Content
Tsar Bell tomatoes are appreciated for their excellent taste and large size. Below is a description, reviews, photos and yield of the Tsar Bell tomato. The variety is characterized by early ripening and compact bushes. Plants are grown both in open areas and under various types of shelters.
Features of the variety
Characteristics and description of the Tsar Bell tomato variety:
- average ripening times;
- determinant bush;
- bush height from 0.8 to 1 m;
- large dark green leaves;
- the first ovary develops over the 9th leaf, the further ones after 1-2 leaves.
The fruits of the Tsar Bell variety have the following features:
- heart-shaped;
- bright red at maturity;
- average weight 200-350 g;
- maximum weight 600 g;
- fleshy pulp;
- good sweetish taste.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are of the salad type. They are used to prepare appetizers, salads, sauces, first and second courses.
Tomatoes are picked green and stored at room temperature, where they ripen quickly. In homemade preparations, the variety is used to obtain tomato juice and assorted vegetables.
Getting seedlings
I grow Tsar Bell tomatoes in seedlings. First, the seeds are germinated at home. The resulting seedlings are transferred under cover or directly to the beds.
Planting seeds
For planting Tsar Bell tomatoes, fertile soil fertilized with compost is prepared. For culture, you can use purchased soil intended for seedlings. An alternative is to plant tomatoes in peat pots.
The seeds of the Tsar Bell variety are placed in a damp cloth for a couple of days. You can accelerate the emergence of sprouts using any growth stimulant.
If the seeds of Tsar Bell tomatoes are brightly colored, then they do not need additional processing. Such planting material is covered with a nutrient membrane containing substances necessary for the development of sprouts.
Containers are filled with prepared soil. Tomatoes have enough containers up to 15 cm high.The seeds are placed on the surface of the soil with an interval of 2 cm.The seeds are covered with soil or peat 1.5 cm thick.
At temperatures over 25 degrees, seed germination takes 2-3 days. When shoots appear, the containers are rearranged on a windowsill or other illuminated place.
Seedling conditions
Seedlings of tomatoes Tsar Bell are actively developing under certain conditions:
- temperature regime in the daytime: 20-25 degrees, at night - 10-15 degrees;
- constant soil moisture;
- access to fresh air in the absence of drafts;
- lighting for half a day.
The soil is moistened as it dries. Water the tomatoes with a spray bottle. You need to use warm, settled water. Until 4-5 leaves are formed in plants, they are watered weekly. Subsequently, moisture is introduced every 3 days.
When 2-3 leaves appear at the Tsar Bell tomato seedlings, they dive in separate containers.If the seeds were planted in cups, then picking is not required.
A couple of weeks before planting, tomatoes are prepared for changing growing conditions. The intensity of watering is gradually reduced, and the seedlings are transferred to fresh air. First, the plants are kept on the balcony or loggia for 2 hours, gradually increasing this period.
Planting tomatoes
Tsar Bell tomatoes are planted on prepared beds in an open area or in a greenhouse. Plants that have reached a height of 30 cm are subject to transplantation. Such tomatoes have about 7 leaves and begin to bloom. Before planting, the 3 bottom leaves are removed from the plants to provide the tomatoes with even illumination.
The soil for planting is prepared in the fall. It is dug up, compost, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are added. Tomatoes are planted after cucumbers, melons, root crops, siderates, cabbage. You should not plant tomatoes for two years in a row, as well as after potatoes, eggplants or peppers.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are planted in prepared holes. A gap of 40 cm is observed between the plants, the rows are organized every 60 cm. It is recommended to arrange the tomatoes in a checkerboard pattern. As a result, plants are provided with access to sunlight.
Tomatoes Tsar Bell are transferred into the ground together with a lump of earth. The roots of the plant are sprinkled with earth, which is lightly tamped. Then the tomatoes are watered abundantly.
Variety care
With constant care, Tsar Bell tomatoes give a good harvest and are not subject to diseases. The plantings are looked after by watering, feeding and forming a bush.
Plants are tied to a wooden or metal support near the crown. The soil under the tomatoes is loosened and mulched with straw or compost.
Watering tomatoes
After planting, the Tsar Bell tomatoes are watered for 7-10 days. This period is necessary for the adaptation of plants to external conditions.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are watered according to the following scheme:
- before the formation of ovaries - once a week using 4 liters of water under the bush;
- when fruiting - twice a week with 3 liters of water.
After adding moisture, the greenhouse is ventilated to prevent high humidity and the development of fungal diseases.
Tomatoes are poured with warm water, which has warmed up and settled in containers. Plants develop more slowly when exposed to cold water.
Plant feeding
Tsar Bell tomatoes are fed several times per season. Plants need nitrogen at the beginning of the growing season. In the future, potassium and phosphorus are added under the bushes to strengthen the root system and improve the taste of the fruit.
Tsar Bell tomatoes are fed according to a certain scheme:
- 14 days after planting the tomatoes, add liquid mullein diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15;
- after the next 2 weeks, the tomatoes are fertilized with a solution of superphosphate and potassium salt (30 g of each substance for a large bucket of water);
- when fruits ripen, tomatoes are fed with a solution of humates (1 tablespoon per bucket of water).
Mineral dressing can be replaced with wood ash. It is buried in the ground or added to water when watering.
Bush formation
The Tsar Bell variety is shaped to form one or two stems. Stepsons growing from the leaf sinus are subject to elimination.
The first pinching is performed after the tomatoes are transferred to the ground. In plants, lateral processes are broken off, and up to 3 cm in length are left. The procedure is carried out in the morning every week.
When the fruits begin to ripen, the lower leaves are removed from the bushes. This improves air access and reduces humidity in the greenhouse.
Protection against diseases and pests
The Tsar Kolokol variety is distinguished by its resistance to tomato diseases.With the observance of agricultural technology, regular airing and rationing of watering, the spread of fungal diseases can be avoided. For the prevention of planting, they are sprayed with the fungicides Quadris or Fitosporin.
Tomatoes are attacked by aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, wireworms. For pests, folk remedies are used: tobacco dust, infusions on onion and garlic peels. Insecticides also help get rid of insects.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
According to the description and characteristics, the Tsar Bell tomato variety is unpretentious and needs minimal maintenance. The fruits of the variety have an excellent taste, which is preserved during processing.
