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The Long Keeper tomato is a late ripening variety. The breeders of the Gisok-Agro seed-growing company were engaged in the cultivation of the tomato variety. The authors of the variety are: Sysina E.A., Bogdanov K.B., Ushakov M.I., Nazina S.L., Andreeva E.N. The crop is suitable for growing outdoors, in heated and unheated greenhouses. Due to its high technical characteristics, it can be grown throughout Russia.
Characteristics and description of the Long Keeper tomato variety
When considering the characteristics of a crop, consider the following:
- tomato variety name - Long Keeper;
- late-ripening determinant variety;
- high level of productivity;
- long shelf life;
- the ripening period is 128-133 days after transplanting to the greenhouse;
- unripe fruits have a light milky hue; after ripening, the color changes to pearl pink;
- ripe fruit weighs about 125-250 g, in some cases the weight can reach 330-350 g;
- since the fruits are universal, they can be consumed fresh or used for canning;
- up to 4 kg of yield comes out from each bush;
- seeds must be sown 70 days before the intended planting in the greenhouse;
- for 1 sq. m it is allowed to plant a maximum of 8 tomato bushes;
- high level of resistance to many types of diseases.
The Long Keeper tomato variety can grow up to 1.5 m in height. The leaves are medium in size, deep green in color with a metallic tinge. A high yield can be obtained if the seedlings are formed into 1 stem. Due to the large growth, it is necessary to take care of the support, while you should not forget about regular pinching. It is recommended to grow the crop in a greenhouse; in the south of Russia, it is allowed to plant it in open ground.
Description of fruits
Ripe Long Keeper tomatoes can be round or flat-round in shape. The weight of a ripe fruit varies from 130 to 200 g, in some cases it can reach 350 g. The peel of a tomato is quite smooth, unripe fruit has a white color, gradually, as it ripens, the color becomes light pink.
As practice shows, the process of fruit ripening is impossible on the bushes, as a result of which green tomatoes must be removed in green form and sent for ripening. If the tomatoes remain on the bushes, then upon reaching technical maturity, they begin to crumble. The number of seed nests is 4. subject to all recommendations and high-quality planting care, it is possible to collect from 1 sq. m from 7 kg of fruit.
Since the Long Keeper tomato variety is versatile, it can be eaten fresh or used for canning. Judging by the characteristics, the taste of ripe fruits remains at an average level, as a result of which they are used mainly for canning.
Fruiting timing and yield
If we take into account the description of the Long Keeper variety, then it is worth noting that this type is late, as a result of which the harvesting begins 130 days after transplanting the seedlings to a permanent place of growth. Up to 4 kg of fruit can be harvested from each bush, and from each square.m from 8 kg.
Sustainability
Long Keeper tomato varieties have a high level of resistance to the following types of diseases:
- cladosporium disease;
- tobacco mosaic;
- fusarium.
If ventilation is impaired, then tomatoes may suffer from late blight. For the treatment of tomatoes, special chemicals are used or they resort to folk remedies.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before growing seedlings, many experienced gardeners advise to first study the photos and reviews about the Long Keeper tomato, besides this, do not forget about the description of the variety, advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages of the Long Keeper tomato variety, the following main points can be distinguished:
- a high level of resistance to many types of diseases and pests that are characteristic of this type of crop;
- if necessary, it can be transported over long distances without losing the presentation, which is a big plus if you grow tomatoes on an industrial scale for further sale;
- a high level of productivity - from each bush it is possible to collect up to 4 kg of ripe fruits;
- stable yield, regardless of weather conditions;
- maintaining an attractive appearance even with a long storage period.
Despite such a number of significant advantages, Long Keeper tomatoes also have some disadvantages, including:
- it is necessary to tie up the bushes in the process of growth, since they can break under the weight of the fruits;
- palatability is rated at an average level;
- for growing a crop, a greenhouse is required; planting planting material in open ground is allowed in the south of Russia;
- since tomatoes do not ripen on bushes, they must be removed and sent for ripening at home.
Only after the information has been studied in detail, it is possible to make a decision on planting a specific crop.
Planting and care rules
Before planting the planting material, it must be disinfected. To do this, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After that, the seeds are hardened for some time and only then are they planted to obtain seedlings.
If necessary, you can put the roots of the tomatoes in the rooting solution for a while before planting, which will allow the tomatoes to take root much faster.
Growing seedlings
For growing seedlings, you must use high-quality soil. For these purposes, a mixture of turf, humus and sand is excellent, the proportion should be observed as follows - 2: 2: 1. For planting seeds, you can use any container - disposable cups, peat cups, flower pots.
It is recommended to sow seeds in the second half of March - 2 months before the intended planting of seedlings in a greenhouse or open ground. A distance of up to 3 cm must be observed between the seeds. Peat is poured over the planting material in a layer of up to 1 cm.
Transplanting seedlings
The Long Keeper tomato variety is recommended to be planted in a greenhouse in a permanent place of growth in the second half of May. Planting of planting material is carried out after the seedlings are 60-65 days old. 7 days before the planned disembarkation, you must first prepare the beds. For this, it is recommended to add potassium-phosphorus fertilizers to the soil.
In the process of planting seedlings, you must adhere to the following scheme:
- planting material is planted to a depth of 12-15 cm;
- there must be a distance of at least 40 cm between the bushes;
- if you plan to land in several rows, then leave a distance of 50 cm between the rows.
The maximum planting density is 8 tomato bushes per 1 sq. m.
Follow-up care
The most difficult part of growing Long Keeper tomatoes is the formation process, which must be done correctly. If a dense planting scheme is chosen, per 1 sq. m are planted from 5 to 8 tomato bushes, and the formation is carried out in 1 stem, if you plan to plant up to 4 bushes per 1 sq. m, then in 2 stems.
After 14 days, after planting the planting material in the greenhouse, it is necessary to tie the bushes to the trellises. This is necessary so that the fruits do not come into contact with the ground and are not further exposed to fungal diseases.
The culture must be watered every 2-3 days. Many experienced gardeners recommend using a drip irrigation system. When watering, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- use warm water;
- do not allow water to enter the leaves;
- water the tomatoes after sunset or early in the morning.
Weeds should be removed every week. Throughout the season, top dressing is applied up to 3 times. For these purposes, you can use a solution of chicken manure, mullein, mineral fertilizers.
Conclusion
Tomato Long Keeper is perfect for growing both beginners and experienced gardeners. As a rule, in order to obtain a high yield, it is necessary to provide quality care, adhere to all recommendations for growing and further care.
