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In a sea of amazing variety of modern tomato varieties, their names play the role of a guide, and at the same time an advertising beacon that attracts the attention of inexperienced tomato lovers. For example, the Scarlet Mustang tomato can no longer help but be interested in its name alone. And, on the other hand, the tomato really justifies its name to some extent, evoking associations with a strong and muscular wild mustang with its strength and density.
Tomatoes of the Scarlet Mustang variety, the description and characteristics of which are presented in this article, appeared relatively recently, but have already gained fame as a promising variety for growing.
Variety description
Tomatoes Scarlet Mustang were bred by famous breeders Dederko V.N. and Postnikova O.V. in the 10s of this century. In 2014, the variety was officially registered in the State Register of the Federation for cultivation in all regions of Our Country.
This variety can be safely attributed to indeterminate tomatoes, that is, to those that have no growth restrictions.
Naturally, like all indeterminate varieties, the tomato needs pinching, shaping and regular tying as it grows. Most often it is formed in two stems.
Despite the fact that you can grow the Scarlet Mustang tomato both in open and closed ground, the best results, according to gardeners, are obtained when planting it in greenhouses. In open ground, a good harvest can only be obtained in the southern regions, with a sufficient amount of heat and sun.
The bushes are quite strong, but there are few leaves on them, which allows the fruits to receive the necessary amount of sunlight even in conditions of minimal lighting. Tomatoes of this variety are distinguished by a powerful root system, which allows them to tolerate a relative lack of moisture. But when growing seedlings, this fact must be taken into account, after picking, providing each plant with a capacity for optimal development of the root system, with a volume of at least one liter.
The inflorescence of tomatoes is simple, the first brush is usually formed after 7-8 leaves. Up to 6-7 fruits can be present in one brush.
In terms of ripening, the variety belongs to medium early, tomatoes begin to ripen 110-116 days after the appearance of full shoots. Thus, the timing of the collection of tomatoes of this variety falls most often at the end of July – August.
The yield of tomatoes of this variety is largely determined by the growing conditions and care. It is quite demanding on agricultural technology, so the average yield per bush is about 2-3 kg.
At the same time, the marketability of the harvested fruits, that is, the percentage of the number of tomatoes, according to their external characteristics, suitable for sale from all harvested fruits, is about 97%.
The originators did not declare any special data on the resistance of the Scarlet Mustang tomato to diseases. But judging by the reviews of gardeners, this variety of tomatoes quite steadfastly endures many adversities in the form of numerous diseases and pests.
But, tomatoes of this variety do not respond well to prolonged exposure to low temperatures. In conditions of insufficient heat, they may not show the highest yield results.
Fruit Characteristics
Tomatoes of the Scarlet Mustang variety are distinguished by a rather original appearance. Not only do they resemble sweet peppers in shape, and they can be extended up to 20-25 cm in length, and the tip of each tomato ends with an expressive nose. Their surface is smooth and slightly ribbed. Tomatoes of this variety still have incredibly dense pulp and no less dense skin. By the way, it is for this reason that they are positioned, first of all, as a variety that is most suitable for conservation. Because they completely retain their beautiful unique shape in jars and do not burst. In addition, differing in fleshy, strong pulp, they are very tasty in marinades and in salting.
Of course, the dense skin does not make these tomatoes ideal for use in salads, although the taste of the fruit itself is rated by professional tasters at 5 points on a five-point scale. The dense pulp makes Scarlet Mustang tomatoes ideal for drying and drying, but you most likely will not be able to make tomato juice from these fruits.
When unripe, the tomatoes have a light green hue, while as they ripen, the fruits acquire a bright red-raspberry color.
In size, the fruits can be small and medium, the weight of one tomato is usually about 100 grams, it is extended by 15-18 cm in length. But with good care, the fruits often reach 200-230 grams, and stretch up to 25 cm in length. the seeds are enclosed in three chambers.
Due to its properties, Scarlet Mustang tomatoes are ideally suited for transportation over long distances, so it makes sense for farmers to take a closer look at this variety.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the variety include the following facts:
- Tomatoes of this variety are resistant to many diseases and pests characteristic of the nightshade family.
- The variety is characterized by high yield, however, for this it is necessary to make some effort.
- Scarlet Mustang tomatoes, along with attractive taste characteristics, have good keeping quality and transportability.
The disadvantages of this variety of tomatoes are also available:
- Low resistance to low air temperatures;
- Comparative exactingness to care, without which you will not get a decent harvest.
Peculiarities of growing
To grow a tomato of this variety, a seedling period is necessary, even when sown in the southern regions. Seeds are sown in small trays about 60 days before the expected date of planting seedlings in a greenhouse or open garden. Immediately after germination, it is important to increase the degree of illumination of the seedlings to the maximum and at the same time reduce the temperature of the maintenance of the plants by at least a few degrees. These conditions will serve as a guarantee of the formation of strong and squat, well-rooted seedlings.
After the appearance of the first two true leaves, young tomato plants must be picked out – each transplanted into a separate container. Given the formation over time of a powerful root system in tomato bushes, it is advisable to transfer the plants several times before planting in the ground to a permanent place, along with a clod of earth, into large pots.
For each square meter of beds, no more than 3-4 tomato bushes are planted Scarlet Mustang. The bushes must immediately be tied up and further formed into two trunks, periodically cutting off all the extra stepchildren.
Feeding and watering throughout the season form the basis of regular tomato care. Mulching plantings with straw or rotted plant residues can greatly facilitate your weed control work and make loosening the soil unnecessary.
Testimonials from truck drivers
Despite the relative novelty of the variety, many gardeners have already become interested in the Scarlet Mustang tomato and settled it on their plots.
Conclusion
The Scarlet Mustang tomato is excellent for pickling, pickling, and other preparations, although many people also enjoy consuming it in salads. In addition, it will please you with resistance to diseases and even productivity if you give it a little more than usual attention.