Description of the variety
First of all, it should be noted that the bush grows quite tall - up to 120-150 centimeters. Therefore, the use of supports and garters is a mandatory solution - without this, the fruits will simply end up on the ground and quickly begin to rot. Moreover, you will most likely have to tie it up several times a season as the bush grows.
In addition, the variety boasts a fairly high resistance to various diseases, which often leaves even experienced summer residents without a harvest. And in general, it tolerates unfavorable conditions quite easily - we’ll tell you more about this a little later.
An important advantage of the Chelyabinsk Meteorite tomato variety is its yield. Reviews from experienced users confirm an excellent indicator - up to 18 kilograms per square meter. Of course, this is a very important factor, especially if the tomatoes are grown not in open ground, but in a greenhouse, where useful space has to be saved.
It’s also nice that the variety is early ripening. From sowing seedlings to harvesting, it takes from 95 to 105 days. Since it is a hybrid, you can collect a large number of fruits at once - fruiting does not stretch over several weeks. The fruits are collected in clusters of 5-8 pieces, which will further facilitate the harvesting process.
So, having given preference to this variety, an experienced gardener will not have to regret his choice.
Diseases and pests
For the Chelyabinsk meteorite, which, based on the description, characteristics of the variety, and reviews, is a hybrid. It is not afraid of most of the known tomato diseases. But there are known cases of serious damage by blackleg and late blight.
Attentive and caring gardeners rarely suffer from large insect infestations. Sometimes even regular weeding or the use of mulch as a method of weed control cannot guarantee the absence of pest influence. According to reviews, whiteflies and spider mites will most often feed on the bushes of the Chelyabinsk meteorite. Fortunately, many farmers manage to get rid of such insects using pesticides. Sometimes gentle homemade solutions that eliminate pests and prevent their reappearance also help.
For two seasons in a row, the bushes of the Chelyabinsk meteorite suffered from the Colorado potato beetle. Thanks to my neighbor who taught me effective measures to prevent attacks from this pest. Now I know exactly how to protect the plant.
I found aphids on tomatoes. The main thing is that I eliminated it on time and the tomatoes did not have time to suffer much from the pest. As for illnesses, fortunately, I have not had to deal with such misfortunes yet. Of all the tomatoes I've grown, this one has proven to be the most resilient.
I grow it in a greenhouse. The bushes grow even larger than what was described in the seed catalogue. But that doesn't scare me. I adjusted the garter several times and this was enough to allow the plants to develop freely.
One year gray rot destroyed the crop. But this was also my fault. There was no time to examine the bushes of the Chelyabinsk meteorite. As a result, I fought the disease in its later stages. And everything was useless. Now I treat my tomatoes more carefully, and they reward me for this with a good harvest.
This is one of those hybrids that tastes nothing like a hybrid at all. A wonderful tomato with many benefits.
We managed to grow strong bushes in open ground, despite its low quality. Next year I’m going to change the fertilizer application regime a little to increase the yield.
Briefly about the fruits
If we talk about the Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato, the description of the variety will be incomplete without a story about the fruits.
They are not too large - on average from 55 to 90 grams. The shape is nice, round, and the color is rich red. So the tomatoes look just great from the outside. This factor is important for those who grow fruits for sale - the presentation is very good.
The skin is quite hard, which can also be called a plus. On the one hand, this reduces the number of cracked fruits. On the other hand, it allows you to transport them over long distances without the risk of crushing the tomatoes. For many summer residents this is an extremely important indicator. It is important that thanks to the hard skin, the shelf life of the fruit increases.
The pulp is not only sweetish, but also lacks sourness. Dense, meaty. This makes tomatoes an excellent choice for fresh consumption and pickling. Moreover, the variety is suitable both for marinating as a whole and for preparing ketchup, lecho and any other pickles.
Therefore, you can rest assured that you definitely won’t have to regret that the seeds were chosen poorly.
Characteristics of tomato Chelyabinsk meteorite
Before purchasing Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato seeds, you need to take into account the varietal characteristics. It is necessary to analyze the fruiting period, disease resistance and possible yield.
Characteristics of the Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato:
- maturation occurs early;
- the taste of the first fruits can be appreciated already in early July;
- Fruiting is extended, so harvesting will be possible before the first frost.
The hybrid is created for growing in open ground. In colder regions it does well in greenhouses.
Tomato productivity Chelyabinsk meteorite and fruiting
The Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato, with proper care, produces about 12 kg of fruit per 1 m2. Grows well in greenhouses and open ground. In the latter, you can get 4 kg from one plant. The hybrid responds positively to fertilizing and watering.
The bushes are valued for their resistance to bad weather conditions. On cool and rainy days, the plant continues to form ovaries.
The fruiting of the Chelyabinsk meteorite is positively influenced by correct, timely watering, as well as fertilizing.
Area of application of fruits
Tomatoes Chelyabinsk meteorite for universal use. Their thick skin and small size are ideal for pickling, pickling and pickling for the winter. Fresh fruits are used in cooking. Sauces and casseroles are prepared on their basis. Tomatoes are added to salads, stews and snacks.
The fruits of the Chelyabinsk meteorite withstand heat treatment well: they do not crack and retain their shape. They are not afraid of long-term transportation over long distances.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato does not cause problems. He rarely gets sick. The hybrid is resistant to almost all infections. Young bushes can be affected by blackleg. Less commonly, late blight.
The plant is susceptible to attack:
- Colorado beetles. They eat foliage, which can lead to the death of the crop;
- melon aphid. Prefers young, succulent leaves. After a massive attack, they curl up and yellowish spots appear on the surface;
- whiteflies.
Because of insects, tomatoes ripen more slowly and white streaks appear in the pulp; Each individual lays 250 eggs
- spider mite. The insect actively sucks the vital juices from the plant. The leaves curl and then dry out;
- mole crickets. It eats young roots and is therefore dangerous for seedlings.
Main advantages
Now let’s briefly talk about the important advantages that provided excellent reviews for the Chelyabinsk Meteorite tomatoes. Photos of the fruits are attached to the article, and one of the main advantages is already noticeable from them. Of course, this is productivity. With proper care, you can collect 15-18 kilograms of tasty, appetizing fruits from one square meter.
In addition, the bushes of this variety stretch upward, but at the same time slightly diverge to the sides. This provides an excellent opportunity to save space - you can plant up to 3 bushes on one square meter. This indicator will be important for summer residents who are forced to save usable space on their modest six hundred square meters, but it will be especially pleasant for people using greenhouses and hotbeds - here every square meter acquires a special value.
In addition, the variety tolerates stressful conditions quite easily. A sudden drop in temperature or, conversely, excess sun combined with drought will not harm the plants. Even in stressful situations, the ovary appears on the bushes, and the fruits ripen normally. Therefore, the variety is perfect for growing in regions such as the Urals, Siberia and even central Russia, where it is not always possible to harvest a rich harvest of tomatoes.
It is also worth mentioning the excellent taste of the fruit - this has already been mentioned above. The sweet, dense pulp under a strong skin will pleasantly surprise even the most picky gourmets.
It is not surprising that the tomato “Chelyabinsk meteorite F1” receives mostly positive reviews.
Are there any disadvantages?
Most varieties of cultivated plants, while having significant advantages, are not without equally serious disadvantages. But the same cannot be said about this variety of tomatoes.
Perhaps the only major disadvantage is the rather high cost of seed. Alas, nothing can be done about this - you have to pay for quality seeds.
In addition, some summer residents who have had experience in growing Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes are outraged by the fact that they cannot get seeds from the fruits. Yes, indeed, very often seeds do not even sprout. And it is almost never possible to get at least some fruit from seed obtained at home. However, you should be careful here - after all, the variety is labeled F1. That is, it is hybrid. Such varieties are known for their excellent yield and rapid fruit ripening, but are completely unsuitable for collecting seeds. Therefore, this cannot be called a disadvantage of the variety - it is simply an unpleasant feature of a whole group of varieties.
Reviews about the variety
Most summer residents who have experience in growing the “Chelyabinsk meteorite” subsequently do not regret their choice. They note the excellent taste of the fruits, as well as high productivity.
Many people like the fact that the fruits ripen quite quickly - the entire harvest can be harvested in a few weeks. You don’t have to pick three or four small tomatoes a day for a whole month or two.
Excellent keeping quality is ensured due to the rather dense skin and small size. This makes it possible not only to store fruits for a long time, but also greatly facilitates transportation over long distances.
The same dense skin eliminates the possibility of cracking of the fruit during pickling. Even tomatoes pickled several years ago are not damaged when removed from the jar. Of course, this is an important advantage, especially if you decide to please your guests with homemade marinades.
Growing seedlings
Now you know the description of the Chelyabinsk Meteorite tomato variety. Reviews from summer residents confirm most of the characteristics declared by the manufacturers. So you can move on to the practical part - growing plants. Most of our compatriots prefer to use seedlings rather than greenhouses when growing tomatoes. That's where we'll start.
To increase the germination of seeds, they can be wrapped in a damp cloth and left in a warm place for 2-3 days. The sprout will awaken and grow much faster.
After this, the seeds are planted in the prepared substrate - humus and black soil. In addition, you can use peat tablets. A very good option that allows you to easily transplant into open ground without stressing the plant.
After planting, the box with seedlings is covered with black film or glass and put away in a warm, dark place. It is advisable that the temperature be +26 degrees or higher. After the first shoots appear, the box is placed on the window. The seedlings do not need special care. You just need to water it regularly and protect it from cold and drafts.
Growing rules
The most effective way to grow tomatoes of the Chelyabinsk meteorite variety is through seedlings. It is obtained at home and transferred to a permanent place. To obtain a high yield, tomatoes are cared for by watering, fertilizing, and forming a bush.
Planting seedlings
For seedlings, containers and substrate are prepared in advance. It is best to use boxes or containers 15 cm high. To avoid picking, seeds are planted in peat cups or tablets. The substrate is obtained by combining humus and fertile soil. Ready-made soil mixture can be purchased at a garden store.
Advice! If soil from the site is used, then it is preheated in the oven or watered with a solution of Fitosporin.
Planting work begins in March or April. The containers are washed with warm water and soap, then dried and filled with substrate. The seeds are planted in furrows 1 cm deep. A thin layer of soil is poured on top and moistened well. The containers are covered with a plastic bag to retain heat and moisture as much as possible. Tomatoes are kept in a warm and dark place. Periodically turn the polyethylene over and remove the condensation.
Tomato shoots appear within 10–14 days. The containers with the sprouts are moved to the light. During the development period, tomato seedlings of the Chelyabinsk meteorite variety are provided with several conditions:
- Temperature. During the daytime – within 20–25 °C, at night – about 18 °C.
- Lighting. Tomatoes should be exposed to light 12–14 hours a day. If the day is still short, then turn on the phytolamps.
- Watering. Moisture is added weekly and the soil is not allowed to dry out.
- Lack of cold air. Seedlings are protected from drafts. To prevent plants from suffering from the cold on the windowsill, a sheet of foam plastic is placed under the boxes.
When the tomatoes have 2 leaves, they start picking. Containers with a volume of 0.5 liters are prepared in advance. They are filled with the same substrate that was used for seedlings. The tomatoes are carefully separated and placed in separate containers. Weak plants are discarded.
Transfer
Tomatoes are ready for planting in a permanent place at the age of 45–50 days. Their height reaches 40 cm, there are 6–8 true leaves and a developed root system. 3 weeks before the proposed work, tomatoes begin to harden. This increases their immunity and resistance to adverse factors.
First, open a window in the room with tomato seedlings for 2–3 hours to ensure air flow. Then the containers are moved to the balcony. At first, the Chelyabinsk meteorite variety is covered with paper to protect it from the bright sun. Before planting, tomatoes are constantly kept in natural conditions.
The beds for the crop are prepared in the fall. Tomatoes prefer fertile, loose soil and good lighting. At the end of the season, the soil is dug up and fertilized with rotted manure. You should choose places where cucumbers, greens, cabbage, carrots, beets, garlic or onions grew a year earlier.
Attention! The place where tomatoes are grown is changed annually. It is not allowed to plant the crop immediately after potatoes, peppers and other nightshades.
Holes are prepared for tomatoes at a distance of 20–25 cm. Within 1 square. m plant no more than 3–4 plants. Leave 30 cm between them, and no more than 60 cm between rows. If you arrange the tomatoes in a checkerboard pattern, you can make care and harvesting easier.
Before planting, tomatoes of the Chelyabinsk meteorite variety are watered and carefully removed from the containers. They are transplanted with a clod of earth. If peat tablets were used, the tomatoes are transferred along with them. After planting, the plants are watered. To protect from the sun, at first they are covered with paper caps.
Aftercare
According to reviews, the Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato responds positively to care. Tomatoes are watered regularly. Before flowering, the soil is moistened every week; the bush requires 4 liters of water. When the buds begin to bloom, water is added after 3 days, the consumption rate is 3 liters. When the fruits ripen, they return to the original watering scheme.
To help tomatoes better absorb moisture and nutrients, loosen the soil after rain or watering. To do this, use a small pitchfork and try not to damage the roots of the plant. Mulching the soil helps reduce the number of waterings. A layer of straw or peat 3–5 cm thick is poured onto the beds.
Chelyabinsk meteorite tomatoes are fed 14 days after being transferred to a permanent place. Before the buds form, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to stimulate the growth of new shoots. These include infusions of mullein, nettle, solutions of urea and ammonium nitrate. When inflorescences appear, they switch to the subcortex with superphosphate and potassium salt. Add 35 g of each fertilizer to a 10-liter bucket of water. The solution is poured under the root.
Advice! Mineral fertilizers alternate with organic ones. Tomatoes are fertilized with wood ash, yeast, and sprayed with milk and honey.
The Chelyabinsk meteorite variety is formed into 1 stem. Excess stepsons are removed weekly. Pinch the top of the tomato, leaving 2 leaves above the cluster with fruit. Formation helps to normalize the yield and direct the plant’s strength to fruiting.
Tomato bushes are tied to a support so that they do not lean toward the ground. A wooden stake, pipe or metal rod is dug into the soil. Tying is done as the tomatoes grow. Use thin strips of fabric or rope.
Transplantation into the ground
When the seedlings are about 30 centimeters high and have 5-7 leaves, they can be planted in the ground. This usually happens in late April-early May. By this time the soil had already warmed up well.
The optimal distance between rows is 50 centimeters, and the distance between seedlings is at least 40 cm.
It is very important to choose a suitable planting location. It is advisable not to use the area where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes and other nightshades grew last year. The best predecessors are legumes, green manure, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and beets.
The soil in the box is moistened abundantly, after which the seedlings are carefully removed along with part of the soil. They are lowered into pre-prepared holes, sprinkled with soil on top and watered abundantly. A good solution would be to use mulch. Small sawdust, pine needles, straw or dry manure are suitable for this. Thanks to mulch, the number of weeds that compete with cultivated plants is reduced, and less moisture evaporates from the beds, even on hot, windy days. Therefore, mulch makes it possible to spend less time and effort on caring for the plant.
Features of cultivation
The hybrid variety Chelyabinsk meteorite is grown using seedlings. A mixture of equal parts of fertile soil and humus is poured into large containers, compacted a little and furrows 1 cm deep are made.
Before sowing, the seeds are placed in warm water for 48 hours and then soaked in Zircon growth stimulator. This will speed up the germination process.
Advice! If the seed has a nutritious colored shell, then it does not need to be processed. It is already coated with a special mixture containing all the substances necessary for sprouts.
The seeds are placed in prepared grooves and covered with a layer of peat. I water the crops with warm water using a spray bottle. The top of the container is covered with film or glass and left in a warm place for germination. As soon as small shoots appear from the ground, the film or glass is removed and the containers are transferred to a lighted place.
When 1-2 true leaves appear on the seedlings, they are picked into separate 0.5-liter cups. Experienced gardeners recommend planting seedlings in peat pots, which are then planted together with the seedlings in the ground. This allows you to maintain the integrity of the root system of young seedlings, and they quickly adapt to a new location.
The seedlings are transferred to a permanent place 55-60 days after seed germination. By this time, the seedlings have grown up to 30 cm in height and they already have 6-7 leaves and 1 flower cluster.
The place for planting tomatoes is chosen according to the rules of crop rotation. Suitable areas where the following crops previously grew:
Before planting seedlings, the ground is disinfected with an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate.
Planting is carried out according to the 40x50 cm pattern. The seedlings are transferred to a permanent place together with a lump of earth, sprinkled with earth and watered well with warm water.
More information about growing tomatoes is described in the article: Technology of growing tomatoes. Secrets of planting and care
Care
In terms of care, the Chelyabinsk Meteorite variety is no different from other tomatoes. Bushes need to be tied up several times a season as they grow.
If a summer resident wants to get large fruits, then it makes sense to pinch off the growth point when the bush reaches the desired height. Then the plant will stop stretching upward, and the beneficial substances will be used to create tomatoes, and not to the further growth of the bush.
It is necessary to water as the soil dries out and depending on the regularity and intensity of rains. It is advisable to use warm water. And, of course, you can’t water at noon - it’s better to choose early morning or evening for this.
Obtaining seedlings
The Chelyabinsk meteorite tomato variety is grown in seedlings. Seeds are planted at home. After germination, the tomatoes are provided with the necessary temperature conditions and other care.
Preparatory stage
Tomatoes are planted in prepared soil obtained from fertile soil and humus. You can prepare it yourself or purchase soil mixture at a gardening store. It is convenient to plant tomatoes in peat tablets. Then 2-3 seeds are placed in each of them, and after they germinate, the strongest tomatoes are left.
Before planting, the soil is treated by exposure to high temperatures. It is placed in a microwave or oven. The soil is steamed for 15-20 minutes to disinfect. Another treatment option is to water the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Advice! To improve the germination of tomato seeds, the Chelyabinsk meteorite is placed in warm water for 2 days.
If there is a colored shell, the seeds do not need to be processed. This type of planting material is covered with a nutrient mixture. During germination, tomatoes will receive the necessary nutrients from it.
The moistened soil is distributed into containers 12 cm high. 2 cm are left between the tomato seeds. A 1 cm thick layer of fertile soil or peat is poured on top.
Containers with tomatoes are kept in the dark. They are covered with glass or film. At temperatures above 25 °C, tomatoes germinate faster. When sprouts appear, the plants are moved to a window or other lighted place.
Seedling care
For the development of tomato seedlings, the Chelyabinsk meteorite requires the following conditions:
- daytime temperature from 20 to 26°C;
- night temperature 14-16°C;
- constant ventilation;
- continuous lighting for 10-12 hours;
- watering with warm water.
Tomatoes are watered by spraying the soil with a spray bottle as it dries. Warm, settled water is used for irrigation. Moisture is added every week.
When tomatoes develop 2 leaves, they are picked. If the plants were planted in separate containers, then picking is not required. Tomatoes are transplanted into containers filled with fertile soil.
If the seedlings look depressed, they are fed with minerals. To 1 liter of water add 5 g of superphosphate, 6 g of potassium sulfate and 1 g of ammonium nitrate.
2-3 weeks before transferring the tomatoes to a permanent place, they are left for several hours on the balcony or loggia. Gradually increase the time the tomatoes spend in the fresh air. This will allow the tomatoes to quickly adapt to natural conditions.
Insect pests
Judging by the reviews, the variety is quite resistant to diseases. The only thing that can cause problems is late blight, and even then it is extremely rare.
But the insect invasion has not been canceled. Mole crickets, whiteflies, spider mites, Colorado potato beetles and melon aphids can cause a lot of problems. To combat them, it is necessary to use appropriate pesticides. The main thing is to use them correctly, strictly following the instructions. And the fruits collected after processing must be thoroughly washed so as not to be poisoned by pesticides.
