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Rapunzel tomatoes are an American variety that appeared on the market in 2014. The variety got its name due to the long brushes on which a large number of fruits ripen. Rapunzel tomatoes are distinguished by 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;
- 80-90 days pass from germination to full ripening;
- powerful root system;
- large drooping dark green leaves;
- long cascading brushes with tomatoes.
Characteristics of the fruits of the Rapunzel variety:
- in one brush grows up to 40 tomatoes;
- compact arrangement of fruits;
- weight 25 g;
- glossy surface of tomatoes;
- a large number of cameras;
- average amount of dry matter;
- bright red color;
- juicy and sweet flesh.
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. The 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. Seeds are placed in salted water. If grains remain on the surface, they are discarded.
The remaining tomato seeds are placed in gauze, which is folded in several layers and placed for 30 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate. Then the fabric is washed with running water and left in a plate for a day. It is important to prevent the seeds from drying out and add warm water.
To get a substrate for tomatoes, mix equal amounts of peat, sand and humus. In gardening stores you can buy soil intended for seedlings of tomatoes. An alternative option is to use peat pots.
The soil is treated in a water bath or kept for 2-3 months in the cold. So 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 seedlings.
Rapunzel tomato seeds 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 speed up germination. The containers are left in the dark at temperatures above 20°C.
seedling conditions
When sprouts appear, Rapunzel’s tomatoes are rearranged on a windowsill or other lighted place. For 12 hours, tomatoes should receive continuous lighting. In conditions of short daylight hours, a backlight is installed and turned on in the evening.
Additionally, tomatoes need:
- temperature during the day from 21 to 26 ° C;
- temperature at night from 15 to 18°C;
- keeping the soil moist;
- room ventilation.
When the soil dries up, tomatoes are watered with warm settled water. It is more convenient to apply moisture with a spray gun. Water should not come into contact with leaves and stems.
With the development of 2 leaves, Rapunzel’s tomatoes dive in larger containers. The soil is used in the same composition as when planting seeds.
A month later, tomatoes begin to adapt to natural conditions. First, the window is opened for several hours, but the plants are protected from drafts. In the future, the tomatoes are transferred to the balcony or loggia. Before planting in the greenhouse, tomatoes should be in the fresh air all day.
Greenhouse landing
Rapunzel tomatoes are planted in a 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 landing is carried out 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 plants. To save space, Rapunzel’s 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. Under each bush pour 5 liters of warm water.
Variety care
Rapunzel’s tomatoes are cared for by watering and fertilizing. 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 vegetation of tomatoes. Young plants are not able to extract water from deep layers of soil. After planting, before the formation of buds, 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 cracking of tomatoes. During this period, 2 water under the bush twice a week is enough.
Application of fertilizers
According to reviews of Rapunzel tomatoes, regular top dressing has a positive effect on the fruiting of the bushes. During the season, several top dressings are carried out using minerals and organics.
2 weeks after planting, tomatoes are watered with 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 development of tomatoes.
In the future, Rapunzel’s 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. Between treatments make an interval of 2 weeks.
Shrub formation
Rapunzel tomatoes are formed into 2 stalks. Extra stepchildren are cut off manually. 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. Brushes with fruits are also recommended to be tied up.
Protection against diseases and pests
Observance of agricultural technology 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.
Reviews of gardeners
Conclusion
Rapunzel tomatoes are designed for growing on balconies and in glass greenhouses. The variety is productive and decorative. Tomato ripening occurs early, but fruiting lasts all summer. Tomatoes need care, involving top dressing, moisture and the formation of a bush.
