Content
Among the many modern varieties of sweet peppers, it is easy to get confused not only for beginners, but also for professionals. Among the peppers there are those that were bred relatively long ago, but somehow got lost in the general stream of new products, the volume of which only increases every year. So it happened with the pepper Flight, which is grown with pleasure by professional vegetable growers and farmers, but little familiar to ordinary summer residents and gardeners. This variety of pepper is appreciated by professionals, first of all, for its attractive presentation and amazing aroma, which, moreover, persist for a long time. But gardeners may also be interested in getting to know this type of sweet pepper.
Description of the variety
Perhaps one of the reasons for the insufficient prevalence of pepper Flight among Russian gardeners is that it owes its appearance to the scientist breeders Panchev Yu.I. and Ilyenko T.S., who work at NIITSSSA (Research Center for Seed Breeding and Agricultural Technology), located in Transnistria. In Moldova and Ukraine, Flight pepper is quite widespread. And in Russia it appeared only in the 90s of the last century. In 1997, it was included in the State Register of Russia with recommendations for growing in the open field of the Central Black Earth and North Caucasian regions. In other regions of Russia, it is advisable to grow this pepper in greenhouses or at least in greenhouses, which is quite realistic, given the small height of its bushes.
Pepper bushes Flight are standard, medium-leafy, do not exceed 45-50 cm in height. Large dark green leaves are ovoid. According to the ripening time, judging by the reviews, Flight pepper can refer to both medium early (fruits ripen 80-110 days after germination) and mid-season (when the growing season to technical maturity is 120-130 days), depending on growing conditions.
In any case, in order for the fruits to reach biological maturity (acquire the color set for the pepper according to its characteristics), it is necessary to wait another 10-20 days.
As for the yield of Polet pepper, there are some discrepancies between the actual results obtained and the declared characteristics in the description of the variety. The originator states that the potential yield of this variety of pepper can be up to 8-9 kg per square meter. In terms of hectares in industrial cultivation, this amounts to about 80 -90 tons of pepper fruits per hectare of planting.
According to farmers' reviews, when planting Polet pepper in the fields in the Central Black Earth Region, they were able to achieve a yield of only about 1.5-2 kg per square meter. In the North Caucasus region, the situation with the yield of this pepper was better, but still it could not produce more than 3-4 kg per square meter of marketable fruit. Perhaps, more close to the declared yield figures can be obtained when growing this pepper in greenhouse conditions. In addition, the harvesting period is quite extended and in the aggregate harvest for several months it is quite possible to collect up to 8-9 kg per square meter.
Plants tolerate relative cold well, are able to recover from stress rather quickly, and set fruit well in conditions of sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fruit characteristics
The fruits of the Flight of Pepper are distinguished by a very attractive appearance and have the following characteristics:
- The shape of the fruit is regular, conical, with a wide base, while the edges are weakly expressed. The fruits are located, drooping to the ground.
- The surface of the skin is shiny and smooth.
- There are only 2-3 seed chambers inside. The pulp is juicy and even crunchy. Peppers contain from 7.2 to 8.3% dry matter.
- The color of the fruit at the stage of technical maturity is light green, but when fully ripe, it turns dark red.
- Peppers can be of different sizes depending on growing conditions, but, as a rule, they are quite large, weighing 100 grams or more. Individual peppers can reach 250-300 grams. In length, the fruits reach 15 cm, in a circle - 6-10 cm.
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The wall thickness at the stage of technical maturity reaches 6 mm, and at biological maturity - 8 mm.
- Taste characteristics are assessed as good and excellent. Fruits, even at the stage of technical maturity, already contain from 2.4 to 4.2% of sugars and about 55 mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g of pulp.
- But, the main thing that distinguishes the fruits of this variety is a pronounced peppery aroma that lasts for a long time.
- The purpose of the fruits is universal, since they are equally good in salads, in the preparation of second courses and in a variety of twists. The fruits can be frozen.
- Peppers are distinguished by good keeping quality and high transportability. In a period of up to two to three weeks, they practically do not change their attractive appearance and aroma, which cannot but interest agricultural producers.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Pepper Flight has many advantages that make it attractive for growing both on farms and in personal plots:
- High yield rates;
- Ties fruit well in conditions of temperature fluctuations;
- Excellent presentation of fruits and excellent aroma;
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Good preservation of fruits and their transportability.
Pepper Flight also has some disadvantages:
- Fruit size, as well as yield, are highly dependent on growing conditions.
Growing features
It is impossible to grow any kind of sweet pepper without a seedling period in Russia. Pepper seeds Poljot have good germination, about 90%, which allows sowing even without special processing.
The timing of sowing seeds depends on the timing of planting seedlings in a permanent place. If you are going to grow seedlings in the greenhouse in the future, then you can plant them already in May. Therefore, sowing seeds is best done no later than February. In the case of growing peppers in the open field, bearing in mind the relatively early maturation of this variety of pepper, you can start sowing from the beginning of March.
The seeds can germinate from 4-5 days to two weeks. The ripening time of fruits is calculated from the moment more than half of all seedlings appear. The first two to three weeks after germination, seedlings need at least 12-hour daylight hours, so it is advisable to arrange additional lighting for it. The temperature during this period should be moderate, about + 20 ° + 22 ° C, so that the root system is better formed. Watering is also needed minimal.
If you are growing seedlings of peppers with a pick, then in the phase of the appearance of the first two true leaves, the plants must be carefully transplanted into separate containers. After the transplant, there may be some developmental delay of 5-8 days. After the plants release two leaves, they can be additionally fed. It is better to alternate watering with fertilizers with foliar dressing, that is, spraying on the leaf.
At the age of 65-75 days, when the seedlings are preparing for flowering, they must be planted in a permanent place of growth. Leave between the plants 25-35 cm, while the aisles are made about 40-50 cm wide.
In the first days after planting, it is important to protect the peppers from cold and excess moisture until the roots of the plants begin to work at full strength.
It is important to water the peppers very sparingly but regularly throughout the growing period. It is advisable to use drip irrigation.
It is necessary to feed pepper plants at least three times during the growing season: before flowering, after flowering and during the ripening period.
Harvesting, as a rule, begins in July and lasts several months until the onset of cold weather.
Testimonials
Pepper Flight is grown mainly by farmers and professional farmers, so there are few reviews. But those who have dealt with him recognize him as qualities worthy of growing him on their site.
Conclusion
Pepper Flight can be interesting for many gardeners for its attractive appearance, taste and aroma. His yield is also quite decent, and with suitable agricultural technology, record results can be achieved.
