Tomatoes of this variety were named after the epic Russian hero. This is not surprising: the size of the fruits and the plants themselves is amazing. The bushes can grow to a height of two meters, and the weight of one tomato often exceeds 300 grams. Muromets belongs to the category of universal tomatoes; the fruits can be consumed both fresh and processed. The variety is resistant to diseases, and its fruits have excellent gastronomic qualities. We bring to your attention a description of the Ilya Muromets tomatoes, features of sowing and caring for seedlings, the positive and negative aspects of the variety.
Varietal characteristics
Ilya Muromets is a variety of domestic selection, included in the list of the State Register of the Russian Federation. The tomato is intended for growing both in greenhouse conditions and in an open garden. The manufacturer states: the Ilya Muromets tomato is a mid-season tomato. You can enjoy tomatoes 100 days after the first shoots appear. The variety is indeterminate, which means that the stem part must be fixed on supports, shaped and necessarily pinched. The leaves are medium in size and the bushes are medium leafy.
Landing
Planting is done in one row. The minimum distance between bushes is 30 cm. This is possible due to the compact shape of the bush, the tight fit of the leaves and fruits to the stem of the bush. If the lighting in the greenhouse is not optimal, it is better to increase the distance between the bushes to 50 cm.
Growing seedlings
Seeds are planted for seedlings from January to March. In the middle zone and regions close to it in climate, it is better to choose March, since “Dream” is a greenhouse variety, bad weather can affect pollination: a little less fruit will be produced. Therefore, it is advisable to plant this hybrid when it is already above +14 degrees outside. The second option is to achieve the required temperature (in the range from +15 to +30 degrees) in the greenhouse.
Landing in the ground
Tomato Ilya Muromets: fruit characteristics
Five tomatoes are tied on one brush, which are characterized by a yellowish or orange tint. The peel is thin, glossy and smooth, the fruits are round. Vegetables are characterized by their large size. The expression of the seed chambers is practically absent. The inside of the fruit has an orange tone. Thanks to their dense pulp and strong peel, tomatoes can be stored and transported over long distances. Vegetables will not lose their excellent presentation, which allows them to be successfully sold in retail.
Advantages of the variety
Gardeners consider stable fruiting and high yield to be the main positive qualities of the Ilya Muromets tomato. If you believe the reviews, you can collect about 11 kilograms of large fruits from one bush - when grown in greenhouse conditions. In open ground, the weight of the crop will be about 8 kilograms. Summer residents are also pleased with the absence of voids inside the vegetable, its dense consistency, and a small amount of seeds, which is combined with excellent taste. Ripe tomatoes of this variety have a bright aroma, rich color and delicious taste. Ilya Muromets tomatoes (in the photo below you can see them in cross-section) are perfect for canning, however, due to their large size, placing them in jars is not so easy. But for preparing tomato juices and winter salads, the variety is simply ideal. Gardeners note the variety’s resistance to fungal infections and viral diseases. Plants are resistant to too high air temperatures and overheating of the soil.
Speaking about the use of Ilya Muromets tomatoes, gardeners note: it can be used as an ingredient in various dishes, fresh, baked or pickled.
Views of summer residents
The most valuable information about tomato varieties comes from reviews from summer residents. For beginners, this is an opportunity to get as much useful information as possible. Decide whether this species is worth growing.
- Olga. I really liked the tomato. The weight of the tomatoes was more than in the description. The shape of the fruit was also slightly different.
- Lydia. The tomatoes are sweet, with a pronounced taste. The tomatoes, although salad, were used for canning. Tomatoes, cut into slices, retained their integrity.
- Irina. One bush grew by chance and all my friends and acquaintances really liked it. The next year I planted seedlings, but they all disappeared, which upset the owner.
- Elena. I was attracted to the tomatoes by their appearance, based on the image on the bag. She really loves yellow tomatoes. The experience turned out to be excellent; the weight of one fruit reached 500 grams. They will definitely plant them next year.
- Olga. In his review he writes that we grow tomatoes without chemicals, purely organically. The weight of the tomatoes is even higher than stated. They have been planting them for three years and have made them permanent in their collection.
- Natalia. I planted it for testing and really liked it. Fruits from 500 gr. and less. Will definitely grow more.
- Angela. I grew several tomato bushes. I liked it very much, tasty and fruitful. The description of the variety was confirmed. I would definitely plant it again, but I want to try new things. If the opportunity arises, he will definitely repeat the experience.
Many people don’t dare try to plant something new on their property. But once they take a risk, they rarely regret it. To obtain a high yield, it is important to carefully study the information and follow simple requirements. And everything will definitely work out.
Features of sowing and growing seedlings
The first thing to do after choosing high-quality tomato planting material Ilya Muromets is to process it. To do this, you will need to immerse the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide. The soil will also require disinfection: it can be thoroughly soaked in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate, or it can be dried in the oven at a temperature not exceeding 100 degrees. After this, the seeds should be buried a centimeter into the soil, sprinkled with soil, and moistened with a spray bottle. Experienced gardeners recommend covering seedling containers with glass or film, which will speed up the germination process. As soon as they appear, the cover should be removed.
The next stage is picking. This procedure should be performed when the plants have their first true leaf. True, some vegetable growers suggest immediately planting the seeds in individual cups, preferably peat ones. You can plant tomatoes in a permanent place directly in them.
Planting in a permanent place
According to reviews, the Ilya Muromets tomato is one of the most productive varieties. However, in order to get the maximum yield, it is necessary to take into account some features of growing plants. In order to use the greenhouse space rationally, without planting tomatoes too closely: it is not recommended to place no more than two or three bushes on one square meter. The plant will need staking to supports or trellises. If you plan to grow Ilya Muromets in the garden, you can use an arc or portable frame. It is necessary to install such a structure directly on the garden bed, above the ripening vegetables. It is recommended to carry out the first garter a week after planting the seedlings in the ground. Otherwise, the plant may sag under the weight of its own fruits and break. It is recommended to grow tomato bushes of this variety in two stems. From time to time, you will need to remove yellowed leaves to improve air exchange and reduce the time it takes for tomatoes to ripen. Gardeners talk about the need to timely moisten the soil, loosen and mulch them, and ventilate the greenhouse.
By the way, tomatoes of this variety, which are grown in an open area, have a brighter color and better taste and aroma. The taste of varietal tomatoes is also influenced by conditions such as sunlight and temperature. An abundant amount of sunlight helps to increase the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the future harvest.
How to grow tomatoes
After 2 months, the seedlings are ready to be transplanted into the ground. They are transplanted into open beds in late May - early June, when the threat of night frosts has passed.
Landing
The soil for tomatoes is prepared in the fall. The soil is dug up and organic matter or a complex of mineral fertilizers are added. Tomatoes grow well in those beds where legumes, onions, cucumbers, and cabbage previously grew.
Planting pattern: 70 cm – distance between seedlings, 40 cm – row spacing.
A little wood ash is added to prepared holes 15 cm deep and watered generously. After replanting, the soil is well compacted, watered again, the beds are loosened and hilled. It is best to replant in the evening or on a cloudy day - this way the young bushes are more likely to adapt to new conditions.
Further care for tomato Gulliver
As the seedlings adapt to new conditions, regular watering is established. Water abundantly, but not often. In normal weather, 3-4 liters of warm, settled water are poured under each bush, strictly under the root, without getting on the leaves. On dry days, the amount of watering is increased, making sure to control the level of humidity in the beds. Overmoistening of the soil leads to the development of fungal diseases.
After each watering, the soil is loosened, hilled up and weeds with roots are removed. These simple methods promote better penetration of oxygen to the roots and protect plants from many pests.
To keep the beds moist longer, they are mulched.
This is especially important on hot days when moisture evaporates faster than usual. In addition, mulch protects the beds from pests moving underground, which are dangerous because they disrupt the root system of plants
Fertilizing is carried out 3 times during the entire growing season. The first feeding is given during flowering, the second during the formation of ovaries, and the third time during fruiting. A complex of mineral fertilizers or organic matter is well suited as fertilizing. Mullein infusion and bird droppings are used as organic matter in a ratio of 1:15.
Features of cultivation and possible difficulties
The bushes require obligatory garter, otherwise they will begin to break under the weight of the weight of the fruit. To do this, install wooden stakes or metal rods next to each bush. The bushes are fixed to the support immediately when transplanted into the ground. Due to timely gartering, a strong and even stem is formed. As the fruiting branches grow and develop, they are also fixed to the support.
The plant does not require constant pinching, which significantly simplifies care during the growing season. At the beginning, to improve fruiting, the plant is formed into 2 or 3 stems, removing all excess stepsons. This technique allows you to get maximum yield.
Diseases and pests
Tomato Gulliver is not prone to diseases that often affect the nightshade family. But still, some crop rotation rules will further protect the crop from possible infections.
It is not recommended to place tomato beds next to potatoes. This is because the plants belong to the same family and suffer from the same diseases and pests. The plantings are not thickened so that all bushes receive the same amount of light and are regularly ventilated.
In rainy summers, plants are sprayed with “Fitosporin” or copper sulfate to prevent late blight. Late blight is a fungal disease; high humidity is a prerequisite for its spread.
The most common pests are aphids, whiteflies and Colorado potato beetles. Treating the stems with a soap solution helps prevent aphids. All plants with a large concentration of parasites are sprayed with the same solution. The Colorado potato beetle is collected by hand along with its larvae.
The larvae are usually found on the inside of the leaves, so when inspecting plants it is necessary to carefully inspect the leaves on both sides. Pheromone traps, which can be purchased in specialized stores, save you from whiteflies.
Also preventative is spraying plants with decoctions of sharp-smelling herbs: burdock, calendula, onion peels, onions, garlic. Planting calendula, marigolds and mustard next to tomatoes saves the crop from many parasitic insects that do not approach the beds due to the pungent odor of the herbs.
Feeding tomatoes
The first fertilizers should be applied one and a half to two weeks after you have planted the seedlings in a permanent place. The best option is a solution of bird droppings; mullein will also work. Immediately after applying fertilizers, it is necessary to mulch the soil to retain moisture in the soil and prevent the growth of weeds. When the tomato has a second brush, you should wait for half a month and do another feeding. For tomatoes of this variety, the following composition is suitable: 2 liters of mullein solution, one spoon of “Solution” and three grams of copper sulfate and manganese each. The same fertilizer must be applied during the period of harvesting the first fruits of Ilya Muromets.
Selecting a site for planting
For the vineyard, sunny areas protected from strong winds are traditionally chosen. Bushes are often located near the walls of buildings on the east or south side. The wall, heating up during the day, in the evening and at night, radiates the heat that the grapes need so much.
For planting grapes, soils with a neutral reaction, loose, and with low groundwater levels are chosen. Loams and sandy loams enriched with rotted manure and a complex of mineral fertilizers, enriched by the addition of sand and humus, are suitable. Approximate dosage of fertilizer application before planting grape seedlings per 1 sq. meter:
- rotted manure (horse, mullein) 10 kg;
- wood or grass ash 600 g;
- superphosphate 350 g.
Important! A layer of coarse crushed stone, 5 cm thick, must be poured onto the bottom of the planting holes for drainage. The roots of the plant are especially sensitive to stagnant moisture.
Pest Control
The most dangerous for tomatoes of this variety is the most common Colorado potato beetle. The insect gnaws through young bushes, which leads to their death. The optimal method of combating this problem is spraying with the use of specialized preparations that have an insecticidal effect. Spraying should be done in strict accordance with the instructions on the packaging.
Tomato reviews
Vegetable growers say: Ilya Muromets is attractive both from a gastronomic point of view and from an aesthetic point of view. The tomato has an original appearance - with a pleasant yellow or orange color. The shape of the vegetables is almost perfect. When talking about caring for tomatoes of this variety, gardeners add: there are no special growing conditions, the variety has quite standard requirements that are imposed by almost all garden crops. These include weeding, fertilizing and timely watering. Gardeners note the excellent taste of tomatoes, especially if they were grown in open ground.
