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The name of this tomato is somewhat pretentious, but justified. This variety has an excellent taste, its fruits are large and appetizing in appearance. Getting a high yield will not be easy. The king needs ideal conditions. This relatively young variety has become a real challenge for gardeners. Some of the tomato King of Kings scared away, while others succeeded in growing this capricious giant.
Characteristics and description of tomato King of Kings
The variety is an indeterminate hybrid. His growth is unlimited. The bush is allowed to grow to a height of 1,5 to 1,8 m. After that, the main stem is pinched. Compact plants are easier to care for. This applies to both greenhouses and open ground. Tomato stems King of Kings branching, need support. Up to three tyings are carried out in one season. The stems are covered with light fluff.
Leaves of medium size. Their surface is slightly wrinkled and covered with a thin mesh of veins. The colors are dominated by light tones of green. Inflorescences are simple. The first bunch of fruits is laid exactly above the ninth node. All subsequent ones are formed every t3 of the sheet. One brush can withstand about five ovaries. Approximately 110-120 days pass from germination of seedlings to harvesting.
Description of fruits
The shape of the fruit is rounded and slightly flattened. The tomato is slightly ribbed with a smooth skin of rich red color. The weight of one fruit ranges from 300 g to 1 kg.
Judging by the reviews with the description and photo of the King of Kings tomatoes, there are lucky ones who managed to get tomatoes weighing 1,5 kg each. This figure is a record, not a standard. The ripeness of a tomato can be easily determined. If the green edging around the stem has disappeared, it’s time to harvest. On overripe fruits, the skin bursts quickly, especially in hot and humid climates.
The pulp has a dense structure. The tomato is not watery, there are few seeds in it. The taste is rich sweet, with a barely perceptible sourness. The fruits contain many useful substances: vitamin C, various trace elements, antioxidants and fructose. Harvested tomatoes are stored for a long time (up to 40 days), they do not lose their presentation even after long-term transportation.
Variety King of Kings is ideal for fresh salads. It makes delicious juices and pastes. Tomatoes can also be used to make pizza or baked in the oven. A whole tomato will not go into the neck of the jar, so it is preserved in slices or made lecho.
Fruiting time, yield
According to reviews, tomatoes of the King of Kings variety (pictured) fully ripen 4 months after planting the seeds. With proper care from one bush, you can collect 5 kg of excellent fruits. From 1 m2 the harvest will be more impressive – from 12 to 15 kg. The fruiting period is slightly extended. In open ground, the tomato ripens better in the southern regions. In more severe weather conditions, the fruits need to provide the necessary conditions for ripening.
Variety resistance
The hybrid has strong immunity. The main scourge of nightshade is late blight. But this variety is not terrible. Whiteflies are to be feared. The back of the leaves is covered with small whitish dots. If measures are not taken in time, the plant will die. You can fight the pest with the help of Mospillan, Verticillin and Actellik.
Among fungal infections, the most dangerous are anthracnose, alternariosis, all kinds of rot, fusarium wilt and brown spots. Tomato bushes King of Kings should be inspected regularly. At the slightest suspicion, treat with drugs. Of great importance is the observance of the principles of crop rotation. The land before planting must be cleared of weeds and disinfected.
Advantages and disadvantages
The goal of hybridization is to create varieties with superior qualities. According to reviews with photos and descriptions of the King of Kings tomatoes, this vegetable has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of this tomato include:
- excellent taste and aroma of fruits;
- impressive weight of tomatoes;
- high yields with any method of cultivation;
- tomatoes retain their freshness for a long time, which makes them suitable for sale;
- The variety is rarely affected by pests and diseases.
Among the shortcomings of the variety, one can single out the fact that tomato seeds are not suitable for further cultivation. Planting material will have to be bought. In cold areas, King of Kings tomatoes can only be grown in greenhouses. This entails extra spending on heating and lighting.
Growing rules
Tomato variety King of Kings needs stable conditions. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can cause problems. It is also necessary to regularly water the plants, fertilize and loosen the soil. All these manipulations are more convenient to carry out in a greenhouse. Here you can create the desired “weather” without relying on the mercy of nature.
Seeding for seedlings
The process includes the following sequential steps:
- Purchase of quality seeds. It is better to do this in specialized stores. You must carefully read the information on the package. Seeds must already be treated with special preparations. You should also make sure that the packaging is intact.
- Raw tomato seeds King of Kings require preparation. They are washed in a pale solution of potassium permanganate. After that, they are soaked for a day in any growth stimulant.
- It is worth preparing the soil mixture and containers in advance. A good option is boxes with holes for drainage. Tomato variety King of Kings responds well to purchased land. It is enriched with a set of trace elements. You can prepare the substrate yourself. It should be nutritious and light. Acidity indicators in the range of 6,6-6,8. Garden soil is mixed with compost and humus. All components are in equal proportions. A little wood ash wouldn’t hurt.
- Fill containers with soil. Moisten the soil and bury the seeds in it by about 1,5 cm. Sprinkle peat on top. Seal the container with transparent film. Keep warm for a week.
- With the advent of the first sprouts, the film is removed. Now they need intense diffused lighting and temperatures from + 16-18 ° C. Over time, it rises to + 22-24 ° C. Plants require moderate watering and complex top dressing. Fertilizers are applied every 20 days.
- The appearance of the first strong leaves becomes a signal for picking. The sprouts are planted in small containers. A couple of days before that, they are generously watered.
Seedling transplant
Two months must be counted from the date of emergence of sprouts. This will be the time to transplant the tomato variety King of Kings into open ground.
Tomatoes are planted early in the greenhouse. But on condition that it is glazed and there is a lower heating of the soil. There are no specific deadlines. Gardeners monitor the weather in their region and rely on experience.
For high yields of the King of Kings variety, planting accuracy is important. 1 m2 land goes no more than two bushes. This will make it easier to water and fertilize the tomatoes. Yes, and the sun’s rays will evenly warm the fruit.
Aftercare
Tomato bushes need to be fed frequently. Once every two weeks, complex fertilizers are applied. The King of Kings is also responsive to nettle infusion, nitroammophosque and manure solution. Superphosphate contributes to the formation of a good ovary.
Watering is equally important. Cracks in the soil indicate a lack of moisture. Water the bushes abundantly and often. But waterlogging of the soil will destroy the plants. Loosening will help conserve moisture and provide oxygen to the roots.
Be sure to stepson tomatoes (three times per season). The lower shoots are cut off when the bush grows to 6 cm. It is also necessary to fight weeds and pinch the tops. To weed and water the bushes less, mulching is required. Cut grass, sawdust, dry leaves and special films are suitable. Tall bushes must be tied up. The branches cannot support the weight of the fruit.
Conclusion
Tomato King of Kings fully justified the loud name. All care efforts quickly pay off. A rare variety can boast such a rich taste and a rich harvest. It is worth paying attention to this tomato, and it will repay royal generosity.
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