Everyone associates the word tomato with a rounded and red vegetable. Indeed, the first tomatoes brought to us from America in the distant XNUMXth century were just like that. Thanks to the development of genetics and the selection work associated with it, varieties have appeared that are completely different from our usual ideas about this berry. Don’t be surprised, botanically speaking, a tomato is a berry, just like a watermelon. Not only the appearance of the fruit has changed – hitherto unknown colors of tomatoes have appeared: yellow, orange, brown, blue and even almost black. There are tomatoes that remain green even at full maturity, while their taste does not suffer at all.
Today we want to introduce you to a tomato variety that is distinguished by an unusual, one might even say, spicy fruit shape. Its name – Casanova – fully corresponds to it.
To understand what this original is, we will compile a detailed description and description of the Casanova tomato variety. Here it is in the photo in all its glory.
Description and characteristics
The Casanova tomato variety was included in the State Register of Agricultural Achievements in 2017. Its originator and patent holder is Dederko Vladimir Nikolaevich. Produces and sells seeds of tomatoes of the Casanova variety of the Siberian Garden agricultural company, which is located in Novosibirsk. What are the characteristics of this tomato variety?
- Casanova is a mid-season variety. When sown in March for seedlings, the first fruits ripen in July.
- The variety is indeterminate, that is, it does not stop its growth on its own. The gardener needs to form it. In practice, the height of the bush is about 2 m.
- Casanova is recommended for cultivation in all regions, but in the open field it can only be planted in the south. To the north, this variety of tomato is planted in a greenhouse.
- The Casanova tomato variety gives the best results when formed into one or 2 stems. All other stepchildren need to be cut off.
- The fruit of Casanova has an unusual elongated shape with an original bifurcation at the end. The length is not small – up to 20 cm. The weight is also not bad – up to 200 g. Up to 5 fruits can be tied in the brush.
- The color of the fruit in full ripeness is bright red. The skin and pulp are dense, there are almost no seeds. The taste of the tomato is excellent with noticeable sweetness.
- The originator positions the Casanova tomato variety as a salad variety, but, according to consumer reviews, it is very good in pickled form. The dense skin does not crack when poured with boiling water, and the tomatoes themselves, due to their shape, fit very tightly into jars. It is also suitable for other preparations, but the fleshy fruits will not give much juice.
- Tomato varieties Casanova are well stored, it can be transported over long distances. Commercial quality is not lost.
In order for the description and characteristics of the Casanova variety tomato to be complete, the most important thing needs to be said: it has an excellent yield. With good care, it reaches 12 kg from each square. m. The bushes are literally hung with large beautiful fruits.
To get the harvest declared by the manufacturer, you need to follow all the rules of agricultural technology and, first of all, grow strong, high-quality seedlings.
How to grow seedlings
By the time of planting in the greenhouse, it should be about 2 months old. The timing of sowing seeds is adjusted taking into account the onset of sustainable heat. In the middle lane, this is the beginning-mid-March, in other regions the dates may differ.
Secrets of strong seedlings:
- We select only large seeds.
- We process them with a protectant and a growth stimulator. As the first, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, aloe juice, phytosporin are used. As the second, Immunocytophyte, Zircon, Epin, Ash solution are suitable. Well awakens the seeds of tomatoes and gives them strength melt water. It is easy to obtain by freezing in the refrigerator. Be sure to drain any unfrozen residue. The healing properties and the special structure of the water are preserved for 12 hours after melting.
- We sow the seeds of Casanova tomato in loose, well-aerated and moisture-intensive soil that needs to be frozen.
- We provide crops with a greenhouse regime under a plastic bag.
- The first loops of shoots are a signal that the container needs to be transferred to a cool, bright window sill.
- Sufficient lighting is the main condition for stocky strong seedlings. The greater the distance between the leaves on the stem, the fewer brushes the Casanova tomato will be able to tie. To get the maximum yield, seedlings should not stretch.
- Seedlings need an optimal temperature regime: about 18 degrees at night and about 22 degrees during the day.
- Watering is required, but without excess moisture. Water with warm water as the topsoil dries.
- Timely picking of Casanova tomato in the phase of 2 true leaves in separate containers with a volume of at least 0,5 l is required. The less the root system is damaged during picking, the faster Casanova’s tomatoes will start growing.
- Sprouted seedlings need to be fed. We do this 3 times. The first top dressing is carried out with a fertilizer with a predominance of nitrogen at the stage of the appearance of the third true leaf. Agricola No. 3 is suitable for her. The second top dressing – 12-15 days after picking, the third – after another 2 weeks. For them, we dissolve Art. a spoonful of complex fertilizer without top for 5 liters of water. It is enough to spend 0,1 l of solution per plant.
- Hardening of Casanova tomato seedlings begins 2 weeks before moving to the greenhouse. We carry it out gradually, protecting at first the tomatoes from the wind and the bright sun. The easiest way is to cover the plants with covering material.
But it is not enough to grow high-quality seedlings. It needs to be planted on time and properly cared for tomatoes.
Disembarkation and care
Tomatoes are planted in the greenhouse earlier than in open ground, since the soil in it warms up faster. Sometimes this is possible as early as the beginning of May. The beds for planting should be prepared in the fall, and the greenhouse itself and the soil should be disinfected. Since autumn, phosphate and potash fertilizers have been applied at a rate of 30 g per square meter. m, and in the spring – nitrogen – 15 g for the same area. If you do not open the greenhouse for the winter, all fertilizers can be applied from the fall.
Experienced gardeners advise changing the top layer of soil at least for a shovel bayonet every 3 years.
From organic fertilizers, you need to add humus – up to 8 kg per sq. m or 300 g of biohumus for the same area. Ash can be a good source of potassium, especially if the soil is acidic. It also contains trace elements. The source of calcium is crushed eggshells. On sandy soils, there is a lack of magnesium. It can be replenished by applying Mag-boron fertilizer, which will simultaneously enrich the earth with boron.
But this is just the starter food. In the future, the roots of tomatoes will occupy the entire area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe garden, and they will not have enough food.
Seedlings of Casanova varieties of tomatoes are planted in prepared and watered holes. Planting pattern: 40 cm between bushes and 60 cm between rows. Overgrown seedlings of Casanova tomato are planted in grooves, removing the lower leaves with the top oriented to the north.
Landings must be mulched with straw or mowed grass, which must first be dried. Last year’s hay will do. The next watering can be done in about a week. But if plants signal a lack of moisture by wilting leaves, you need to produce it earlier.
What else do Casanova tomatoes need for a good harvest:
- Timely watering. There is no rain in the greenhouse, so the lack of moisture will be on the conscience of the gardener. The level of soil moisture is maintained at about 80%, and air – about 50%. This is achieved by weekly watering under the root. Water is poured so much as to wet the ground by 50 cm. It is better to do watering early in the morning, but the water must be warm. Tomatoes of the Casanova variety will be grateful for drip irrigation. The supply of moisture to plants in this case will be optimal.
- Tomato Casanova responds very well to top dressing. They are carried out every decade, starting 12 days after the rooting of the seedlings. The best choice is special fertilizers designed to feed nightshade crops.
- In order for the Casanova tomato to spend all its energy on shaping the crop, and not on growing the stepchildren, they are regularly cut off, leaving a 1 cm stump. For the Casanova tomato, the best form of cultivation is 2 stalks.
For more information about the rules for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, you can see the video:
To comply with all the rules for planting and growing, Casanova tomatoes will respond to the gardener with a generous harvest of original and tasty fruits. This amazing embodiment of the fantasy of breeders will please not only you, but also your guests.