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Tomato Raketa was bred by Russian breeders in 1997, two years later the variety passed state registration. For several years, these tomatoes have gained wide popularity among farmers and summer residents. Below are the features, photos, yield and reviews on the Raketa tomato.
The variety is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions, where planting is carried out in open ground. In the central strip, these tomatoes are covered with a film. In areas with a cold climate, the variety is planted in a greenhouse.
Variety characteristics
Description and characteristics of the Raketa tomato variety are as follows:
- determinant bush;
- mid-season variety;
- height of tomatoes - no more than 0.6 m;
- the first inflorescence appears above the 5th leaf, the subsequent ones are formed through 1 or 2 leaves;
- ripening of fruits takes from 115 to 125 days after planting.
Raketa fruits have a number of features:
- elongated shape;
- smooth, glossy surface;
- average density;
- when ripe, the fruits turn red;
- weight 50 g;
- 4-6 tomatoes are formed in one brush;
- dense pulp;
- 2-4 chambers in fruits;
- tomatoes contain from 2.5 to 4% sugars;
- good taste.
Variety yield
According to the description and characteristics, the Raketa tomato variety has a universal purpose. It is used in the daily diet for salads, appetizers, first courses and side dishes.
Ideal for home canning. The fruits are small in size, they can be pickled and salted whole or cut into pieces. Tomatoes tolerate long-distance transportation without losing their commercial properties.
Landing order
Tomato Rocket is grown by seedling method. At home, seeds are planted, and when sprouts appear, the necessary conditions are provided for the tomatoes. The grown tomatoes are transferred to a permanent place.
Getting seedlings
Raketa tomato seeds are planted in March. Soil for tomatoes is prepared in the fall by combining humus and earth from a garden plot in equal proportions.
It is recommended to heat the resulting mixture. To do this, it is placed in the oven or microwave for 15 minutes. The treated soil mixture is left for 2 weeks to ensure the development of beneficial bacteria in it. If purchased soil is used, then it may not be processed.
Low containers are prepared for tomatoes, which are filled with earth. The seeds are arranged in rows with a step of 2 cm. A layer of peat 1 cm thick is placed on top and irrigated with a strainer.
The container is covered with film or glass, after which it is removed in a dark place with a temperature of 25 degrees. When sprouts appear, the shelter is removed, and the tomatoes are moved to a well-lit place. Over the next week, the tomatoes are provided with a temperature of 16 degrees, then it is raised to 20 degrees.
When 2 leaves appear, the tomatoes dive in separate containers. As the soil dries up, the plants are watered. Planting should be well lit for 12 hours.
Greenhouse landing
Tomato Rocket is transferred to the greenhouse 2 months after germination. The variety is suitable for growing indoors under plastic, polycarbonate or glass.
The greenhouse should be prepared in the fall. First, the upper soil layer (up to 10 cm) is removed, in which fungal spores and insect larvae spend the winter. The remaining soil is dug up, humus or rotted compost is added.
The bushes are placed in prepared holes, the earthen lump is not broken. Then the roots are sprinkled with earth, which is well tamped. Water the tomatoes generously.
Landing in open ground
The beds for growing tomatoes must be prepared in the fall. The earth is dug up and compost is applied. In the spring, it is enough to carry out deep loosening of the soil.
For several years in a row, tomatoes have not been planted in one place. The best predecessors for them are root crops, onions, garlic, cabbage, legumes.
Rocket tomatoes are placed every 40 cm. If several rows are organized, then 50 cm are measured between them. After planting, the tomatoes need to be watered and tied up. If frosts are expected in the region, then the first time after planting the tomatoes are covered with film or agrofibre.
Care features
The Raketa variety needs some care, which includes watering and fertilizing. If the rules of care are violated, the fruits crack and the growth of plants slows down. To obtain the maximum yield, a bush is formed.
Rocket tomatoes are disease resistant. If you do not allow an increase in moisture and thickening of the plantings, then the spread of late blight, various types of rot and other diseases can be prevented.
Watering tomatoes
Normal development and high yield of Raketa tomatoes are ensured with moderate moisture application. For irrigation, warm water is taken, which has settled in barrels.
Each bush of the Raketa variety requires 2-5 liters of water, depending on the stage of development of the bush. After planting, the tomatoes are not watered for a week. During this time, rooting of plants takes place.
Before the formation of inflorescences, tomatoes are watered twice a week, the volume of introduced moisture is 2 liters. With active flowering of tomatoes, one watering is enough for a week in the amount of 5 liters. When the fruiting period begins, they return to the previous irrigation scheme: 2-3 liters twice a week.
Watering is carried out in the morning or in the evening so that moisture has time to be absorbed into the ground. It is important to keep the stems and leaves away from water in order not to burn the plants.
Top dressing
For active growth, Raketa tomatoes require feeding. It is best to use substances containing phosphorus and potassium for these purposes. Phosphorus contributes to the formation of a healthy root system. Potassium improves the taste of tomatoes, and the plants themselves become more resistant to diseases and weather conditions.
Tomatoes are watered with a superphosphate solution, which is prepared by dissolving 40 g of this substance in 10 liters of water. Top dressing is applied at the root of the plants. A week later, a potassium sulfate solution is prepared and used in a similar manner.
Root dressing can be alternated with spraying tomatoes. For sheet processing, a solution is prepared containing 6 g of boric acid and 20 g of manganese sulfate. The components are dissolved in 20 liters of water.
Stepson and tying
The Raketa variety is distinguished by its compact bush size. The tomato can not be pinned, but it is recommended to eliminate the stepsons before the formation of the first inflorescence. Shoots up to 5 cm long, growing from the leaf sinus, are removed by hand.
When grown in open areas, a bush of the Raketa variety is formed into 3-4 stems.If the tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse, then leave 2-3 stems.
It is advisable to tie the bush to a support so that an even and strong stem is formed. Due to the tying, the bush does not break under the weight of the tomatoes.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
The Raketa variety belongs to undersized and compact tomatoes, but it gives a good harvest. A feature of the variety is its sensitivity to watering and feeding regimes. Raketa tomatoes are used for canning, taste good and are disease resistant.
