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Long gone are the days when only potatoes and other vegetables were grown in the gardens, solely for the purpose of getting the largest possible harvest and making numerous reserves for the winter. The variety of vegetable crops that the average gardener can boast of is surprising. Many thermophilic crops, such as sweet peppers, eggplants, okra, the cultivation of which previously could only be dreamed of in the middle lane, confidently crossed the former climatic threshold and are grown in vegetable gardens, for example, in the Moscow region, even in open ground.
Such a variety has appeared among tomato varieties that for the most part summer residents and gardeners are no longer content with just tasty and fruitful vegetables. Many have become partial to the aesthetic side of the issue and are striving to grow varieties of tomatoes that will serve as a real decoration of the site or greenhouse. In addition, the fashion for all kinds of exotic outlandish bushes and trees, which supposedly can be grown in the climatic conditions of Russia, pushed breeders to an interesting idea. Bring a variety of tomatoes that will resemble some delicious fruit or berry in shape. And then name it after this curiosity.
This is how the strawberry tree tomato was born. After all, strawberries, despite their wide popularity, remain one of the most beloved and popular berries. And the strawberry tree or Kudrania, which recently appeared on the Internet, has already managed to excite the minds and hearts of many gardeners who dream of such a curiosity. Therefore, such a name for the tomato variety could not go unnoticed.
But the characteristics and description of the Strawberry tree variety indicate that the breeders did their best, and this tomato really has many chances to gain popularity among gardeners.
Description of the variety
The strawberry tree tomato was obtained as a result of the selection work of Siberian scientists just a few years ago. At least since 2015, this tomato has been actively sold in packaging from the Siberian Garden agricultural company. Tomato of this variety has not yet been included in the catalog of the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Russia for one reason or another. Be that as it may, for several years the tomato Strawberry tree has already completely mastered the Russian open spaces, since Siberian selection implies the unpretentiousness of these tomatoes to the whims and surprises of the weather.
This tomato variety belongs to the indeterminate group, that is, it has theoretically unlimited growth. Like many Indets, it is recommended to grow it in the middle lane in greenhouse conditions - here it is able to reveal itself in all its glory. In the southern, warm regions with long summers, the strawberry tree tomato can be grown outdoors. The bushes grow quite powerful with a thick central trunk - it's not for nothing that this variety of tomatoes was called a tree - it really looks like a small tree. It can grow up to two meters in height, but in the open field it is usually somewhat lower.
In the description of the tomato variety Strawberry tree, given by the manufacturer, it is indicated that it belongs to the group of mid-early tomatoes.Usually, this means that from the moment of emergence to the first ripe fruits, it takes about 100 - 110 days. Reviews of many gardeners confirm this fact, while others say that this variety should be attributed more to late-ripening tomatoes, since it ripens by the end of summer, closer to autumn. Perhaps this is due to a lack of light, including sunlight, and heat. In such conditions, many tomatoes are slow in growth and development.
Tomato The strawberry tree must be pinned, because the extra lateral processes take away the strength of the plants and do not give the opportunity to tie the required number of tomatoes. Plants are formed in a standard way - in one or two trunks. A garter for plants is also necessary, first of all, to hold many brushes with fruits.
Breeders claim that the yield of this tomato variety can be compared with any tomato hybrid. Indeed, with good care from one bush, you can get up to 4-5 kg of marketable tomatoes. On average, the yield of this variety per square meter is about 12 kg of fruit.
Tomato Strawberry tree is positioned as resistant to diseases and unfavorable growth conditions. As for diseases, according to gardeners, it copes well with diseases such as the tobacco mosaic virus and verticillary wilting.
But in order to cope with late blight and alternaria, the tomato needs additional help. Therefore, preventive treatment of seedlings before planting in the ground and then, during flowering and fruiting, will not be superfluous. It is better to use biological agents for these purposes, such as phytosporin or EM drugs.
Characteristics of tomatoes
Tomatoes are the main value of the Strawberry tree variety. In the southern regions, these tomatoes can be planted in front gardens or in flower beds to decorate the site.
Tomatoes ripen on clusters, of which from 6 to 8 pieces or more can form on one bush. 6-8 attractive fruits ripen in each cluster.
The shape of the tomatoes could be called standard, if not for the elongated and beautifully curved back. Due to this, most of the fruits look very much like strawberries. This becomes especially clearly noticeable in the longitudinal section of the tomato.
The bright red intense color of the fruit also evokes associations with tasty and juicy berries.
The pulp of tomatoes is dense, juicy, rather fleshy. The skin is rather dense, helping the fruit to keep its shape well both during storage and in various seams.
The tomatoes in the clusters ripen in different sizes. On average, the weight of one fruit is about 120-160 grams, but larger specimens are often found, weighing up to 250 grams.
The taste of tomato fruits The strawberry tree is characterized by the majority of gardeners as "excellent". Tomatoes are sweet, juicy, but they also have a characteristic sourness, so they cannot be called fresh either.
Small tomatoes will look very nice in jars whole. Those that grow up to 200-250 grams can be consumed fresh, in salads or sliced.
Tomatoes of this variety are well stored and have the ability to ripen without problems in room conditions when they are harvested in a state of technical maturity.
The fruits are also able to withstand transportation and do not wrinkle when placed in low boxes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Tomato Strawberry tree has undeniable advantages that distinguish it among the many varieties of tomato:
- Aesthetic and attractive look of the bush and tomatoes ripening on it.
- High yield, especially in greenhouse conditions.
- Good fruit taste and versatility of their use.
- Unpretentiousness to growing conditions and diseases.
The only drawbacks can be attributed, perhaps, only to the fact that this tomato requires regular shaping and garters in order to maintain its unique appearance.
Reviews of gardeners
The tomato variety Strawberry tree was bred relatively recently, so there are still not too many reviews on it, but still, most gardeners are quite satisfied with the results of their labors.
Conclusion
A variety with such an interesting name as Strawberry Tree cannot fail to attract the attention of gardeners. And given its unpretentiousness and productivity, comparable to many hybrids, the variety can be recommended for growing to all tomato lovers who are not only interested in exotic things, but also want to decorate their garden.