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The Black gourmet tomato is a recently bred variety, but its popularity among gardeners is growing rapidly. Thanks to the experimental work of breeders, the black-fruited tomato has characteristics that are superior to those of previously bred varieties. The potential of the plant becomes interesting for both amateurs and professionals. To obtain a sustainable crop, you need to get acquainted with the characteristics, rules for growing and caring for a tomato.
Description of tomato Black gourmet
All varieties of tomatoes are divided into determinant and indeterminate. Tomato variety Black gourmet is unlimited in growth, can reach a height of about 2,5 m, therefore it belongs to the second group. The young plant is fragile and tender, but over time the stem becomes thicker, coarser and gradually becomes stiff. The bush must be formed in 1 – 2 stems, removing excess stepchildren. This is required so that the yield does not decrease, the plant does not thicken and is fully provided with nutrients. The stem of the variety Black gourmet is fleshy, rounded in shape, with a pronounced “tomato” aroma, covered with downy hairs. The tomato must be periodically tied to a strong support, otherwise it will be difficult for the plant to resist the weight of the fruit.
The leaves of the tomato Black gourmet are alternate, laid on the stem in a spiral, their size depends on the growing conditions and soil fertility, they reach a length of 50 cm, a width of 30 cm. The tomato leaf plate has a dark green color, consists of several lobes, the surface covered with glandular hairs.
The flowers of the variety Black gourmet are inconspicuous, yellow, collected in brushes of 10 – 12 pieces. Inflorescences are formed in the axils of every third leaf. The tomato is self-pollinating.
This is a tall, powerful plant with a strong root system that extends to a depth of 1 m.
Tomato Black gourmet refers to mid-ripening, the fruits reach technical maturity in 110 – 120 days after germination.
Description of fruits
Tomato fruits are smooth, rounded. In the immature state, there is an emerald-colored spot near the stalk, which changes color to brown after ripening. The usual color of the fruit is dark red, pomegranate or chocolate. The weight is 80 – 110 g, but according to the reviews and photos of those who planted the Black gourmet tomato in their greenhouses, in practice the fruits reach 200 – 300 g. When fully ripe, the tomatoes are fleshy, soft, have many chambers, have a fruity aroma and a sweet taste . It is believed that the tomato variety Black gourmet salad destination. Although the skin of the fruit is tender, it does not burst when preserved as a whole. You can freeze tomatoes, prepare juice, puree, ketchup, vegetable caviar, other dishes and preparations.
Characteristics of tomato Black gourmet
Variety Black gourmet – the result of the work of scientists from the large breeding and seed company “Poisk”. In 2015, it was included in the State Register of the Federation with a recommendation for growing in greenhouses. Under such conditions, the tomato grows equally well in central Our Country, in Siberia and in the south.
Poisk has developed more than 500 new varieties and hybrids of vegetables. Tomato Black gourmet – the result of crossing domestic tomatoes with the best characteristics.
The yield per square meter is about 6 kg, but the figure may vary depending on the growing conditions and care.
According to the description, the Black gourmet tomato variety belongs to mid-ripening, the fruit is harvested 115 days after germination. The ripening period is long – from mid-summer to October. In the southern regions, the cultivation of the variety is not limited to these terms and can continue all year round.
Black gourmet – a tomato with high resistance to leaf spot, gray mold, viral diseases and pests, subject to agricultural practices.
It is necessary to distinguish the variety created by the Poisk company from the Black gourmet F1 tomato of the well-known Aelita agricultural company. The hybrid of the latter ripens earlier, has larger fruits and high yields. But a significant drawback is the inability to collect seeds: they must be purchased annually for sowing seedlings.
Evaluation of advantages and disadvantages
The color of black tomatoes has different shades – from light chocolate to purple. This color is obtained due to purple and red pigments. The red color is formed due to carotenoids and lycopenes, they are found in any variety of tomatoes. Anthocyanins give a purple hue, which are abundant in eggplant, red cabbage. Due to the coloring, the Black gourmet tomato variety has a number of features:
- special taste, due to the high content of sugars;
- the presence of antioxidants that help cleanse the body;
- anthocyanins help strengthen blood vessels;
- vitamin A has a beneficial effect on vision;
- lycopene in large quantities prevents the development of tumors.
In addition to the above advantages, the advantages of the Black gourmet variety include:
- unpretentiousness in care;
- resistance to diseases;
- no tendency to crack;
- convenience in canning – due to the average size of the fruit;
- the possibility of using for baby and diet food.
The disadvantages of the Black gourmet variety include:
- an increased amount of sugar, which leads to softening of the fruit;
- the impossibility of ripening tomatoes when grown in regions with a cold climate.
Growing rules
In order to grow a rich crop of tomatoes, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules of agricultural technology:
- observe the timing of sowing;
- grow strong seedlings;
- use ashes when planting;
- plant tomatoes no closer than 60 cm from each other;
- water abundantly only the first week;
- start feeding after the appearance of the ovaries;
- periodically carry out pinching, forming a bush in 1 – 2 stems;
- remove yellow or spotted leaves in time;
- when watering, do not wet the leaves of tomatoes;
- pinch the top of the head in mid-July;
- as soon as the fruits of the first brush begin to ripen, the lower leaves must be removed.
Seeding for seedlings
The guarantee of a good harvest is high-quality seedlings. For this you need:
- Prepare the soil by mixing peat (2 parts), garden soil (1 part), compost (1 part) and sand (0,5 parts).
- Sift the soil mixture and disinfect it.
- Prepare a container for seedlings, carry out disinfection.
- Check the seeds for germination with a saline solution, harden them.
- 50 days before planting in the greenhouse, sow the seeds to a depth of 1,5 cm.
- Cover the soil with foil and place the boxes in a warm place.
- The temperature for seed germination should not be lower than +25 ⁰С.
- After germination, the temperature should be reduced to +16 – +18 ⁰С.
- So that the seedlings do not stretch, it is necessary to organize additional lighting for 14 – 16 hours a day.
- Watering must be done carefully, under the root, observing moderation.
- After the appearance of the first true leaf, pick the seedlings.
- Loosening is carried out some time after watering.
Seedling transplant
Tomato variety Black gourmet requires light fertile soil with peat and humus. Forest and garden land has a positive effect on crop yields. In spring and autumn, they dig up the soil, achieving freezing of pests and larvae in the soil.
Tall tomatoes are very demanding on nutrition, therefore, with a lack of it, it is worth adding fertilizer to the soil: the first time – during planting, for quick rooting and development of the root system.
Transplantation into a greenhouse is carried out at an air temperature of +20 ⁰C, soil – at least +13 ⁰C. Nighttime indicators should not be lower than +16 ⁰С.
In central Our Country, the approximate timing of planting tomatoes depends on the type of greenhouse:
- transplanted into a heated one in April-May;
- in unheated – in May-early June.
For a proper fit you need:
- Make holes in a checkerboard pattern: 4 per 1 square meter.
- Add ash to each well, mix.
- Spill with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
- Carefully, without disturbing the root system, remove seedlings from boxes, pots.
- Plant seedlings, deepening the stem no more than 2 cm.
- Remove a few lower leaves.
- Pour again with warm, settled water.
Care instructions
Tomato variety Black gourmet is indeterminate, grows quickly. As soon as it reaches a height of 0,5 m, the tomato should be tied up. In the future, this should be done at least once every two weeks, so that when the fruits ripen, the plant has a strong support. This is important because from the videos posted on the Internet about the Black gourmet tomato, it is clear that the fruits can grow much larger than average.
In the process of growth, the tomato should be periodically pinched, forming a bush in 1 – 2 stems. The procedure is carried out with a disinfected knife or scissors twice a month.
Watering should be moderate, about three times a week, in the morning or evening. To preserve moisture and protect the soil from weeds, it should be loosened and mulched with peat, grass, straw, and foliage.
Top dressing of tomatoes is carried out when fruit is set, as well as after 2-4 weeks, using organic and universal fertilizers.
Conclusion
A black gourmet tomato can become an adornment of any greenhouse, and it looks original on the table. Due to its taste, the tomato is liked by children and adults, it can be used for various purposes – canning, salads, juices. The popularity of “black” varieties is growing, and “Lakomka” is not the last among them.
Reviews about tomato Black gourmet
