Raspberry elephant: one of the best salad tomatoes for greenhouse cultivation

Description of tomato variety Raspberry Elephant

The culture belongs to the determinant representatives of the Solanaceae family: this type of plant has unlimited growth. Shrubs tend to constantly produce new growth. The average height of the Raspberry Elephant tomato variety is 1.5 m if they are grown in open ground, and over 2 m if the seedling is planted in a greenhouse.

The shape of the leaf blades depends on the company from which the seed was purchased. Tomatoes grow with leaves that look similar to potato leaves. The bushes of seedlings have no special features.

The shrub needs to be formed into one stem, otherwise the fruits will be small in size

The main shoots of Raspberry Elephant tomatoes are very strong. In total, one cluster of ovaries contains from 5 to 7 tomatoes. The fruits are heavy, the shoots bend and break under their weight, so the ovary is partially removed to help the plant.

Description of fruits

The fruits of this variety are very large. The weight of each varies between 300-600 g. In greenhouse conditions, tomatoes can grow up to 800 g each with proper care.

The fruit is round in shape, but slightly flattened on top. Unripe tomatoes have a green color, while ripe Raspberry Elephant tomatoes have a red-crimson color. Often the photo does not fully convey the saturation of the hue.

The skin of tomatoes is very thin, which allows unripe tomatoes to ripen indoors while providing proper lighting.

Gardeners note the taste characteristics of the Raspberry Elephant tomato: the vegetable is very soft, moderately sweet, with pronounced sugar content, without sourness. From 6 to 8 seed chambers are formed in each fruit. The dry matter content of Raspberry Elephant tomatoes is 5%. The fruits are rich in sugar, carotene, and lycopene.

How to grow tomatoes

After the seedlings have grown and are ready to be transplanted into the ground, it is recommended to harden them off. We carry out hardening in stages: first, a few minutes a day (from 10 minutes), and then gradually increase the hardening time to 12 hours.

After this, we move on to planting plants.

Landing

Before planting seedlings, the soil must be well fertilized with organic matter and a mineral complex - such as “Krepysh”, “Nitroammofoska” or “Kemira Lux”. It is recommended to dig up the soil with a large amount of humus and ash, provide it with complex fertilizer and superphosphate, and then cover it with film for 7 days. This way the earth will warm up and be saturated with vitamins.

How exactly to plant plants? Plant 1-2 bushes per 1 m². We make a large hole, plant a sprout, and cover it with wood ash on top. If you plant more, the plants will not have enough light and space later.

Care

After planting the seedlings, the next important stage begins - proper care:

watering once a week at the rate of 0.5 buckets per 1 bush; after watering, you need to ventilate the room where the tomatoes grow; It is important to constantly loosen the soil, but you should not hill up right away; It is necessary to remove the stepsons, otherwise the bush may not withstand the load. It is recommended to leave no more than two stems

We remove the stepsons throughout the development of the plant in the early morning, after watering; You also need to remove excess flower ovaries, leaving no more than four flowers; Be sure to tie up each bush, otherwise it will break under the weight of the harvest. When tying, we use two wires for better stability; Since this variety produces large fruits, the plants need to be fertilized frequently and abundantly (3-4 times per season). After flowering, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium are well suited; during the growing season, mineral complexes and organic fertilizers are suitable.

By following these simple rules, you will be rewarded with a bountiful and tasty harvest.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

The growing procedure is similar to that usual for most tomatoes, but there are some features:

• It is recommended to water tomatoes only with warm water;
• after watering, be sure to loosen the soil and prevent the formation of a crust on the ground;
• molding and pinching of the bush are required;
• After fruit formation, inspect the bushes daily to avoid stress on the stem with branches and fruits, which could cause it to break.

Diseases and pests

"Pink elephant" is resistant to tomato diseases. However, like any other variety, it is not 100% immune from them, including late blight (the appearance of dark spots on leaves and fruits). If you find signs of this disease, start treatment immediately.

It takes place in 2 stages:

1. We fertilize the soil with potassium to avoid re-infection.
2. We treat tomatoes with fungicides containing copper. They will heal the plants.

In addition, tomatoes are not immune to insect pests. To prevent their occurrence, experienced farmers advise planting plants between the rows whose smell repels pests.

If they still start, do the following:

• when aphids appear, treat the plants with a solution of soap and water;
• if there are slugs, we collect them manually, after which we treat the plantings with a solution of ammonia and water;
• When spider mites or whiteflies appear, we treat with a decoction of celandine, onion peel or chamomile.

To avoid the appearance of insects or late blight, use preventive measures - this way you can avoid additional problems.

The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse

The Pink Elephant tomato variety is more suitable for growing in a greenhouse. But some gardeners also grow it in open ground. Let's note some nuances of growing:

• If you decide to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, remember that pollination difficulties may arise in such conditions. Be sure to ventilate greenhouses, otherwise pollen will clump. Some gardeners pollinate by hand;
• When growing in open ground, the plantings must be covered with film. Pollination in this case occurs naturally.

Characteristics of the Raspberry Elephant tomato

Studying the features of cultivating and planting a plant, its varietal qualities allows gardeners to make the best choice when selecting tomatoes for their plot. Raspberry elephant tomatoes can be grown in any region provided optimal conditions are created.

In countries with a southern climate, it is preferable to grow the variety in open ground. Low risk of temperature changes in the Krasnodar, Belgorod, Rostov regions and Crimea. In the central part of the Russian Federation and the northern regions, climatic conditions are more severe, so good yields from tomatoes can be achieved if they are planted in a greenhouse.

Tomato yield Raspberry elephant and fruiting

The variety is mid-season: fruit ripening begins 110-120 days from the moment the seed is planted.

From one bush you can harvest 5-6.5 kg of tomatoes. With regular feeding and proper care, the yield can increase to 7 kg per plant.

The tomatoes are arranged so tightly on the stem that the foliage is practically invisible: this creates a lot of stress, so some gardeners prefer to pick tomatoes unripe

Productivity depends on the growing region and climatic conditions: strong winds or prolonged rains negatively affect the plant.

Area of ​​application of fruits

Raspberry elephant tomatoes are usually classified as salad varieties. The fruits are consumed fresh and added to various dishes. But the variety is also well suited for canning: it produces delicious juice and paste. Tomatoes are not suitable for whole-fruit canning due to their large size.

The variety can be used for industrial purposes if the fruits are collected unripe. Ripe Raspberry Elephant tomatoes wrinkle very easily, lose their appearance, and do not tolerate long-term transportation.

Resistance to diseases and pests

With proper care, tomatoes are rarely susceptible to disease. If the rules of agricultural technology are violated, there is a risk of developing blossom end rot.

The disease manifests itself as spots on the tops of the fruit. They are initially dark green in color, but gradually become grey-brown or black.

Infected vegetables stop growing and lose their shape, gradually rot, making them unsuitable for harvesting and consumption.

In greenhouse conditions, brown spot can infect the plant. Its characteristic signs are dirty green or yellow spots on the leaves, which gradually turn brown.

On the reverse side of the leaf blade there is a whitish coating of an olive hue. Gradually it becomes brown and then black. Signs of the disease can be seen on foliage, flowers, and ovaries.

As the infection progresses, the leaf blades become deformed and fall off, leading to the death of the entire plant.

Among the pests, attacks by aphids and thrips, and the Colorado potato beetle are possible.

Reviews

The “Raspberry Elephant” variety of tomatoes is most often reviewed positively. Most gardeners note the unique taste of tomatoes, their beautiful appearance and high yield.

Many people share delicious recipes for lecho, ketchup and juice from these tomatoes. However, sometimes there are reviews in which gardeners complain that the fruits ripen unevenly: they do not ripen near the stalk, burst on the branch and begin to rot. Perhaps a lot depends on the region where the tomatoes are planted.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The tomatoes are large-fruited and mid-ripening, which allows gardeners to fully appreciate the taste of the fruit during the summer season.

Raspberry elephant tomatoes are very fleshy inside, without unnecessary wateriness, with a pleasant sweetish taste

pros

• good immune system with proper care;
• friendly ripening of fruits;
• pleasant taste;
• high productivity;
• marketable condition;
• resistance to lack of moisture.

Minuses

• the impossibility of long-term transportation due to the thin, easily damaged skin;
• vulnerability to climatic disasters (temperature changes, prolonged rains);
• impossibility of storing the crop (fruits must be processed immediately).

In order to have time to collect all the fruits and use them for their intended purpose, gardeners prefer to collect Raspberry Elephant tomatoes slightly unripe: then the tomatoes are more shelf-stable.

Fruit "Sugar Elephant"

The name “Sugar Elephant” speaks for itself - the fruits of this variety are very sweet. In appearance and characteristics it resembles the Pink Elephant variety. The fruits are of the same shape and color, quite large in weight. The pulp is moderately dense, very sweet for tomatoes. Tomatoes are good both in salads and in processed form. As for yield, the crop has a fairly high rate.

Characteristics of the tomato variety Blagovest and features of its care

Features of cultivation

And although Raspberry elephant tomatoes are suitable for growing in all regions of the Russian Federation, it is recommended to plant them in open ground in the southern regions, and in areas with a northern climate to set up a greenhouse for cultivating the plant.

Stages of growing tomatoes:

1. Prepare containers, making sure they are clean and have ventilation holes.
2. Purchase or make soil yourself by mixing fertile soil and humus.
3. Pour the soil mixture into a container and form furrows 2 cm deep on its surface, maintaining a distance between rows of 2-3 cm.
4. Place seeds at the bottom of the furrow and cover them with soil.
5. Moisten the plantings with a spray bottle, preparing warm water for this.
6. Cover the container with film or glass and place it on a well-lit windowsill.
7. When sprouts appear, remove the cover.
8. After the formation of 3 leaf blades, dive the tomatoes into pots so that the root system is fully formed.
9. Carry out the hardening procedure: take seedlings of the Raspberry Elephant variety outside every day, gradually increasing the time spent in open sunlight.

Caring for seedlings consists of watering, providing lighting, and removing weeds

Important! The optimal time for sowing seeds is 60-65 days before transferring the seedlings to open ground.

When the risk of return frosts is minimal, the soil has warmed up and a favorable air temperature has established, the seedlings are transplanted to the chosen location.

Algorithm:

• prepare the holes by planning the area so that there is a distance of 40 cm between the bushes, and a distance between the rows of 60 cm;
• line the bottom of the pit with manure or humus;
• Move the plant along with the soil into the hole, sprinkle and water.

It is recommended to create support for the bushes immediately after planting by tying them up or constructing a frame from improvised means.

The principles of caring for Raspberry Elephant tomatoes are standard: watering as needed, removing weeds, fertilizing, loosening.

Important! The soil is moistened at least once every 5 days. Over-wetting the soil creates a favorable environment for bacteria.

It is necessary to form a Raspberry Elephant tomato bush into one stem: the more shoots you leave, the smaller the tomatoes will be. Stepchildren must be removed in a timely manner.

Fertilizing should be done once every 10-12 days; it is recommended to give preference to organic preparations. To do this, add at least 100 liters of water to 1 bucket of manure. For each bush, the feeding consumption is 2-3 liters.

Landing in the ground

The raspberry elephant (a tomato, reviews of which inform about the rules for its cultivation) is planted in the beds at the end of spring, when the threat of night frosts has completely passed. Plants are transferred to the greenhouse earlier. Before planting seedlings in open beds, they need to be hardened off. Plants begin to be taken out onto the balcony or street.

First, it is left for half an hour, then the time interval is gradually increased. Ultimately, a couple of days before planting, the seedlings are brought indoors only for the night. On the day of transplantation, the seedlings are thoroughly watered. The area where they plan to plant plants is dug up, weeds are selected and compost or humus is added.

Procedure for planting tomatoes:

1. Dig holes no more than 30 cm deep.
2. Pour humus or overripe manure into each.
3. If the seedlings are in peat containers, place the plants in prepared recesses along with the containers. Carefully remove the seedlings from the plastic cups along with the earthen lump and place them in the hole.
4. Level the plant along the trunk and sprinkle with soil. Remove the bottom pair of leaves. Water and tamp lightly.
5. Mulch the soil around the seedling.

When planting tomato seedlings of this variety, there should be an interval of 40 cm between plants. Place the rows at a distance of 60 cm from each other. For 1 sq. m. mix no more than 4 bushes. Excessive thickening will lead to a significant reduction in the weight of the tomatoes.

Pest and disease control

In case of blossom end rot, all affected fruits must be immediately collected and destroyed. Treat the plant with Brexil Ca, repeat the procedure every 15 days after watering.

Brown spot spreads very quickly, so the chances of saving the crop are low. Tear off all affected parts, use fungicides “Hom”, “Tsineb” or “Kaptan”.

To prevent thrips and the Colorado potato beetle, the Raspberry Elephant tomato bush must be treated with such products as Actellik or Karbofos.

As a preventive measure in greenhouses, moisten the frame and glass with soapy water every week.

To kill aphids, it is recommended to use the drug “Actocid” or “Fitoverm”

As a preventive measure, you should prevent the appearance of anthills on the site and carry out proper care of the bush.

Country of origin and where is the best place to grow?

“Crimson Elephant” was obtained in Russia by L. Myazina, who is the author of many hybrids; this tomato was the result of her many years of work. It received registration as a variety in 2009 . After this, he earned respect and popularity among gardeners for his qualities.

If you grow this type of tomato in open beds, then only warm southern regions are suitable for this, since the plant is heat-loving and demanding of light. The Astrakhan region, Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Crimea, North Caucasus and Krasnodar region are most suitable. In the central and more northern regions, this tomato will give an optimal harvest only in a special spacious greenhouse.

Tomato Orange (Yellow) Elephant

The Orange Elephant tomato variety differs from its fellow not only in coloring. Its round, sunny-colored fruits contain more sugars, as well as beta-carotene and lycopene. Therefore, it is especially valued in dietary and even therapeutic nutrition.

It should be noted that this tomato is sometimes found under the name Yellow Elephant.

The variety ripens in the mid-early period: 110-120 days. Fruits for a long time, tomatoes reach a weight of 150-300 grams. The flesh is fleshy and tender, the skin does not crack. According to reviews, it is quite difficult to grow fruits of outstanding taste; more often they will be quite simple in this regard.

Productivity is considered average. It can be increased if you pick tomatoes without waiting for full ripening, at the stage of blanc ripeness. The bushes grow 70 centimeters - 1 meter. A garter is needed, but stakes are enough for support.

To obtain a pleasant harvest, Orange Elephant tomatoes must be fed. Manure infusion is used mainly in the first half of summer, and potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are more often used, starting with fruit growth. Propagated similarly to other varieties.

Planting dates and care

From the moment the seeds peck to the first colored fruits, the Pink Elephant will take approximately 112 days. Moving to a permanent place is carried out at 45-55 days of age. By this time, the soil outside should warm up:

• for greenhouses – up to 10° C;
• when grown in the garden - up to 15° C.

You can calculate the exact timing yourself. It is recommended to focus on the long-term weather forecast and climate of the region.

Growing seedlings

The manufacturer advises soaking the seeds in a stimulant before sowing. In addition, they need:

• warm up;
• disinfect;
• soak until it swells.

Sowing is done to a depth of about 1-1.5 cm. The grains are laid out every 1-2 cm in lines, with 4 cm left between them to allow loosening of row spacing.

Seeds are germinated at high temperature (23-25° C) and humidity. After pipping, they are transferred to a cool room with round-the-clock lighting for a week to prevent stretching.

Then the temperature is raised to 20°. Additional lighting is reduced to 12-14 hours. They dive in the phase of 2 true leaves. After growth resumes, feed with a mineral complex with a high nitrogen content. Harden 2 weeks before moving to a permanent place.

Care after transplant

For 1 sq. meter, place 3 bushes if you are going to grow a Pink Elephant into 2 trunks, and 4 when forming one shoot. Tomato:

• water regularly but moderately;
• after extending the second brush, reduce the amount of nitrogen in fertilizers to a minimum, increase the doses of potassium, calcium, phosphorus;
• the soil is mulched.

Formation and rationing

This is an important element of care that makes sense to dwell on separately. The growth of the Pink Elephant bush is usually self-limited after the extension of 8-12 brushes. If this does not happen, the top continues to grow, flowers and ovaries form, which prevents the lower fruits from gaining mass and ripening. To get large, sweet tomatoes, topping should be done after 4-5 grapes or 45 days before the expected end of the season.

At the tips of the bunches, tomatoes do not always set or grow small, and only draw back nutrients. It is recommended to pinch them, leaving 3-4 apples at the base of the bunch.

The larger the tomatoes you want to get, the fewer ovaries there should be on the bush.

The plant will have to be tied and shaped. They lead into 1-2 trunks, the remaining stepsons are regularly removed - the growth power of the Pink Elephant is great, if you miss the moment, it will not only produce long side shoots, but will also have time to put out flower clusters.

That is why the variety is not recommended to be grown in dachas visited on weekends. In a week it will acquire stepsons, which take a lot of strength and nutrients. The leaves require more moisture and actively evaporate it; with irregular watering, the plates curl and can dry out in a hot year. What’s even worse is that the fruits crack, fungal spores get into the wounds, and gardeners remain dissatisfied with their quality, as they complain about in the video:

The leaves under the clusters that have begun to fill are removed. It is also recommended to tie the brushes to a vertical support - they are heavy and creases are possible on the stems.