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It is interesting that somewhat distorting the real facts to please consumers, producers often do a disservice to themselves and to their varieties of tomatoes, which, by their other characteristics, deserve to be loved by gardeners. For experienced gardeners, it is not too difficult to notice the substitution, and to understand that this is not happiness, and still not leave the variety that interested them with their attention. But the beginners, most likely, will have an unpleasant aftertaste from inaccuracies in the advertising description of the variety, and if there are any other discrepancies, they will completely abandon the cultivation of this tomato, and will be right in their own way.
This fully applies to the popular among many, and known firsthand, varieties of tomatoes Pink Cheeks. The tomato variety Pink Cheeks has many excellent characteristics and reviews about it are often quite favorable, but in the manufacturer's description it seems as if the emphasis is on its early maturity. Any experienced gardener will understand that if the growing season of a tomato is 110-115 days, then you cannot call it either early or early maturing. Beginners, on the other hand, most often do not pay attention to specific numbers, but only read the words in the description, and then are disappointed when they see that tomatoes ripen only towards the very end of summer.
If we exclude this inaccuracy from attention, otherwise the Pink Cheeks tomato is very attractive in many respects and deserves to be paid attention to.
Description of the variety
In 2002, scientists-breeders of the Manul seed-growing company bred a new variety of tomatoes, which was named - Pink Cheeks. In 2003, this variety was already listed in the State Register of Russia with recommendations for growing under film shelters in the following regions of Russia:
- Northern;
- Northwestern;
- Central;
- Volgo-Vyatsky;
- Central Black Earth;
- Middle Volga;
- North Caucasian.
The fact is that it is in these conditions that he maximizes his productivity.
The pink-cheeked tomato has many individual properties that are not often found in the tomato world. For example, despite the recommendations for growing indoors, the variety is determinant, that is, limited in growth. Usually, however, these varieties of tomatoes are intended for outdoor cultivation.
The height of the bushes is small, on average they grow up to 70-80 cm. But even here, the pink cheeks tomatoes show individuality.
Thus, the height of the tomato bush can increase up to 1.5 meters, in turn, the yield from the bush also increases. Of course, it makes sense to form tomato bushes of this variety in this way only in greenhouse conditions, where they have enough heat and light.
In general, the bushes of this tomato variety have good growth vigor, and, despite their determinism, take up quite a lot of space.
The leaves of this variety are medium-sized, light green in color. The inflorescence is in most cases a simple brush, although there are also combined options. The cluster is rather loose and usually consists of three to five tomatoes.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Pink Cheeks tomato is a typical mid-season tomato variety with an average ripening period of about 112 days.
The yield of tomatoes Pink cheeks is about 5.5 kg per 1 sq. meters. For some, this figure is not significant, but given the great taste of the fruit, for many this will be quite enough.
With regard to disease resistance, the manufacturer ignores this characteristic. But according to reviews, the variety does not cause any complaints from this side. Moreover, despite the fact that it is recommended to grow under film shelters, it can recover even after spring return frosts.
Characteristics of tomatoes
For what you can really fall in love with the Pink Cheek tomato variety, it is for their taste. And gardeners forgive the manufacturer for all his involuntary flaws, having tried these tomatoes once. They have the following characteristics:
- The shape of these tomatoes is quite traditional, flat-round, with a slight ribbing.
- Unripe fruits are characterized by a green color; a dark spot clearly appears at the stalk. But after full ripening, everything is corrected, and the tomatoes acquire a rich pink color with a slight raspberry tint.
- Tomatoes of this variety are characterized by dense, but at the same time juicy and fleshy pulp. The number of seed chambers is not less than 4. Medium-density skin.
- The fruits of this variety are even in size, it rarely happens that some grow much larger than others. They are quite large, the average weight of one fruit is 250-300 grams.
- Taste characteristics of tomatoes Pink cheeks are beyond praise. Although unfavorable growing conditions can affect the appearance of tomatoes, including their taste.
- The purpose of this variety is universal. They are simply excellent in salads, both in appearance and in taste. They make great tomato juice. And they make wonderful pickled tomatoes.
Another amazing feature is the Pink Cheeks variety - despite their large size and great taste, they are well stored and transported. Therefore, from this point of view, it can be interesting for growing farmers.
Growing features
In whatever region you are going to grow the pink cheeks tomato variety, you will need to grow seedlings first. However, this variety does not present any particular difficulties in caring for it - everything is within the usual requirements of any tomato seedling. He needs, first of all, an abundance of light, a moderate amount of moisture and cool temperature conditions.
The first inflorescence in a tomato of this variety is laid rather late for determinant varieties - after 7-8 leaves. Therefore, most likely, seedlings will be planted in a permanent place not yet in blooming. This is for the best, since it will contribute to its better survival rate. For one square meter of area in a greenhouse, it is worth planting no more than 3-4 bushes of tomatoes of this variety.
In this case, they will be more flat on the ground and take up quite a lot of space.
If you forget about the determinancy of this variety and form the bushes into one stem, removing all the stepchildren, and carefully tying them to the supports, then you can get fruits of record sizes. And this can affect the yield in a favorable direction. In general, the variety can be interesting for experienced tomato lovers with the opportunity to experiment with it.
Reviews of gardeners
Reviews of gardeners about tomato Pink cheeks are somewhat contradictory. Quite a few people admire its taste and other characteristics. At the same time, many are dissatisfied with the discrepancy between the declared characteristics in its description and the real data during cultivation. This can be attributed to a possible re-grading, so often found recently, even in the packaging of reputable manufacturers, and to actual errors in the description, which was mentioned at the beginning of the article.
Conclusion
Tomato Pink Cheeks is able to interest experienced gardeners with conflicting opinions about it. After all, the truth can only be learned in a practical way. Well, for those for whom the taste of tomatoes is above all other characteristics, you should pay attention to this variety. Most likely, he will not disappoint you.