The Koenigsberg tomato, the characteristics and description of the variety of which are presented in our article, was bred by breeders from Siberia for cultivation in greenhouses. However, over time, it turned out that Koenigsberg tomatoes tolerate heat, cold, and drought well. In addition, this variety is resistant to most diseases and pests. That is why it is so popular among gardeners throughout Russia.
The Koenigsberg tomato has many advantages, but the main ones are high yield , excellent taste and excellent nutritional qualities. Let's study the characteristics and description of the variety , as well as photos and reviews about the Koenigsberg tomato .
Characteristics and description of the variety
Important! Koenigsberg, unlike many Siberian tomatoes, is a pure variety, not a hybrid.
- The Koenigsberg tomato is indeterminate, meaning its growth is not limited. On average, in a greenhouse, bushes grow up to 2 m in height and often form 2 thin and branched stems that form many clusters. Each cluster develops up to 6 fruits.
- Mid-season: after the seeds germinate, the first fruits appear after 110-115 days.
- They grow well in open ground and in greenhouses.
Important! The variety is hardy to weather conditions, so it can be grown in open ground, but it will not bear fruit for as long as in a greenhouse.
- It has a powerful rhizome and dark green leaves that resemble potato leaves in appearance. They are a little hairy.
- The inflorescence is simple, the first raceme appears above the 12th leaf, the subsequent ones are formed above every 3rd leaf.
- Resistant to most diseases and pests.
- Productivity is high, but depends on soil fertility, weather and proper care. From 1m. sq. can be collected from 5 to 20 kg. Vegetable growers say this: 3 buckets from 1 bush.
- Each subspecies (red, gold, heart) differs in color and shape.
All varieties of Koenigsberg have many common characteristics, but they also have differences, mainly in external characteristics.
Features of planting and care
The variety tolerates different climatic conditions well, but is demanding on soil quality. It is not recommended to sow directly into the ground. First, seedlings are grown.
Seed preparation
To get a good harvest, you need to choose high-quality planting material. Therefore, it is better to choose seeds from a trusted manufacturer or collect them yourself. Purchase planting material from large stores or nurseries. Conscientious manufacturers provide the necessary information about planting and care on the packaging:
- Before sowing, the seeds are sorted. They must be the same size. Specimens of atypical size, color or shape are rejected.
- Then make a five percent saline solution (5 g of salt per 1 liter of warm water). The seeds are poured into it, mixed and left for 10 minutes. The specimens that float to the surface are empty and will not germinate. Such seeds are definitely thrown away. Those that have sunk to the bottom are washed and dried. They will be used to grow seedlings.
All of the listed preparatory procedures do not need to be carried out in relation to pelleted seeds, since they have already been selected and “dressed” in a dense film of a mixture of fertilizers and growth stimulants. Therefore, immersion in a saline solution will simply wash away the nutrient layer. Dried seeds are only good for 2 years.
The causative agents of fungal and bacterial diseases can be found on the seed coat, so it is important to disinfect them first. A solution of potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, brilliant green, aloe juice, Fitosporin-M or garlic infusion is suitable for disinfection.
After disinfection, the seeds are washed with clean water and dried. To improve germination, you can subsequently soak the planting material in growth stimulants (Energen, Zircon, NV-101, Epin). Among folk remedies, honey or wood ash have a similar effect.
Container and soil
For planting, you can use peat and clay pots, disposable cups (200 ml), plastic containers, etc. In any case, the container must be disinfected in a solution of chlorhexidine or potassium permanganate. Peat pots are additionally treated with an antifungal agent outside and inside, otherwise they can become a breeding ground not only for plants, but also for their pests.
Planting tomato seeds
Koenigsberg loves fertile soil. This applies not only to adult plants, but also to seedlings. The soil chosen is light, breathable, with a neutral pH level. These tomatoes do not grow in acidic soils. The best mixture is humus, peat, wood ash and turf soil.
The soil can be frozen several times to get rid of possible pathogens. The soil is scattered into containers in advance so that it has time to settle a little before laying out the seeds. The soil layer should not be less than 5 cm.
Sowing
Planting material is laid out on moist soil at a distance of 25-30 mm from each other or even in separate pots. Sprinkle 1 cm of soil on top.
The optimal temperature for germination is 25 ºC. When seedlings appear, it is reduced by 6-7 degrees for 3-4 days. Then raise it again to normal room temperature.
Lighting should be maximum. You can illuminate it with a phytolamp for a couple of hours.
Picking seedlings
Produced at 12 days of age. The bushes are large, so it is better to plant them in separate containers. They dive into wet soil, but then it is better to let it dry for 4-5 days, otherwise fungal diseases may develop.
After transplantation, seedlings need a decrease in temperature in order to restore the root system and slow down the growth of green mass.
Landing
The soil on the site must be prepared in advance. To do this, during autumn digging, 500 g of wood ash, 40 g of superphosphate and a bucket of humus are added to it. In the spring, the bed is loosened again and planting holes are dug at the rate of no more than 3 bushes per 1 m2. The depth of the hole should correspond in size to the earthen coma.
Planting tomato seedlings
Young plants are transplanted into the ground when they reach 25 cm in height.
Care after planting in the ground
The seedlings are watered with warm water, and the ground around them is mulched with sawdust, straw or other material. The first fertilizing is applied two and a half weeks after planting in the ground. Then repeat them every 14 days. A solution of bird droppings or mullein, superphosphate, and wood ash are used as fertilizers.
Watering
It is produced with warm water at the root. Getting moisture on the leaves is undesirable. Water rarely, but abundantly. At the same time, the soil should not dry out, especially during flowering and fruit set. When tomatoes ripen, water less often.
Garter and stepson
For Koenigsberg, these procedures are mandatory. The bushes are tall, so they can fall under the weight of the fruit. Immediately upon planting, a stake is placed near the seedling. This can be done a little later, but then there is a risk of damage to the root system.
Stepchildren are removed 2-3 pieces at a time. If you pick more of them, there is a high chance of weakening the plant.
Prevention of diseases and pests
In the characteristics of Koenigsberg tomatoes you can find a clause about their resistance to major tomato diseases. But it is better not to neglect prevention. Twice during the growing season it is necessary to treat the plantings with the drug “Fitosporin”, which has a complex effect against many diseases: Alternaria, various types of rot, powdery mildew, bacterial cancer, late blight, scab.
Koenigsberg has no immunity to crown rot. Therefore, the owner of the site needs to strictly monitor the level of acidity, and also not overuse nitrogen fertilizers. Adding calcium sulfate to the soil or treating the bushes with wood ash extract will help combat this disease.
Harvest and storage
Fruits can be harvested 110-115 days after planting. You can pick tomatoes at any time of the day.
Harvesting
Koenigsberg gold has good keeping quality. The harvested crop is stored in a dark and dry place with a temperature no higher than 23 degrees. It is better to sprinkle the fruits with sawdust or peat. If one tomato begins to rot, then thanks to this protective layer the process will not spread to neighboring specimens.
Varieties
The breeding variety has become so popular that scientists have developed several of its subspecies. Today the following varieties are known:
Red. This subspecies is grown in greenhouses and open ground. The bushes stretch up to 2 m in height. Productivity is always very high. Red, elongated tomatoes ripen in mid-July-August. Their skin is shiny. Tomatoes taste great and can be stored for a long time. Red Koenigsberg is considered the most resistant to changes in weather conditions and tolerates cold temperatures down to 0.
Tomato Golden Koenigsberg. The sweetest of all subspecies, since yellow tomatoes contain more sugars.
It is also called “Siberian apricot” because it contains a lot of carotene. Otherwise, all the characteristics of yellow tomatoes coincide with the subspecies described above.
Cordate. This is a large-fruited subspecies; the weight of one tomato can reach 1 kg.
Of course, such large tomatoes cannot be canned whole, but they are perfect for fresh consumption, making salads and sauces.
Agricultural technology
Even in the southern regions it is recommended to grow Koenigsberg using seedlings. Sowing of seeds is carried out 60 - 65 days before transplanting to a permanent place; the calculation of the sowing time is carried out taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region. For example, in central Russia this process can begin at the end of March - beginning of April. Picking is carried out in the phase of 2 true leaves. Despite the fact that the variety is acclimatized in the Western Siberian region, in the event of return frosts, the seedlings should be covered with a film cover until complete rooting. Planting density - 3 plants per 1 square meter. After planting, tying up the bush should not be delayed. In open ground, tomato growth is limited after the formation of 5 - 6 inflorescences (the shorter the summer period, the fewer clusters you need to leave), in closed ground - after 8. You can form 1 or 2 stems, removing all excess stepsons. Watering should be good, but not excessive. It is best to use a drip irrigation system for moisture. The culture is responsive to universal fertilizers.
Application
Tomatoes of the Koenigsberg variety have many useful substances that are preserved during storage and slight heat treatment. Whole tomatoes are not canned or pickled, as they are large. But you can use them to prepare delicious sauces, pastes, juices and eat them fresh.
Koenigsberg Red is rich in lycopene, which can be judged by the rich red color of the fruit. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that slows down the aging process, fights the formation of cancer cells, and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Diseases and pests
This tomato variety is so resistant to diseases and pest attacks that many summer residents do not even carry out preventive spraying, because they do not consider it necessary - the Koenigsberg bushes do not get sick anyway.
But still, experts recommend spraying these tomatoes with a solution of Fitosporin a couple of times a season for preventive purposes. And only in rare cases is it necessary to resort to more serious fungicides or insecticides - if infection with diseases or pests does occur.
Related article:
Tomato Absinthe - description and characteristics of the variety with green fruits
Features of cultivation
Seeds for seedlings are sown in early March, treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and, if desired, growth stimulants, for example Zircon . They dive when they grow to 3 true leaves. Seedlings are planted in the ground 50 days after emergence.
Important! Many gardeners are worried about the appearance of Koenigsberg seedlings, as they look lethargic and lifeless. However, there is no need to worry; this tomato variety is characterized by slight lethargy.
More information about growing tomatoes is described in the article: Technology of growing tomatoes. Secrets of planting and care
About how to properly form a bush if you grow tomatoes in a greenhouse: How to properly plant tomatoes in a greenhouse: diagram of bush formation, care features, photos and videos
In open ground: How to properly tie tomatoes in open ground: the best methods, step-by-step photos and video instructions Watch the video! Tomato Koenigsberg golden - delicious, beautiful
Reviews of the Koenigsberg variety
Review: An excellent variety, I recommend it for planting (author: tatvit source: otzovik.com)
Reviews about Koenigsberg tomatoes are quite contradictory, which is usually associated with buying seeds on the market. When you buy second hand, it is difficult to be sure of the variety. Therefore, it is better to purchase seeds at garden centers or online stores.
Tomatoes of the Koenigsbeng variety are sold by the online stores “Ural Summer Resident” and “Siberian Garden”.
Among the advantages, vegetable growers note good keeping quality, wonderful taste and abundant fruiting. The disadvantages put forward are such features of the variety as an extended period of fruit ripening and poor yield in open ground in the northern regions.
Choosing the right variety is a serious matter. Therefore, weigh for yourself all the “pros” and “cons” of the tomato with the German name Königsberg and, by trial and error, get large yields.
Reviews, who planted
We have studied many publications about this variety and collected reviews; we invite you to read the opinions of experts and ordinary gardeners.
Svetlana Valentinovna, Tomsk region
Elena Alexandrovna, Tula region
Evgeniy Vasilievich, Moscow region
Ekaterina Emelyanovna, Novoaltaisk
Nadezhda Sergeevna, Penza region
How to care for tomatoes
Koenigsberg tomatoes are quite undemanding in care; they need to create minimal conditions for development, like any other plants. During the periods of ovary and fruit appearance, the soil of tomatoes needs to be fed with complex preparations containing microelements necessary for plants, optimally three times during the entire growing season. In cold climates, these tomatoes are best grown in greenhouse structures. The most productive result of growing the Koenigsberg variety can be seen if you form the bushes into two stems, take the second one away from the main one, while removing all subsequent unnecessary stepsons if they are no more than 3 cm tall (removing taller shoots can be harmful to the plant). The bushes of these tomatoes must be tied up; it is recommended to do this after 2-3 weeks from the date of planting in permanent soil. When 7-8 tomato clusters are obtained, the growth of the bush is stopped by cutting off the growth point. To better ventilate the soil and to avoid certain problems for tomatoes, it is better to remove the lower leaves. It is recommended to water the tomatoes at the root with a sufficient amount of water, but not until dirt forms and the soil is eroded. It is necessary to loosen the soil on which tomatoes are grown; you can also mulch, then there will be fewer weeds and watering is needed much less often.
