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Long gone are the days when only potatoes and other vegetables were grown in vegetable gardens, solely with the aim of obtaining the largest possible harvest and making numerous stocks for the winter. One can only be surprised at the variety of vegetable crops that the average gardener can boast of. Many heat-loving crops, such as sweet peppers, eggplants, okra, which previously could only be dreamed of growing in the middle lane, have confidently crossed the former climatic threshold and are grown in gardens, for example, in the Moscow region, even in open ground.
Among tomato varieties, such a variety has appeared that, for the most part, summer residents and gardeners are no longer content with just tasty and productive vegetables. Many have become indifferent to the aesthetic side of the issue and strive to grow tomato varieties that will serve as a real decoration for the site or greenhouse. In addition, the fashion for all kinds of exotic outlandish bushes and trees that supposedly can be grown in the climatic conditions of Our Country prompted breeders to an interesting idea. Bring out a variety of tomatoes that will resemble some kind of delicious fruit or berry in shape. And then name it in honor of this curiosity.
This is how the strawberry tree tomato was born. After all, strawberries, despite their wide popularity, remain one of the most beloved and popular berries. And the strawberry tree or Kudraniya, which recently appeared on the Internet, has already managed to excite the minds and hearts of many gardeners who dream of such a curiosity. Therefore, such a name of a tomato variety could not go unnoticed.
But the characteristics and description of the Strawberry Tree variety indicate that the breeders did their best, and this tomato really has many chances to gain popularity among gardeners.
Variety description
The Strawberry tree tomato was obtained as a result of the selection work of Siberian scientists just a few years ago. At least since 2015, this tomato has been actively sold in packaging from the Siberian Garden agricultural company. For one reason or another, the tomato of this variety has not yet been included in the catalog of the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Our Country. Be that as it may, for several years the Strawberry Tree tomato has already become quite familiar in the expanses, since the Siberian selection implies the unpretentiousness of these tomatoes to the vagaries and surprises of the weather.
This tomato variety belongs to the indeterminate group, that is, it has theoretically unlimited growth. Like many Indians, it is recommended to grow it in the middle lane in greenhouse conditions – here it is able to open up in all its glory. In the southern, warm regions with long summers, the Strawberry tree tomato can be grown outdoors. The bushes grow quite powerful with a thick central trunk – it is not for nothing that this variety of tomatoes was called a tree – it really looks like a small tree. It can grow up to two meters in height, but in open ground it is usually somewhat lower.
In the description of the Strawberry Tree tomato variety, given by the manufacturer, it is indicated that it belongs to the group of medium-early tomatoes. Usually, this means that from the moment of emergence of seedlings to the first ripe fruits, about 100 – 110 days pass. The reviews of many gardeners confirm this fact, while others say that this variety should be attributed more to late-ripening tomatoes, since it ripens by the end of summer, closer to autumn. Perhaps this is due to the lack of light, including sunlight, and heat. In such conditions, many tomatoes are characterized by slow growth and development.
Tomato Strawberry tree must be pinched, because the extra lateral shoots take away the strength of the plants and do not allow the required number of tomatoes to start. Plants are formed as standard – in one or two trunks. A garter is also necessary for plants, first of all, to hold a lot of brushes with fruits.
Breeders claim that this tomato variety can be compared with any tomato hybrid in terms of yield. Indeed, with good care from one bush, you can get up to 4-5 kg of marketable tomatoes. On average, the yield of this variety per square meter is about 12 kg of fruit.
Tomato Strawberry tree is positioned as resistant to diseases and adverse growth conditions. As for diseases, according to gardeners, he copes well with diseases such as tobacco mosaic virus and verticillium wilt.
But to cope with late blight and alternariosis, the tomato needs additional help. Therefore, preventive treatment of seedlings before planting in the ground and then, during the period of flowering and fruiting, will not be unnecessary. It is better to use biological agents for these purposes, such as phytosporin or EM preparations.
Characteristics of tomatoes
Tomatoes are the main value of the Strawberry tree variety. In the southern regions, these tomatoes can be planted in front gardens or in flower beds to decorate the site.
Tomatoes ripen on brushes, which can form from 6 to 8 pieces or more on one bush. 6-8 attractive fruits ripen in each brush.
The shape of the tomatoes could be called standard, if not for the elongated and beautifully curved back. Due to this, most fruits look very much like strawberries. This becomes especially clear in the longitudinal section of the tomato.
The bright red saturated color of the fruit also evokes associations with tasty and juicy berries.
The pulp of tomatoes is dense, juicy, rather fleshy. The skin is rather dense, it helps the fruits to keep their shape well both during storage and in various seams.
Tomatoes in the brushes ripen in different sizes. On average, the weight of one fruit is about 120-160 grams, but larger specimens are often found, weighing up to 250 grams.
The taste of tomato fruits Strawberry tree is characterized by the majority of gardeners as “excellent”. Tomatoes are sweet, juicy, but also have a characteristic sourness, so you can’t call them fresh either.
Tomatoes of small sizes will look very nice in whole jars. Those that grow up to 200-250 grams can be consumed fresh, in salads or sliced.
Tomatoes of this variety are well stored and have the ability to ripen without problems at room conditions when harvested in a state of technical maturity.
The fruits are also able to endure transportation and do not crumple when stacked in low boxes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Tomato Strawberry tree has undoubted advantages that distinguish it from many tomato varieties:
- Aesthetic and attractive appearance of the bush and the tomatoes ripening on it.
- High yield, especially in greenhouse conditions.
- Good taste of fruits and versatility of their use.
- Unpretentiousness to growing conditions and diseases.
The disadvantages can, perhaps, be attributed only to the fact that this tomato requires regular shaping and garters in order to maintain its unique appearance.
Testimonials from truck drivers
The tomato variety Strawberry Tree was bred relatively recently, so there are not too many reviews on it yet, but still, most gardeners are quite satisfied with the results of their work.
Conclusion
A variety with such an interesting name as Strawberry Tree cannot but attract the attention of gardeners. And given its unpretentiousness and productivity, comparable to many hybrids, the variety can be recommended for cultivation to all tomato lovers who are not only interested in the exotic, but also want to decorate their garden.
