Content
The Astrakhansky tomato variety is included in the state register for the Lower Volga region. It can be grown indoors and outdoors. The variety is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, compact size of the bush and high yield.
Features of the variety
The characteristics and description of the Astrakhansky tomato variety are given below:
- determinant view;
- plant height from 65 to 80 cm;
- fruiting in the mid-early period;
- from germination to fruit formation, it takes from 115 to 122 days;
- compact standard bush;
- the first inflorescence appears above the 7th leaf.
The fruits of the Astrakhansky variety have a number of features:
- rounded shape;
- average weight from 100 to 300 g;
- Smooth surface;
- ripe tomatoes are red;
- fleshy and tasty fruits;
- not prone to cracking.
Variety yield
The average yield of the Astrakhansk variety is 600 c / ha. The variety has abundant fruiting. According to its characteristics and description, the Astrakhansky tomato variety is suitable for preparing snacks from fresh vegetables, soups, second courses and sauces. It is used in homemade preparations as a whole or sliced.
Landing order
The Astrakhansky variety is used for planting in open areas or in greenhouse conditions. Seedlings are preliminarily obtained, which are then transferred to selected areas. Seedlings need good lighting and watering. The soil for planting tomatoes must be dug up and fertilized.
Growing seedlings
The soil for planting Astrakhan tomatoes begins to be prepared two weeks before the work. It is obtained by combining in equal proportions turf and compost. It is recommended to prepare the soil in the fall or purchase a ready-made mixture for growing tomatoes.
If the soil is too heavy, then add peat or coarse sand. A non-standard option for growing seedlings is to use coconut substrate. In it, tomatoes form a healthy root system, and the seedlings themselves develop quickly.
The day before planting, it is necessary to prepare the seeds of the Astrakhansky tomato variety, which are placed for a day in a saline solution (1 g of salt per 0.2 l of water). After such treatment, seedlings appear faster.
Under the seedlings, containers are prepared with a depth of 10 cm. Soil is poured into them, in which furrows are made with a depth of 1 cm. With a step of 2 cm, seeds of the Astrakhansky variety are placed, which must be sprinkled with earth.
Until the first shoots, tomatoes are kept in a dark place at a constant temperature of 25-30 degrees. When sprouts appear, the containers are moved to a lighted place. For 12 hours, plants are provided with access to light. Periodically, tomatoes are watered with warm water.
Planting in a greenhouse
The soil in the greenhouse is prepared in the autumn. Up to 10 cm of the upper layer of the earth must be eliminated, since spores of fungal diseases and harmful insects hibernate in it. The remaining soil is dug up and applied to 1 m2 fertilizers: superphosphate (6 tbsp. l.), potassium sulfide (1 tbsp. l.) and wood ash (2 cups).
A greenhouse for growing tomatoes is located in a well-lit area. It is covered with foil, polycarbonate or glass.Be sure to provide vents for ventilation. Tomatoes are grown in one place every 3 years.
Planting pits up to 20 cm deep are prepared for the Astrakhansky tomato variety in order to place the root system of plants in them. Since the variety is undersized, the tomatoes are staggered. This scheme makes it easier to care for tomatoes and allows you to control thickening.
Leave 20 cm between the plants, and up to 50 cm between the rows. After planting, the tomatoes are watered abundantly. During the next week, they do not add moisture and feeding, it is enough to periodically loosen the soil and huddle the tomatoes.
Landing in open ground
According to reviews, Astrakhan tomato can be grown in open beds in the southern regions. You can use the seedling method or plant seeds directly in open ground. If the second method is used, the growing process will take longer.
For tomatoes, they prepare the beds on which onions, beets, cabbage, carrots, herbs, legumes previously grew. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes in one place for two years in a row, as well as to use areas after eggplants, potatoes, peppers.
The soil in the beds is dug up in the fall, the remains of plants and other debris are removed. Compost or rotted manure must be added. In the spring, it is enough to deeply loosen the soil.
Tomato seedlings are transferred to the grooves, leaving an earthen lump. Then the root system must be sprinkled with earth and the surface slightly tamped. The final stage is abundant watering of the tomatoes.
Tomato care
Astrakhan tomato requires minimal maintenance, which consists in watering and fertilizing. The variety is resistant to tobacco mosaic virus and Egyptian broomrape, rarely suffers from top rot. It is recommended to tie the bushes to form even stems and prevent the tomato from touching the ground.
Watering plantings
The Astrakhansky variety requires moderate watering. Soil moisture content is maintained at 90%. At the same time, the air in the greenhouse must remain dry, which is ensured by ventilating the greenhouse.
Each bush needs 3-5 liters of water. Lack of moisture leads to dropping of inflorescences, yellowing and curling of the tops. Its excess slows down the development of plants, causes rotting of the root system and provokes fungal diseases.
For irrigation, water is used, which is warm and has time to settle. It is applied strictly at the root to avoid contact with the roots and tops of tomatoes. The procedure is carried out in the morning or in the evening, when there is no direct sunlight.
The first watering is carried out on the 10th day after the transfer of tomatoes to the garden. During this period, the active growth of tomatoes begins, but their root system is not yet sufficiently developed to receive moisture from the deep layers of the soil.
Before flowering, tomatoes are watered twice a week with 2 liters of water. When flowering, tomatoes require 5 liters of water every week. When fruits appear, the frequency of watering is increased to 2 times a week.
Fertilization
Top dressing contributes to the development of Astrakhan tomatoes and an increase in their yield. In total, tomatoes are fed several times during the season. You can use both mineral fertilizers and folk remedies.
The first feeding of tomatoes is done a week after the transfer of seedlings to a permanent place. At this stage, nitrogen fertilization is recommended to be applied in a limited amount, since they contribute to the excessive growth of green mass.
During the flowering period, a 1% solution of boric acid is prepared (1 g per 10-liter bucket of water).They are sprayed with plantings to stimulate fruit formation and prevent the ovaries from falling off.
Ash feeding will help replace minerals. It is embedded in the ground or an infusion is prepared on its basis (a tablespoon per liter of hot water). Wood ash contains a complex of minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
The Astrakhansky variety belongs to undersized tomatoes that require a minimum of maintenance. These tomatoes have good yields, and the fruits are suitable for preparing dishes for daily consumption and home canning.
