One of these favorites of popular selection is the early-ripening, high-yielding variety “Burlak Minusinsky”.
Description of the variety
Of the entire collection of Minusinsk tomatoes, “Burlak Minusinsky” is the only one that has early ripening periods. Bred and tested in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where the average temperature in July is only 13 °C, this variety is suitable for any region of the country. Due to the fact that the tomato belongs to the group of indeterminate varieties, it is recommended to grow it in greenhouse conditions. Of course, this does not apply to the southern regions, where even without shelter it can bear fruit for a fairly long period.
The variety is characterized by unlimited growth and tomatoes often exceed 2 meters in height. Liana-like plants have a powerful root system that goes deep into the ground. The foliage of the bushes is average, the leaf plate is narrow, dark green and potato-type. Stepchildren are actively formed throughout the growing season.
The fruits have a beautiful flat-round shape with “ribbed shoulders” near the stalk. At the stage of full ripeness, the tomatoes have an appetizing raspberry color without a green spot at the base. Such beauties ripen quite large in size from three hundred to six hundred grams. The fruits of this variety are famous for their exquisite taste and fleshy, tender, sugary pulp. A balanced amount of sugars and acids makes the taste of tomatoes unforgettable, and the thin and dense skin does not allow them to crack. These tomatoes are ideal for fresh consumption, making juices and pastes.
The yield of the variety, subject to proper agricultural technology, is about 5 kg per bush. According to the experience of experienced summer residents, the best yield indicators are observed when the plant is grown in two stems.
Folk selection rules
The variety belongs to the so-called folk selection tomatoes, but the lack of regalia of various research institutes and agricultural firms does not affect its popularity. Moreover, Burlak Minusinsky can compete in the excellent quality of fruits and unpretentiousness with many varieties “promoted” by the management of producing companies.
This is an early ripening tomato that is recommended to be grown in a greenhouse. It is part of the indets group, its growth is unlimited and this must be taken into account when planting. The usual height of the plant is 180 cm, it grows even higher - up to 200-220 cm.
ON A NOTE! This variety requires mandatory support and bush formation.
The plants are medium-leaved, potato leaves, wide. It is recommended to strictly follow the planting scheme, growing no more than three plants of this tomato variety per square meter. When plantings are compacted, the yield will be lower.
Tomatoes have a beautiful, flat-round shape. Large fruits hang like apples on the branches of the bush, so all the clusters are often additionally tied up. The weight of tomatoes is from 350 to 600 grams. The skin is dense, raspberry-red in color. The fruits of this tomato have characteristic ribbed “shoulders” near the stalk.
Burlak Minusinsky is praised by everyone for its taste and excellent yield. Its pulp is sugary; droplets of juice are even visible at the break. The tomato is sweet, with a characteristic aroma. Can be used for preparing salads, juices, purees, various sauces.
The variety is part of the collection of the famous gardener from the Kurgan region, Valentina Redko, who recommends Burlak Minusinsky to everyone who wants to get tasty and productive tomatoes.
From one bush you can remove up to 5-6 kg of delicious tomatoes - large, sweet, beautiful.
Agricultural technology
How to calculate the time for sowing seeds
The date of sowing the seeds of this variety must be planned in such a way that by the time the tomatoes are planted in a permanent place, its age is 60-65 days from germination. It must be remembered that germination of seeds also takes time, as a rule, 5-7 days.
To determine the timing from which sowing time should be counted, it is important to take into account the characteristics of your region and future planting conditions (heated or unheated greenhouse, open ground).
It should be borne in mind that tomato is a southern and heat-loving crop. And despite the hardiness of the variety, sub-zero temperatures will lead to the death of plants. In the warm southern regions of Russia, the time for planting in a greenhouse is April 15-May 1. In the middle zone, the optimal time for transfer work will be from May 1 to May 15. But the main guideline for any part of Russia is still the air temperature; it should not be below 15 degrees during the day and below 10 degrees at night.
You should know! Seedlings overexposed at home do not take root well in their permanent location and remain sick longer.
Features of cultivation, planting and care
photo author Natalya Ananyeva
We recommend sowing the seeds of this tomato for seedlings 60-65 days before the intended planting in the ground. Picking seedlings at the stage of 2 true leaves. When planting seedlings in a permanent place per 1 sq. It is recommended to place up to 3 bushes per meter of land, and up to 4 when forming 1 stem.
Further care for tomatoes consists of timely watering, fertilizing, pinching, weed removal and preventive measures to protect plants from diseases and pests.
You can see other interesting varieties and hybrids of tomatoes with photos, descriptions and reviews in our Tomato Catalog. Enjoy watching.
If you grew Burlak Minusinsk tomatoes, please write whether you liked them or not. What was the yield and taste of the fruits in your climatic conditions? How do you rate the disease resistance of this tomato? If possible, attach a photo of the entire bush or individual fruits you grew. Thank you!
Your reviews of the Burlak Minusinsky tomato and additions to the description will help many gardeners evaluate this variety more objectively and decide whether it is worth planting or not.
This is a natural variety of tomato. Therefore, we recommend taking seeds from a ripe fruit and using them for planting in subsequent seasons.
How to care for seedlings
The appearance of the first green loops on the soil surface means that the germination stage has been successful, and the time has come to create a microclimate suitable for further normal growth. Containers with seedlings are placed in the brightest place in the room or artificially illuminated with phytolamps. The optimal air temperature for seed germination and comfortable human habitation is no longer suitable for seedlings. It is necessary to reduce the temperature to 15-16°C as soon as possible after emergence. With this regime, young plants will grow for another 2-3 weeks. If this is not done, the seedlings will turn into thin long stems with an undeveloped root system. A lower temperature, on the contrary, promotes the growth not of the above-ground part of the plant, but of the underground part, that is, the roots. At the same time, the first pair of leaves is formed without delay, and the seedling remains strong and stocky.
After 2-3 weeks, when the seedlings have grown, become stronger and have 2-3 true leaves, pick them. After transplanting the tomatoes into separate containers, the temperature regime is changed again. Now, for normal growth until transplantation to a permanent location, plants need an air temperature of around 18-20°C.
Further care consists of moderate watering with warm water and fertilizing if necessary. You can determine whether plants have enough nutrients by the appearance of the seedlings.
- So, if the leaves turn pale before your eyes, and the veins are clearly visible, it means that there is an iron deficiency. In this case, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of iron sulfate.
- If, with regular watering and good lighting, the plants look stunted and the leaves begin to turn yellow, this indicates a lack of nitrogen in the soil. In this case, the leaves of the seedlings are sprayed with a urea solution.
- Darkening of the leaves and the presence of a purple tint on their underside is a sure sign of a lack of phosphorus. In this case, root feeding with superphosphate will come to the rescue.
- The fragility of seedlings and signs of leaf curling indicate a lack of magnesium. This means it’s time to feed the seedlings with a solution of magnesium sulfate.
How to plant correctly in the ground
The characteristics of this variety do not allow compacted plantings. To obtain good results, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommended scheme and plant no more than four seedlings per square meter in case of formation in one stem and no more than three in case of formation in two stems. More frequent planting is not recommended due to the powerful root system of plants, as this leads to a reduction in the feeding area of each seedling and, as a result, a decrease in yield.
How to care for tomatoes after transplanting
The main features of caring for the Burlak Minusinsky tomato after transplantation are:
- Stepsonning and formation
Stepping is a mandatory and most labor-intensive procedure. It must be carried out in a greenhouse throughout the entire growing season, without allowing the stepsons to outgrow. In the process of removing side shoots, the formation of a bush occurs. Plants of this variety are formed into one or two main trunks. If the recommendations are not followed, the plants' gas exchange and moisture balance are disrupted and a lack of light and oxygen occurs.
- Tying up
This procedure is no less mandatory for plants. Tall tomatoes need support. These can be tall and stable stakes, wooden trellises or agricultural mesh. The bushes are tied up immediately from the moment of transplantation and continue to do this throughout the season as they grow. The materials for this must be strong, but soft, so as not to damage parts of the plants, and must also be disinfected or new.
- Lightening
Lightening involves regulating the vegetative mass of tomatoes. First of all, the lower leaves of the seedlings are removed. The time when this needs to be done will be determined by the appearance; the leaves will begin to turn yellow and wither. Throughout the growing season, leaves should be removed under each fruit cluster after the fruits have set on them. This reduces the load on the plant, improves ventilation and light access.
- Watering
In plants of this variety, the main roots go deep into the soil and a large number of roots are located near the surface of the earth; accordingly, watering should be rare but plentiful. It is important to ensure that the stream of water does not erode the soil around the plant trunk. The water temperature should not be lower than 22°C.
- Mulching
You can mulch the soil under the bushes immediately after transplanting them into a greenhouse or soil. Straw, mown grass, newspapers, and cardboard are suitable as mulch. This agricultural technique preserves the top layer of soil from drying out and from the growth of weeds.
- Topping
Pinching the crown of the stem is carried out a month before the onset of stable cold weather. In this case, 3-4 leaves are left above the last fruit cluster. This procedure allows all already set fruits to ripen.
Helpful advice! Tomatoes in a greenhouse need help pollinating flower clusters. To do this, the stems and twigs with flowers are carefully shaken, this helps the pollen to scatter well. It is important to carry out this procedure when the greenhouse is warm and dry.
Features of agricultural technology of the tomato variety Burlak Minusinsky
It is recommended to grow this variety in a greenhouse (northern regions and middle zone), as the yield will be higher. The seedling method is used, taking into account the timing of planting seedlings in greenhouses. Usually for the middle zone it is the beginning or middle of May, for the North-West it is the end of May or the beginning of June.
Provided that the seedlings should be about 60-65 days old, you can calculate the sowing time. Burlak Minusinsky seeds are sown in March, having prepared containers for planting and soil in advance.
Preparing seeds and growing seedlings
Before planting, tomato seeds are soaked for 15-20 minutes in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, then, according to the instructions, in any growth stimulant.
Sow in boxes or containers (common), or directly into pots or cups. Experienced gardeners recommend sowing first in small cups, and only then transplanting into larger containers.
The soil should be loose, nutritious, and moisture-absorbing. If the soil was taken from the site, it must be calcined and disinfected. When preparing the soil mixture yourself, you can use the following components:
- turf land;
- peat;
- humus;
- coarse sand.
Add wood ash as fertilizer, mix and fill the containers. It is advisable to place drainage on the bottom of boxes or cups.
Seeds sprouted in damp cloth are carefully placed in recesses, sprinkled with soil, covered with glass and put away in a dark, warm place. As soon as the tomatoes begin to sprout, the glass is removed and the seedlings are exposed to light.
The temperature should not be lower than +22ºC…+23 ºC. Fertilizing is applied twice, but if the soil is nutritious and the tomatoes are growing well, you can do without fertilizing during this period. Picking is carried out when the tomatoes have two or three true leaves.
ON A NOTE!
Picking is recommended not only for tomatoes growing in common boxes or containers, but also for those growing separately. But in the second case, plants are planted into larger containers (from small pots to larger ones).
Picking allows you to avoid stretching the seedlings and promotes the formation of strong roots. 10-14 days before transplanting into greenhouses, seedlings are hardened off. If the weather is warm, then the tomatoes can be taken to the greenhouse, balcony or veranda for adaptation.
The time spent in the fresh air in the first days is 10-15 minutes, and then gradually increases, bringing the stay to a full day. Only at night, and also in case of possible cold weather, the seedlings are brought home.
Planting tomatoes in a permanent place
When the soil warms up to +10ºC…+12ºC, tomatoes can be planted in a greenhouse. In the middle zone, this time is the beginning or middle of May; in the northern regions, the dates shift slightly. Much depends on the weather, so you need to navigate specific conditions.
Requirements for seedlings:
- strong stem;
- height up to 18-22 cm;
- 6-8 true leaves;
- the first buds are present.
There is no need to rush with planting; the soil should warm up and the air temperature should be stable. At the same time, even in a greenhouse it is recommended to cover the seedlings with non-woven material so that the plants take root better.
The soil is prepared in advance by adding humus, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. Superphosphate can be added one spoonful into each well.
Indeterminate Burlak Minusinsky is planted three bushes per 1 square meter, no more. Only overgrown seedlings are buried; all other seedlings are planted at the same level as they grew in pots.
Harvesting tomatoes
The fruits in the greenhouse are reliably protected from sudden temperature changes and cold dew, so there is no urgent need to remove the entire crop at the stage of milk maturity for ripening at home. You can do this little by little in order to stimulate the formation of new ovaries. As autumn approaches, already set fruits can be left to ripen on the bush if the air temperature does not drop below 8°C.
It is enough to harvest tomatoes at the beginning of fruiting once every five days, at the height of the season once every two or three days, preferably in the morning. If, however, the fruits are collected for ripening at home, they are placed in baskets or boxes lined inside with natural fabric. To speed up ripening, add a couple of ripe ones to unripe fruits. They will release ethylene and significantly reduce the ripening time.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive features of the variety include:
- early ripening;
- long fruiting period (under good conditions until late autumn);
- tall bushes (allows full use of greenhouse space);
- large fruit;
- excellent taste;
- interesting shape of tomatoes;
- good yield;
The disadvantages include the following:
- fruit ribbing;
- long-term fruiting is possible only in a greenhouse;
- requires pinching and tying up throughout the season;
- afraid of late blight.
The Burlak Minusinsky tomato cannot be called an unpretentious variety. To obtain a good harvest, certain growing conditions and proper care are required. But all this is more than compensated by the exquisite taste of the fruit. Therefore, summer residents, sparing neither effort nor time, continue to plant this variety on their plots every year.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Burlak hybrid
The appearance of tomatoes of this type is the result of the painstaking work of breeders trying to develop hybrid forms that are easy to care for and productive. Burlak F1 attracts gardeners with its many “advantages”:
- productivity (up to 12-15 kg of fruits are harvested from one square meter);
- ease of care (shows excellent results when maintained in one stem);
- suitable for planting in hotbeds and greenhouses, bears fruit well in open ground;
- large fruits;
- good taste for early tomatoes.
The tomato is resistant to climate changes and does not shed ovaries during slight cold snaps or drought. Judging by the reviews of summer residents, it has performed well in regions of temperate climates and even in unfavorable seasons produces an excellent harvest of fruits.
“Disadvantages” - you cannot take your own seeds for sowing (first generation hybrid). Since Burlak F1 is produced by only one company, seeds are not always available in stores. If you want to plant this hybrid, you need to worry about the seeds in advance.
