Contents
The Astrakhan tomato variety is included in the state register for the Nizhnevolzhsky region. It can be grown indoors and outdoors. The variety is characterized by unpretentiousness, compact size of the bush and high yield.
Features of the variety
Characteristics and description of the Astrakhan tomato variety are given below:
- determinant view;
- plant height from 65 to 80 cm;
- fruiting in the mid-early period;
- from the emergence of seedlings to the formation of fruits, it takes from 115 to 122 days;
- compact standard bush;
- the first inflorescence appears above the 7th leaf.
The fruits of the Astrakhan variety have a number of features:
- round shape;
- average weight from 100 to 300 g;
- Smooth surface;
- ripe tomatoes are red;
- fleshy and tasty fruits;
- not prone to cracking.
Productivity of the variety
The average yield of the Astrakhan variety is 600 q/ha. The variety has abundant fruiting. According to its characteristics and description, the Astrakhan tomato variety is suitable for preparing snacks from fresh vegetables, soups, main courses and sauces. It is used in homemade preparations, whole or chopped.
Landing order
The Astrakhan variety is used for planting in open areas or in greenhouse conditions. Seedlings are preliminarily obtained, which are then transferred to selected areas. Seedlings need good lighting and watering. The soil for planting tomatoes must be dug up and fertilized.
Growing seedlings
The soil for planting Astrakhan tomatoes begins to be prepared two weeks before the work. It is obtained by combining in equal proportions of turf and compost. It is recommended to prepare the soil in the fall or purchase a ready-made mixture for growing tomatoes.
If the soil is too heavy, then add peat or coarse sand. A non-standard option for growing seedlings is the use of coconut substrate. In it, a healthy root system is formed in tomatoes, and the seedlings themselves are developing rapidly.
The day before planting, it is necessary to prepare the seeds of the Astrakhan tomato variety, which are placed for a day in a saline solution (1 g of salt per 0,2 l of water). After such treatment, shoots appear faster.
Containers 10 cm deep are prepared for seedlings. Soil is poured into them, in which furrows are made 1 cm deep. With a step of 2 cm, seeds of the Astrakhan variety are placed, which must be sprinkled with earth.
Until the first shoots, tomatoes are kept in a dark place at a constant temperature of 25-30 degrees. When sprouts appear, the containers are moved to a lighted place. For 12 hours, plants are provided with access to light. Periodically, tomatoes are watered with warm water.
Planting in a greenhouse
The soil in the greenhouse is prepared in the autumn. Up to 10 cm of the top layer of the earth must be eliminated, since spores of fungal diseases and harmful insects hibernate in it. The remaining soil is dug up and applied to 1 m2 fertilizers: superphosphate (6 tablespoons), potassium sulfide (1 tablespoon) and wood ash (2 cups).
A greenhouse for growing tomatoes is located in a well-lit area. It is covered with a film, polycarbonate or glass. Be sure to include vents for ventilation. Tomatoes are grown in one place with a frequency of 3 years.
Under the Astrakhan tomato variety, planting pits up to 20 cm deep are prepared in order to place the root system of plants in them. Since the variety is undersized, the tomatoes are staggered. This scheme facilitates the care of tomatoes and allows you to control the thickening.
Leave 20 cm between plants, and up to 50 cm between rows. After planting, the tomatoes are watered abundantly. Over the next week, they do not add moisture and top dressing, it is enough to periodically loosen the soil and hill the tomatoes.
Landing in open ground
According to reviews, the Astrakhan tomato can be grown in open beds in the southern regions. You can use the seedling method or plant seeds directly in open ground. If the second method is used, the growing process will take longer.
Beds are prepared for tomatoes, on which onions, beets, cabbage, carrots, herbs, and legumes previously grew. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes in one place for two years in a row, and also to use plots after eggplants, potatoes, peppers.
The soil in the beds is dug up in the fall, the remains of plants and other debris are removed. Be sure to add compost or rotted manure. In the spring, it is enough to make deep loosening of the soil.
Tomato seedlings are transferred to the recesses, leaving an earthen clod. Then the root system must be sprinkled with earth and the surface slightly tamped. The final stage is abundant watering of tomatoes.
Care of tomatoes
Tomato Astrakhan requires minimal care, which consists in watering and fertilizing. The variety is resistant to tobacco mosaic virus and Egyptian broomrape, rarely suffers from blossom end rot. It is recommended to tie the bushes to form even stems and prevent the tomato from touching the ground.
Watering plantings
Variety Astrakhan requires moderate watering. Soil moisture is maintained at 90%. At the same time, the air in the greenhouse must remain dry, which is ensured by ventilating the greenhouse.
Each bush needs 3-5 liters of water. The lack of moisture leads to the fall of the inflorescences, yellowing and twisting of the tops. Its excess slows down the development of plants, causes rotting of the root system and provokes fungal diseases.
For irrigation use water that is warm and has had time to settle. It is applied strictly under the root to avoid contact with the roots and tops of tomatoes. The procedure is carried out in the morning or in the evening, when there is no direct sunlight.
The first watering is done on the 10th day after the transfer of tomatoes to the garden. During this period, the active growth of tomatoes begins, but their root system is not yet sufficiently developed to receive moisture from the deep layers of the soil.
Before flowering, tomatoes are watered twice a week for 2 liters of water. When flowering, tomatoes require 5 liters of water every week. When fruits appear, the frequency of watering is increased to 2 times a week.
Application of fertilizers
Top dressing contributes to the development of Astrakhan tomatoes and increase their productivity. In total, tomatoes are fed several times during the season. You can use both mineral fertilizers and folk remedies.
The first feeding of tomatoes is carried out a week after the transfer of seedlings to a permanent place. Nitrogen top dressing at this stage is recommended to be applied in limited quantities, since they contribute to excessive growth of green mass.
During the flowering period, a 1% solution of boric acid is prepared (1 g per 10-liter bucket of water). They are sprayed with plantings to stimulate fruit formation and prevent the ovaries from falling off.
Feeding with ash will help replace minerals. It is buried in the ground or an infusion is prepared on its basis (a tablespoon per liter of hot water). Wood ash contains a complex of minerals, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Reviews of gardeners
Conclusion
Variety Astrakhan belongs to undersized tomatoes that require a minimum of care. These tomatoes have a good yield, and the fruits are suitable for cooking for daily consumption and home canning.
