Content
Tomato Impala F1 is a hybrid of mid-early ripening, which is convenient for most summer residents. The variety is resistant to many diseases, relatively unpretentious and bears fruit well even under adverse weather conditions. At the place of cultivation, the hybrid is universal - it is adapted for planting both in open ground and in a greenhouse.
Description of Impala Tomato
Tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety are classified as determinant, which means that the bushes grow small - the hybrid is limited in growth, so the upper shoots do not need to be pinched. In the open field, tomatoes reach an average of 70 cm in height, however, when grown in a greenhouse, this figure increases to almost 1 m.
The bushes grow compact, but dense - the shoots are densely hung with fruits. They form brushes of 4-5 pieces. The inflorescences of the variety are simple. The internodes are short.
Brief description and taste of fruits
Tomatoes Impala F1 have a rounded shape, slightly flattened on the sides. The skin of the fruit is elastic, resistant to cracking during long-distance transportation and harvesting for the winter. Thanks to this, tomatoes are profitable to grow for sale.
Fruit weight averages 160-200 g. The color of the peel is deep red.
The pulp of tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety is moderately dense and juicy. The taste is rich, sweet, but without excessive sugariness. In reviews, gardeners often emphasize the aroma of tomatoes - bright and distinctive.
The area of application of the fruit is universal. They go well for preservation due to their medium size, but they are also used for cutting into salads and for making juices and pastes in the same way.
Varietal characteristics
The Impala F1 tomato is a mid-ripening hybrid. The crop is usually harvested in the last days of June, however, the fruits ripen unevenly. The exact dates are calculated from the moment the seeds are planted for seedlings - the first tomatoes ripen on about the 95th day (the 65th from the moment the seedlings are transplanted into open ground).
The variety shows good fruit set regardless of weather conditions. The yield of tomatoes is consistently high - from 3 to 4 kg per plant.
The hybrid is resistant to many fungal and infectious diseases. In particular, the Impala F1 is rarely affected by the following diseases:
- brown spotting;
- gray spot;
- fusarium;
- cladosporium disease;
- verticillosis.
Pests infest tomato beds infrequently, so there is no particular need for any special preventive measures. On the other hand, spraying the plantings against the fungus will not be superfluous.
Seed germination of the Impala F1 variety lasts for 5 years.
Pros and cons of the variety
Tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety have many advantages, which favorably distinguishes the hybrid from other species. It is especially attractive for beginners in the gardening business. The reasons for this are the following qualities of tomatoes:
- relative unpretentiousness in care;
- high resistance to drought;
- resistance to most diseases typical of tomatoes;
- consistently high yield regardless of weather conditions;
- good transportability - the skin of the fruit does not crack during long-distance transportation;
- resistance to sunburn, which is achieved due to the density of the foliage;
- long-term storage of crops - up to 2 months;
- rich fruit aroma;
- moderately sweet pulp taste;
- versatility of the use of fruits.
The only pronounced drawback of tomatoes is considered their origin - the Impala F1 is a hybrid, which leaves an imprint on the possible methods of reproduction. It is possible to collect the seeds of the variety by hand, however, when sowing such material, the yield will decrease significantly, and many of the qualities of tomatoes will be lost.
Planting and care rules
In order to achieve the maximum yield from the bushes, it is necessary to create the best conditions for growing tomatoes. Of course, the variety is unpretentious, and it will bear fruit well even with minimal care, however, these will not be the best indicators.
When planting tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Tomatoes develop best at a temperature of + 20-24 ° С during the daytime and + 15-18 ° С at night. At temperatures below + 10 ° C and above + 30 ° C, tomato growth is suppressed and flowering stops.
- The variety makes rather high demands on the level of illumination. The beds must be located in open, sunny areas. The hybrid safely tolerates short rains and cloudy days, however, if such conditions persist for weeks, even genetically engineered endurance will not save planting. Prolonged cold snap and dampness postpone the ripening of fruits by 1-2 weeks, and their taste loses its original sweetness.
- Tomatoes bear fruit well on almost all soils, but it is better to give preference to light loamy and sandy loamy soils of medium acidity.
- Seeds purchased from a gardening store or self-harvested are stored in paper bags in a dry place at a stable room temperature. The kitchen is not suitable for this due to temperature changes.
- It is better to plant purchased seeds, since under conditions of free pollination, the hybrid loses its varietal qualities.
- For better survival of tomatoes, their root system must be treated with growth-stimulating drugs before planting.
In open ground, the hybrid is planted in late March - early April, in a greenhouse - during the second decade of March.
Growing seedlings
The hybrid is propagated by the seedling method. The procedure for growing tomato seedlings is as follows:
- Special containers for seedlings are filled with a soil mixture from turf soil, humus and mineral fertilizers. For 8-10 liters, there are about 15 g of potassium sulphide, 10 g of ammonium nitrate and 45 g of superphosphate.
- Shallow grooves are made on the surface of the substrate at a distance of 5 cm from each other. Seeds are spread in them, keeping a distance of 1-2 cm.It is not necessary to deepen the planting material too much - the optimal planting depth is 1.5 cm.
- After planting the seeds, they are carefully sprinkled with moistened earth.
- The planting procedure is completed by covering the container with plastic wrap or glass.
- For the best development of seedlings, it is necessary to maintain the temperature in the room at + 25-26 ° C.
- After 1-2 weeks, the seeds will germinate. Then they are transferred to the windowsill and the shelter is removed. It is recommended to lower the temperature to + 15 ° С in the daytime and + 12 ° С at night. If this is not done, the tomatoes may stretch out.
- During the growth of tomatoes, they are moderately watered. Excess moisture negatively affects the root system of tomatoes and can provoke black leg disease.
- 5-7 days before transplanting into open ground, tomatoes are stopped to water.
- Tomatoes dive after the formation of 2 true leaves, which usually occurs 2 weeks after the appearance of the first shoots.
Transplanting seedlings
Tomato bushes of the Impala F1 variety are quite compact, but planting should not be thickened. Up to 5-6 tomatoes can be placed on 1 m², no more. If this limit is exceeded, the fruits of tomatoes are likely to be chopped due to the rapid depletion of the soil.
The Impala F1 tomatoes are planted in wells pre-filled with a small amount of fertilizer. For these purposes, a mixture of superphosphate (10 g) and the same amount of humus is suitable. Immediately after planting, the tomatoes are watered.
Tomato care
Tomato bushes form 1-2 stems. The garter of tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety is optional, however, if a large number of large fruits have formed on the shoots, the tomato bushes may break under their weight.
Impala F1 is a drought tolerant variety, however, regular watering is required for good fruiting. Planting should not be poured in order to avoid root rot. Changes in humidity lead to cracking of the skin of the fruit.
When organizing watering, it is recommended to be guided by the state of the topsoil - it should not dry out and crack. Water the Impala F1 tomatoes at the root so as not to provoke leaf burns. Sprinkling negatively affects the formation of flowers and subsequent fruiting. It is advisable to complete each watering with shallow loosening of the soil and weeding.
Tomatoes bear fruit well even without fertilizing the soil, but at the same time they respond well to the enrichment of the soil with minerals and organic fertilizing. Tomatoes are especially in need of potash fertilizers during fruit setting. You can also fertilize plantings with phosphorus and nitrogen. According to the rules of agricultural technology, during the ripening of tomatoes, it is recommended to add magnesium to the soil.
Mineral dressings are better absorbed by tomatoes of the Impala F1 variety if they are introduced into the soil in liquid form, preferably after watering. The first feeding is done 15-20 days after the tomatoes are planted in open ground or in a greenhouse. This occurs during the formation of the ovaries of the first inflorescences. Tomatoes are fed with potassium (15 g) and superphosphate (20 g). The dosage is calculated for 1 m2.
The second feeding is carried out during the period of intensive fruiting. To do this, use ammonium nitrate (12-15 g) and potassium (20 g). For the third time, plantings are fed at will.
Stepsons on tomatoes are recommended to pinch from time to time. For the accelerated development of tomatoes, mulching the plantings will also be useful.
Conclusion
Tomato Impala F1 has gained popularity among gardeners due to its rich taste and high yield, even in adverse weather conditions. The variety is not devoid of disadvantages, however, the ease of care and resistance to a number of diseases fully pays for them. Finally, the hybrid is adapted for cultivation in most regions of the country. These qualities make the Impala F1 tomato ideal for beginner summer residents who are just trying their hand and do not know all the intricacies of gardening.
More information about growing tomatoes can be found in the video below:
