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Rapunzel tomatoes are an American variety that appeared on the market in 2014. The variety got its name due to the long clusters on which a large number of fruits ripen. Rapunzel tomatoes are distinguished by early ripening and excellent taste.
Features of the variety
Description of the tomato variety Rapunzel:
- indeterminate type;
- height from 1.8 to 2.4 m;
- early ripening of tomatoes;
- 80-90 days pass from the emergence of seedlings to full ripening;
- powerful root system;
- large drooping leaves of dark green color;
- long cascading brushes with tomatoes.
Characteristics of the fruits of the Rapunzel variety:
- up to 40 tomatoes grow in one bunch;
- compact arrangement of fruits;
- weight 25 g;
- glossy surface of tomatoes;
- a large number of cameras;
- average amount of dry matter;
- bright red color;
- juicy and sweet pulp.
Rapunzel tomatoes are suitable for growing on balconies and loggias. The fruits are used in home canning. After harvest, tomatoes need to be processed because they are not intended for long-term storage.
Formation of seedlings
Rapunzel tomatoes are best grown in seedlings.Seeds are planted at home, and after they germinate, certain conditions are created for the tomatoes. Grown tomatoes are transferred to a greenhouse or left to grow on the balcony.
Planting seeds
Rapunzel tomato seeds are planted in March. First, the planting material is processed to increase its germination. The seeds are placed in salted water. If the grains remain on the surface, they are rejected.
The remaining tomato seeds are placed in gauze, which is folded in several layers and placed in a solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. Then the fabric is washed with running water and left in a plate for a day. It is important not to let the seeds dry out and add warm water.
To obtain a substrate for tomatoes, mix equal amounts of peat, sand and humus. In gardening stores you can purchase soil intended for tomato seedlings. An alternative option is to use peat pots.
The soil is treated in a water bath or kept in the cold for 2-3 months. This gets rid of harmful fungal spores and pests. The prepared soil is poured into boxes or cups. When planting in separate containers, there is no need to pick seedlings.
Rapunzel tomato seeds are placed every 2 cm and covered with a 1 cm layer of peat. The greenhouse effect created by glass or film will help speed up germination. The containers are left in the dark at temperatures above 20°C.
Conditions for seedlings
When the sprouts appear, the Rapunzel tomatoes are moved to a windowsill or other lighted place. Tomatoes should receive continuous lighting for 12 hours. In short daylight conditions, install backlighting and turn it on in the evening.
Additionally, tomatoes need:
- daytime temperature from 21 to 26°C;
- temperature at night from 15 to 18°C;
- keeping the soil moist;
- ventilation of the room.
When the soil dries out, water the tomatoes with warm, settled water. It is more convenient to add moisture using a spray bottle. Water should not come into contact with leaves and stems.
When 2 leaves develop, Rapunzel tomatoes dive into larger containers. The soil is used with a similar composition as when planting seeds.
After a month, the tomatoes begin to adapt to natural conditions. First, open the window for several hours, but protect the plants from drafts. Subsequently, the tomatoes are transferred to the balcony or loggia. Before planting in the greenhouse, tomatoes should be outdoors all day.
Planting in a greenhouse
Rapunzel tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse when they grow to 30 cm in height and have 5-7 leaves. The soil and air must warm up well, so planting is done in May.
The top layer of soil where pests and disease spores live is replaced in the greenhouse. The soil for tomatoes is prepared in the fall: it is dug up, fertilized with humus and wood ash.
After potatoes and nightshade vegetables, planting is not carried out. Crops have similar diseases and are attacked by similar pests. If tomatoes were already growing in the greenhouse, they are replanted only after 3 years.
In spring, the beds are loosened and planting holes are made. A gap of 40 cm is maintained between plants. To save space, Rapunzel tomatoes are planted in a checkerboard pattern.This way the tomatoes will have more free space for development and access to sunlight.
The tomatoes are transferred together with a clod of earth. The roots are covered with soil, which is well compacted. 5 liters of warm water are poured under each bush.
Variety care
Rapunzel tomatoes are cared for by watering and fertilizing. To obtain a high yield, the formation of a bush is required. Preventive spraying of tomatoes helps to avoid the spread of diseases and pests.
Watering plants
Rapunzel tomatoes require a regular supply of moisture. Its volume depends on the stage of the tomato growing season. Young plants are not able to extract water from deep layers of soil. After planting, until the buds form, 2 liters of water are poured under each bush every 4 days.
When flowering, tomatoes are watered weekly using 5 liters of water. The intensity of watering is reduced when the fruits are forming. Excess moisture causes tomatoes to crack. During this period, 2 water per bush twice a week is enough.
Fertilizer application
According to reviews of Rapunzel tomatoes, regular fertilizing has a positive effect on the fruiting of the bushes. During the season, several feedings are carried out using minerals and organic matter.
2 weeks after planting, water the tomatoes with mullein diluted with water 1:15. The product contains nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of shoots and leaves. Fertilizing is applied only at the initial stage of tomato development.
Subsequently, Rapunzel tomatoes are fed with a solution of minerals. For 10 liters of water, 30 g of phosphorus and potassium components are required. It is best to use superphosphate and potassium sulfate for processing.
It is important to feed tomatoes during the formation of ovaries and fruits. An interval of 2 weeks is made between treatments.
Bush formation
Tomatoes of the Rapunzel variety are formed into 2 stems. Excess stepsons are cut off manually. The formation of a bush provides tomatoes with access to sunlight and eliminates crowding.
As the tomatoes grow, they are tied to a support made of wood or metal. It is also recommended to tie up fruit clusters.
Protection from diseases and pests
Following agricultural practices helps to avoid diseases: watering according to the schedule, ventilating the greenhouse or balcony, eliminating excess shoots. When signs of disease appear, tomatoes are sprayed with preparations containing copper. To prevent planting, they are treated with Fitosporin.
Insecticides are effective against pests. The action of the drugs is aimed at combating certain insects: whitefly, mole cricket, aphid.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Rapunzel tomatoes are intended for growing on balconies and in glass greenhouses. The variety is distinguished by productivity and decorativeness. Tomatoes ripen early, but fruiting lasts all summer. Tomatoes need care, which includes fertilizing, adding moisture and forming a bush.
