The new Rapunzel variety is a rather rare visitor to the home gardens of our country. And this situation, of course, is depressing, since this tomato has a number of important qualities and prospects that may be of interest to some gardeners. In this article, I will try to introduce you closer to this wonderful hybrid, talk about its positive aspects and features, and note some conditions for successful cultivation.
general description
Rapunzel is an early hybrid of Cherry, which differs in appearance from other members of the family. It has a strong thin stem, long branches, a dense cap of large dark green leaves and large clusters with small tomatoes. Visually resemble tomato palms. One of its branches can bring up to 40 fruits. Thanks to this structure of the ground part, the roots of the bush have a powerful rod shape. The fruiting process is continuous throughout the warm season.
Variety characteristics:
- representative of the English selection school;
- abundant yield - up to 1 kg from one bush;
- the full growing season takes 80 days;
- the weight of one tomato does not exceed 25 g;
- the maximum height of the stem is 2.5 meters;
- the color of ripe fruits is deep red;
- the shape of the tomatoes is round;
- the pulp is juicy, but dense;
- the taste is sweet, with a pronounced aroma;
- suitable for fresh consumption.
The method of cultivation depends on climatic conditions and is possible both in open beds and in greenhouses.
The undoubted advantages of the variety include resistance to pathogens and parasites. But from the unsightly qualities, I will single out the impossibility of long-term storage, unsuitability for conservation and the difficulty in acquiring planting material.
Features of agricultural technology
I must say right away that it is better to grow Rapunzel with the help of seedlings. At the same time, a good time for sowing is on the border of March and April. Such a period will then allow the grown shoots to be transferred without hassle to a permanent place of growth (early May).
I advise you to purchase a special soil for seedlings or tomatoes. If this is not possible, then a good composition for a hybrid looks something like this:
- peat - 2 shares;
- clean land - 1 share;
- compost - 1 share;
- sand - 0.5 shares.
The mixture should be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, spilled with Fitosporin, and also calcined in the oven.
As a container for seedlings, I advise you to choose the most convenient form of pots - one large container or individual cups. The only prerequisite is a depth of at least 10 cm.
Seeds are usually spilled with a manganese solution, and also soaked in a growth stimulator.
Sowing is carried out to a depth of 0.5 cm (grooves or holes), in a common container, a distance of 2 cm from each other is maintained. I also advise you to put 2 seeds in one hole for better germination. From above, the seeds are thinly sprinkled with soil.
Then plantings are abundantly sprayed with water and covered with a transparent material until germination.
Tomato seedlings love heat and light. I advise you to put the boxes on the southern windows and, if necessary, illuminate the plantings with a fitolamp.
Moderate moisture and regular ventilation are the basic rules for caring for sprouts.
Picking is carried out after the appearance of the second sheet. After "settlement" hardening should be added to the usual procedures.
During the period of active growth of shoots, you should feed them with mineral supplements, as well as switch to regular watering (every 3 days) and 16-hour daylight hours.
On average, seedlings are grown at home for 1.5 months, then transplanted.
Rapunzel is transferred to the beds at the end of May. Try to guess the time - the procedure is best done in the absence of direct sunlight. Bushes are planted at a distance of at least 40 cm.
Watering and moistening are carried out with warm water.
I advise you to monitor the temperature and, if necessary, cover the tomatoes of open beds with a film.
After that, you should follow the standard care procedures for tomatoes; Rapunzel does not require special measures.
Would you plant this tomato? Write in the comments.
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