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Relatively recently, the wide market of tomato seeds was filled with varieties of Siberian selection, among them the already well-known tomato Altai Masterpiece. The main attraction of the whole variety of these varieties is the ability to produce a high yield in adverse weather conditions. This tomato variety was entered in the State Register in 2007 and became popular not only in its homeland, in the Siberian climate, which is characterized by severe weather phenomena. The resistance of the plant to rainy summers and low temperatures, along with excellent taste characteristics, was noticed and appreciated by gardeners in the middle zone of the country.
Positive qualities and disadvantages of the Siberian variety
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of any variety, it is easier to determine if they are suitable for growing in a particular environment. The advantages of tomatoes Altai Masterpiece, judging by their description, are many.
- The yield of bushes of these tomatoes, subject to all the requirements of agricultural technology, can reach 10 kg of total fruit harvest from one square meter. In country gardens, in beds in the open field, lovers of growing their own vegetables are guaranteed to collect 3-5 kg of fruits of this tomato per 1 sq. m. In the greenhouses of experienced gardeners, the crop rises to 7 kg. This data is taken from various forum posts;
- The taste quality of large, pretty and appetizing tomato fruits is very high;
- The attractiveness and commercial properties of the fruits of the tomato Altai Masterpiece, according to the reviews of those who ate them, deserve praise from both sellers and all buyers;
- The resistance of the skin of a large tomato to cracking is also highly valued in markets as it is in normal household consumption;
- Strong tomato bushes of this variety are distinguished by a long fruiting period, which begins in August and lasts until the end of October under greenhouse growing conditions;
- The original immunity to diseases makes this variety of tall tomatoes a favorite of gardeners, since it resists pathogens of fungal and viral diseases both in a greenhouse and in ordinary open beds;
- Resistance to low temperatures.
Even such excellent qualities may not please those gardeners, for whose reviews the Altai Masterpiece tomato variety has disadvantages. They all boil down to the fact that a powerful tomato bush requires a little care for itself in exchange for huge delicious fruits.
- Tall plants of Siberian tomatoes fully realize their potential in spacious, almost two meters high greenhouses;
- To obtain the fruit size characteristic of this tomato variety, it is necessary to regularly pinch the plants;
- The size of the fruits of tomatoes of this variety does not allow them to be preserved whole.
Description of the plant
Indeterminate non-standard tomato bushes Altai Masterpiece, as described in the descriptions of gardeners who planted them, grow even above two meters. It is necessary to stop the growth of the bush of these powerful plants by pinching the top. The most acceptable bush height of this tomato is 1,5 m in open beds and 1,8 m in greenhouses.
The stem of the tomato bush of this variety is powerful, thick, gives many stepchildren. Equally strong are the branches, capable of carrying a significant load from several heavy fruits. The leaves are light green, large. Flowered racemes begin to form at the top of the 10th or 11th leaf. Then they regularly appear every third leaf. The plant has a simple inflorescence. Articulation is characteristic of the peduncle.
The bright red, ribbed fruits of these tomatoes, as seen in the photo, have a rounded, flattened shape. Before ripeness, the fruits are light green, with a darker spot around the stalk, which disappears at maturity. The fruits of this variety of tomatoes weigh from 200 to 400 g. Subject to all agrotechnical requirements, one fruit can reach a mass of 500 g. These tomatoes also grow record specimens in greenhouse conditions – up to 1 kg.
Medium-density tomato pulp (dry matter – 5-6%), fleshy, juicy, aromatic. Each fruit has six seed chambers. The taste of tomatoes is pleasant, delicious, sweet and sour. The skin of the fruit is also dense, does not crack.
Characteristic features of the variety
With knowledge of valuable agricultural practices, you can achieve an exceptionally good harvest from the bushes of the Altai Masterpiece variety, this mid-ripening tomato. Its fruits ripen 110-120 days after germination, usually in early or mid-August.
- Ripe tomatoes are distinguished by their uniformity and the fact that the berries on this powerful bush amaze with their incredible size. On each brush, the fruits are very large, and not only on the lower ones, as is often the case with tomatoes of this type.
- The originators of the variety indicate the fruits of these tomatoes as salad. This means that the red berries of the plant fully reveal their harmonious taste in fresh salads. Of course, with a large harvest, they are prepared from them in the phase of incomplete maturity of cutting for various canned preparations. Delicious juice or sauces come out of fully ripened berries saturated with thick pulp;
- Due to the density of the pulp, tomato fruits tolerate transportation well, they are stored indoors for a long time;
- This tomato plant is non-hybrid: gardeners choose seeds from fruits for further propagation;
- A characteristic feature of the variety is the rapid pouring of fruits. Early tomatoes may already be fully ripe, and these bushes are just beginning to form berries. From the beginning of August, the plants are literally strewn with large fruits that ripen in a short period.
Growing stages
Tomato varieties of tomatoes Altai Masterpiece gardeners propagate in seedlings. Seeds should be sown two months before planting in a permanent place.
Care of seedlings
The Altai Masterpiece tomato seeds are sown to a depth of 1-1,5 cm in early March, if the plants are placed in a greenhouse. For garden planting, sowing is carried out a little later. You need to be aware of your own conditions. If the seedlings are placed in a sunny corner, you can sow in early April. When two true leaves develop on the sprouts, they dive.
Garden troubles
Seedlings are transferred to greenhouses from the beginning of May, to open ground – from the second decade of May to mid-June, protecting from direct sunlight and frost with non-covering material. With the threat of low temperatures, an additional shelter from the film is created. Usually seedlings of tall tomatoes are arranged according to the 50×40 scheme.
- Watered with warm water in the evening, and in greenhouses – only in the morning;
- Loosening is required so that air penetrates to the roots, and at the same time weeds are destroyed. Weeds need to be disposed of, because insect pests often develop on them;
- When pinching, care must be taken not to cut off the entire branch. Otherwise, the stem of the plant will get hurt, it is better to leave stumps up to 1 cm;
- Feed tomatoes 3-4 times during the growing season.
Useful Secrets
- Tomato bushes Altai Masterpiece must stepchild, tie up or install props;
- When topping plants, it is necessary to leave 4-6 leaves above the topmost inflorescence;
- Many gardeners lead the bushes of these tomatoes into one stem. Although the plants bear fruit quite well if they are formed into two or even three stems. To get the second stem, they leave the stepson that grows under the first brush;
- On plants below the first brush, leaves are removed to improve air exchange and greater access of sunlight to the fruits;
- To form larger fruits, gardeners tear off small or ugly flowers on the racemes.
Simultaneously with this famous variety, a real masterpiece, the Demetra-Sibir agricultural firm from Barnaul also offered the varieties Altai red, Altai pink, Altai orange. They are similar in terms of agricultural technology and qualities, but there are also distinctive features.
