Content
Rapunzel tomatoes are an American variety that appeared on the market in 2014. The variety got its name due to the long clusters on which a large number of fruits ripen. Rapunzel tomatoes are distinguished by their early ripening and excellent taste.
Features of the variety
Description of the variety of tomatoes Rapunzel:
- indeterminate type;
- height from 1.8 to 2.4 m;
- early ripening of tomatoes;
- from emergence to full maturation, 80-90 days pass;
- powerful root system;
- large drooping leaves of a dark green color;
- long cascading brushes with tomatoes.
Characteristics of the Rapunzel variety:
- up to 40 tomatoes grow in one brush;
- compact arrangement of fruits;
- weight 25 g;
- glossy surface of tomatoes;
- a large number of cameras;
- average dry matter;
- bright red color;
- juicy and sweet pulp.
Rapunzel tomatoes are suitable for growing on balconies and loggias. The fruits are used in home canning. Once harvested, tomatoes need to be processed as they are not intended for long-term storage.
Seedling formation
Rapunzel tomatoes are best grown in seedlings. Seeds are planted at home, and after their germination, certain conditions are created for the tomatoes. Grown tomatoes are transferred to the greenhouse or left to grow on the balcony.
Planting seeds
Rapunzel tomato seeds are planted in March. First, the planting material is processed to increase its germination. The seeds are placed in salted water. If the grains remain on the surface, they are discarded.
The remaining tomato seeds are placed in cheesecloth, which is folded in several layers and placed in a potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes. Then the fabric is washed with running water and left in a plate for a day. It is important to keep the seeds dry and to top up with warm water.
To obtain a substrate for tomatoes, mix equal amounts of peat, sand and humus. In gardening stores, you can buy soil for tomato seedlings. An alternative is the use of peat pots.
The soil is treated in a water bath or kept in the cold for 2-3 months. This is how they get rid of harmful fungal spores and pests. The prepared soil is poured into boxes or cups. When planting in separate containers, there is no need to dive the seedlings.
The seeds of Rapunzel tomatoes are placed every 2 cm and covered with peat with a layer of 1 cm. The greenhouse effect created by glass or film will help accelerate germination. The containers are left in the dark at temperatures above 20 ° C.
Seedling conditions
When sprouts appear, Rapunzel tomatoes are rearranged on a windowsill or other illuminated place. Tomatoes should receive continuous lighting for 12 hours. In conditions of short daylight hours, set the backlight and turn it on in the evening.
Additionally, tomatoes need:
- daytime temperature from 21 to 26 ° С;
- temperature at night from 15 to 18 ° С;
- keeping the soil moist;
- airing the room.
When the soil dries up, the tomatoes are watered with warm, settled water. It is more convenient to add moisture using a spray bottle. Water should not come into contact with leaves and stems.
With the development of 2 leaves, Rapunzel tomatoes dive into larger containers. The soil is used with the same composition as when planting seeds.
After a month, the tomatoes begin to adapt to natural conditions. First, they open the window for several hours, but they protect the plants from drafts. In the future, the tomatoes are transferred to a balcony or loggia. Tomatoes should be outdoors all day before being planted in the greenhouse.
Greenhouse landing
Rapunzel tomatoes are planted in the greenhouse when they grow up to 30 cm in height and have 5-7 leaves. The soil and air should warm up well, so the planting is performed in May.
In the greenhouse, the top layer of soil is replaced, where pests and disease spores live. The soil for tomatoes is prepared in the fall: it is dug up, fertilized with humus and wood ash.
After potatoes and nightshade vegetables, planting is not performed. Crops have similar diseases and are attacked by similar pests. If tomatoes have already grown in the greenhouse, then they are re-planted only after 3 years.
In the spring, the beds are loosened and planting holes are made. A gap of 40 cm is maintained between the plants. To save space, Rapunzel tomatoes are planted in a checkerboard pattern. So the tomatoes will get more free space for development and access to the sun's rays.
Tomatoes are transferred along with a clod of earth. The roots are covered with soil, which is well compacted. 5 liters of warm water are poured under each bush.
Variety care
Rapunzel tomatoes are looked after by watering and feeding. To obtain a high yield, the formation of a bush is required. Preventive spraying of tomatoes helps to avoid the spread of diseases and pests.
Watering plants
Rapunzel tomatoes require a regular supply of moisture. Its volume depends on the stage of the tomato growing season. Young plants are not able to extract water from deep soil layers. After planting, until buds are formed, 2 liters of water are poured under each bush every 4 days.
When flowering, tomatoes are watered weekly using 5 liters of water. The intensity of watering is reduced during the formation of fruits. Excess moisture causes the tomatoes to crack. During this period, 2 water is enough under the bush twice a week.
Fertilization
According to reviews on Rapunzel tomatoes, regular feeding has a positive effect on the fruiting of bushes. During the season, several dressings are carried out using minerals and organics.
2 weeks after planting, the tomatoes are watered with a mullein diluted with water 1:15. The product contains nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of shoots and leaves. Top dressing is applied only at the initial stage of tomato development.
In the future, Rapunzel tomatoes are fed with a solution of minerals. For 10 liters of water, 30 g of phosphorus and potassium components are required. It is best to use superphosphate and potassium sulfate for processing.
It is important to feed the tomatoes during the formation of ovaries and fruits. An interval of 2 weeks is made between treatments.
Bush formation
Rapunzel tomatoes are formed into 2 stems. Extra stepsons are cut off by hand. The formation of the bush provides the tomatoes with access to the sun's rays and eliminates thickening.
As they grow, the tomatoes are tied to a support made of wood or metal. It is also recommended to tie up the fruit brushes.
Protection against diseases and pests
Compliance with agricultural techniques helps to avoid diseases: watering according to the scheme, airing the greenhouse or balcony, eliminating unnecessary shoots. When signs of disease appear, tomatoes are sprayed with preparations containing copper. For the prevention of planting, they are treated with Fitosporin.
Insecticides are effective against pests. The action of the drugs is aimed at combating certain insects: whitefly, bear, aphid.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
Rapunzel tomatoes are intended for growing on balconies and in glass greenhouses. The variety is distinguished by its yield and decorativeness. Ripening of tomatoes occurs early, but fruiting lasts all summer. Tomatoes need care, which involves feeding, adding moisture and forming a bush.
