By purpose, Canopus tomatoes belong to the universal type. They are good for salads in the summer, they make wonderful tomato products, such as ketchup, adjika, juice. And thanks to the relatively small size of most of the fruits, they are great for pickles and marinades.
Advantages and disadvantages
Most gardeners highly appreciate the following positive characteristics:
- High yield of bushes.
- Possibly large fruit sizes.
- Easy to grow, including good fruit set in conditions of insufficient moisture.
- Resistance to a wide range of diseases and other adverse factors.
- Presentation of tomatoes, possibility of long-term storage and transportation.
We cannot ignore the possible disadvantages of Canopus tomatoes:
- Not the best taste and aroma of tomatoes - most gardeners use them mainly for processing.
Reviews from gardeners
Gardeners leave somewhat conflicting reviews about the Canopus tomato, which may indicate either the fact of misgrading, or that the quality characteristics of tomatoes still strongly depend on growing conditions.
Conclusion
Canopus tomatoes can take their rightful place in any collection, since their unpretentiousness and disease resistance combine well with high productivity.
