“Rosy cheeks” - tomatoes that can charm the most demanding gardener

Hello, dear vegetable growers and tomato lovers!

Pink cheek tomatoes are new to my personal tomato collection. After all, as it happens... You go into gardening stores with seeds in winter, and your eyes widen at the display cases with all kinds of tomatoes.

It seems like I could plant everything: the descriptions of varieties and photos are so interesting and promising. And you will definitely buy something besides the prepared list of seeds. That’s what happened to me with “rosy cheeks” - they charmed me.

Some gardeners are afraid to buy unfamiliar varieties; they plant those that have been proven over the years. Yes, there is always a risk. If you read the promises of breeders, you will waste time and effort. It’s not always what you expect at the end of the season. But the “rosy cheeks” tomato will definitely thank you if you don’t deprive it of attention. And who knows, maybe this variety will be among your favorites?

Description of the tomato variety Rosy cheeks with photo

The Pink Cheeks tomato is a mid-season variety of Russian origin, included in the register of breeding achievements in 2003. It is mainly recommended for cultivation in the Moscow region, central regions and the south - both in a greenhouse and in open ground. The variety is known in many CIS countries - for example, it is grown in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Moldova.

Main characteristics:

• determinant (grows to a certain limit);
• short (70-90 cm);
• mid-ripening (ripening takes 115-120 days).

The bush is tall, the stems are powerful, well-leafed. The leaves are light green, medium in size, with serrated edges. The flowers are small, yellow. The first inflorescence is formed above 6-8 leaves, then they go through one. 5-8 massive tomatoes are formed on a bunch.

Description of fruits

Pink cheek tomatoes got their name due to the characteristic pink-scarlet color of the fruit. The tomatoes are large, weighing 250-350 g. The shape is round, the fruits are slightly flattened at the top and bottom. The structure is 4-chambered, and there are very few seeds.

The surface is smooth, sometimes with small ridges. The peel is dense, but not tough. It does not crack, so the fruits can easily withstand long-term storage and transportation. The pulp is juicy and dense, does not contain voids. The taste is rich, pronounced, with the characteristic aroma of ripe tomatoes.

Tomatoes Pink cheeks are very juicy, so they are suitable for preparing and extracting juice

Agrotechnical recommendations

The variety is unpretentious. By observing the basic principles of tomato cultivation, gardeners are satisfied with the result of their work and plant “rosy cheeks” for the next year.

Primary requirements:

1. When growing 1 stem, plant 4 roots per meter of area, and forming 2 main shoots - 3 bushes. In greenhouses it is not recommended to exceed the limit of 3 pieces per unit of area, since the variety is very demanding on lighting.
2. Although it is recommended for cultivation in the south, it cannot tolerate too high temperatures. Ventilating the greenhouse eliminates the problem.
3. The watering regime is moderate, but in the greenhouse it is moistened more often and more abundantly, since the soil dries out faster. Reduce water consumption either by a thick layer of mulch or by drip irrigation.

It is interesting that by carefully pruning off the stepsons when growing a bush with one stem, the gardener stimulates fertility. The quantity and size of tomatoes will be just right.

Characteristics of tomato Rosy cheeks

Tomato Rosy cheeks is classified as a mid-season variety. The first harvest is harvested 115-120 days after planting the seeds. If you start growing seedlings at the end of February, the first fruits can be harvested at the end of June. Peak fruiting occurs in mid-summer.

Tomato yield Rosy cheeks and fruiting

The yield is quite good - if you follow the correct agricultural techniques, you can harvest up to 3 kg from 1 plant, and from 1 sq. m – up to 12 kg.

*Productivity is calculated based on the fact that 4 rosy cheeks tomato bushes can be planted per 1 m2.

The yield indicator is primarily influenced by growing conditions. The maximum number of tomatoes can be harvested if you provide:

• growing in a greenhouse;
• maximum lighting (on sunny days the greenhouse must be opened completely);
• regular application of fertilizers (2 times a month);
• abundant, but not excessive watering;
• protection against diseases (primarily late blight).

Area of ​​application of fruits

Tomatoes are used fresh and for preservation:

• salads;
• soups;
• sauces;
• lecho.

You can also use pink cheeks for whole-fruit canning. But tomatoes are large, so they are prepared not in jars, but in larger containers.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The variety is characterized by good resistance to various diseases, especially when grown in protected soil. If you plant Pink Cheeks tomatoes in open ground, they may suffer from late blight. In any case, a week before transferring the seedlings, it is better to treat them with any fungicide.

If proper agricultural practices are followed, bushes rarely suffer from diseases.

Important! The variety does not have genetic resistance to pests. Therefore, plants should be periodically inspected for the presence of insects.

If pests are present, you must immediately destroy them using folk remedies or insecticides.

Harvesting and application

Pink cheeks are collected as they ripen in early August.
Sometimes summer residents also pick dark green vegetables, which ripen already in room conditions. Due to the dense peel, the variety is perfectly stored, especially if the tomatoes are placed in a moderately warm, dry place. Use wooden boxes or containers for storage.

Due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, the product is used for preparing dietary dishes. For example, these could be nutritious vegetable salads and lasagnas, as well as side dishes and cold appetizers. Tomatoes also make excellent sauces, ketchup and juice.

Even marmalade is made from tomatoes. In addition to tomatoes, oranges, citric acid, ginger, cinnamon and water are used to prepare it. This dish is stored in jars and will perfectly decorate your table at any time of the year.

Pros and cons of the variety

Pink cheek tomatoes are not grown on an industrial scale due to their low yield. However, many summer residents fell in love with this variety for its delicious fruits with a rich, bright aroma.

Rosy cheek tomatoes have a balanced taste and a very pleasant aroma

pros

• excellent taste, high juiciness;
• fairly good yield;
• low maintenance requirements;
• can be grown in open ground;
• resistance to short-term droughts;
• attractive appearance;
• Thanks to the thick skin of the tomatoes, the pink cheeks do not crack.

Minuses

• the yield is average - it is unprofitable to grow on an industrial scale;
• the need to remove stepsons;
• instability to late blight.

Transplanting seedlings into soil

Seedlings are planted in the ground with the onset of May. The deadline is early June. From the moment of emergence of seedlings, 60-65 days should pass. Wait until the last spring frost has passed. If you are going to plant a crop under temporary film, the most suitable time for this is May 15-25.

In order for the seedlings to take root and develop well, they are planted in areas of the garden where legumes previously grew: carrots, cabbage and potatoes. The most suitable soil is one that contains humus, compost, and superphosphate.

The soil is prepared in advance for planting. With the onset of warm days, as soon as the threat of frost has passed and the ground has warmed up, it is carefully dug up. Apply organic fertilizers (peat, compost, manure).

After digging holes for seedlings, minerals (wood ash, superphosphate, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers) are added there.

Proper soil preparation will help seedlings to easily take root and take root in a new place. The peculiarity lies in the method of planting seedlings. They are placed in the ground with a slight slope. This will help the tomatoes form additional roots on the stem that was buried when planting.

Features of cultivation

Seedlings are grown within 55-65 days, so the seeds must be planted at the end of February or at the beginning of March (depending on the climatic conditions of the region). They are first immersed in a 5% salt solution and the surfaces are removed. Immediately before planting, soak in a solution of “Epin” or another root formation stimulator.

Soil for growing tomatoes Pink Cheeks can be purchased at the store or made independently from equal amounts of garden soil and peat (mixed with a few pinches of sand and wood ash). You can also take turf soil with compost and humus (2:1:1 ratio). For growing Pink Cheeks tomatoes, individual containers are suitable (picking can be avoided) - for example, peat tablets.

Standard growing instructions:

1. Make grooves to a depth of 2 cm.
2. Plant seeds at intervals of 2 cm.
3. Moisten generously and cover with glass.
4. Place in a warm place at a temperature of 23-25 ​​degrees.
5. Ventilate and water periodically.
6. Illuminate with a lamp for 12-13 hours.
7. They dive after the appearance of 3 leaves.
8. Feed with mineral fertilizer.
9. Gradually reduce the temperature to room temperature.
10. 2 weeks before transplanting into the ground, they are hardened at a temperature of 17-18 degrees.

If you illuminate tomato seedlings with a lamp, they will grow faster

Rosy cheeks tomato seedlings can be transplanted into a greenhouse in early May, and into open ground a week later. Planting is done in a line or in a checkerboard pattern according to the 50*40 pattern. 50 cm between rows, 40 cm between plants.

In the future, the bushes are periodically watered (1-2 times a week is enough), and complex mineral fertilizer is applied 2 times a month. It is advisable to mulch the soil with straw and hay so that it retains moisture longer. After each feeding, it is loosened and weeded periodically. It is not necessary to tie the bushes to a support, and pinching is carried out regularly. Up to 2 sheets are removed at a time, after which the plant is sprayed with a solution of boric acid (1 g of substance per 1 liter of water).

Important! Since the Pink Cheeks tomato is a varietal variety and not a hybrid, its seeds can be collected and stored, but it is best to plant them for the next season.

Rules of care

Following a few basic rules will help you grow a bountiful harvest. Seedlings are placed in a bed according to a 40x50 cm pattern. Try not to plant more than 5 plants per m². Take your time and form bushes with 1-2 stems.

Watering and fertilizing

Tomatoes should not be watered with cold water.

It is important that the water is not cold. Try to settle the water in advance. Do not water in extreme heat. Wait until the sun goes down and only then start gardening.

Do not forget to regularly apply mineral fertilizers. Tomato plants need to be fed at least 3 times per season. After 14 days, the seedlings will take root in the soil and during the period of active fruiting.

To stimulate the flowering of bushes, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are applied. Heat has a negative effect on the formation of new ovaries. Boric acid will help activate the process. The solution is prepared at the rate of 10-15 g of substance per 10 liters of liquid. All bushes are thoroughly sprayed with the prepared mixture.

If you want the plant to direct all its nutrients to fruit formation, carry out regular pinching. The lateral shoots must be removed before they have time to grow more than 3-5 cm. Do this carefully, trying not to damage the main shoots.

The crop will not grow well when the basic rules for caring for the plant are violated. Don't overdo it with organic fertilizers, keep the same distance between plants and choose a sunny place for planting.

It is important to monitor the condition of the soil. It should not be flooded with water, otherwise pathogenic microorganisms may begin to multiply in the roots of the seedlings.

Pest and disease control

Following basic tips for caring for tomatoes will help avoid the spread of infection among plants.

1. Apex rot. This disease affects the fruits. Dark spots appear on the plant, which lead to their complete death and the death of the entire crop. For medicinal purposes, seedlings are fertilized with calcium substances. For prophylaxis, a solution of calcium nitrate is used.
2. Late blight. The fungal spores multiply on the surface of the leaves, causing dark brown spots to form on them. The bushes begin to turn yellow and wither and bear fruit poorly. The disease is treated with copper sulfate. To stop the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, you need to treat all garden tools with a manganese solution.
3. Root rot. Violation of the plant watering regime causes the development of fungus. Spots appear on the stem and then on the foliage, caused by the appearance of a fungus. To restore the health of tomatoes, you need to normalize the process of plant hydration.

Remove weeds from your garden bed, not forgetting to get rid of fallen leaves. To combat insect pests, use special preparations: Aktara, Allatar, Fufanon.

Pest and disease control

In general, the Pink Cheeks variety demonstrates good immunity to diseases, with the exception of late blight. The main signs of this disease:

• drying and falling of leaves;
• dark spots on the foliage;
• the fruits are covered with black and brown specks.

Characteristic signs of late blight on tomatoes are curling and wilting of leaves.

If such symptoms are present, you should immediately treat the tomatoes with a fungicide - Tattu, Ordan, Fitosporin, Bordeaux mixture. Spraying is carried out in the evening, in clear and calm weather. Otherwise, the leaves may get burned due to direct sunlight.

There may also be problems with pests - aphids, Colorado potato beetles, nematodes and others. In this case, the plants are irrigated with solutions of baking soda, laundry soap shavings, ammonia and other means. In more complex cases, insecticides will help: “Aktara”, “Karbofos”, “Decis”, “Biotlin”.

Important! At least 10 days must pass from the day of treatment to harvest (the specific timing must be clarified in the instructions for the drug).

How to grow tomatoes

For Rosy Cheeks, the ground has been prepared since autumn. Tomatoes love sunny and spacious areas. Dig up the beds using a spade and remove all debris and weeds.

When spring comes, dig up the area again and lay straw between the rows. It perfectly retains moisture and creates the most favorable conditions for the crop.

Landing

The distance between the grooves should be at least 50 cm. Place 1-2 seeds in one hole. Immediately moisten the soil with warm water. Organize the next watering only after 10 days. Experienced gardeners advise sprinkling the beds with peat crumbs.

Important! The best predecessors for tomatoes are legumes, onions and strawberries. It is not recommended to plant Pink Cheeks after other tomato varieties and potatoes.

Remember to water your tomato beds every 7-10 days. The amount of moisture depends on the weather. On average, each bush takes about 0.5-1 liters. Use melt or rain water. It is more suitable for vegetables than others. Occasionally water the crop not with plain water, but with an ash solution. It strengthens the plant's immunity and protects against insect pests.

Tomatoes love nitrogen fertilizers and mineral supplements. They supply vegetables with calcium, phosphorus and iron, necessary for the normal development of bushes. Urea, the drug “Kornevin”, “Epin” are recognized as excellent remedies. The complexes are applied every 2 weeks, alternating with organic matter.

Important! Among organic fertilizers, the leaders are yeast, nettle, ash and potassium permanganate. Solutions based on them serve as an excellent remedy for late blight, septoria and other fungal infections.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

Summer residents pay special attention to weeding the beds and removing weeds. The measures protect the site from unwanted “guests” and also improve the soil microflora

The most common weeds found in beds with pink cheeks are bindweed, white pigweed, odorless chamomile and blackberry.

Remove weeds every week. Gardeners often resort to using herbicides. These are special chemicals designed to remove weeds.

Don't forget about loosening the beds. As a rule, the procedure is carried out after rains. Loosening improves the air layer of the soil and gives the roots access to oxygen. Often, loosening and weed removal are carried out simultaneously.

Diseases and pests

Spraying with a solution of potassium permanganate is recognized as an excellent remedy. An alternative option is a soap solution, for the preparation of which you will need 100 g of dry grated soap and 5 liters of water. The advantages of these products are that they are affordable and environmentally friendly.

The plant is also susceptible to infection with root rot. The reason lies in overly moist soil. The roots are covered with a black coating, due to which they soon wither.

To prevent this, gardeners recommend using the drug “Previkur” or “Tiovit”. Root rot is not as dangerous as late blight, but it can also destroy most of the crop.

Among the pests, the mole cricket attacks the beds, it attacks the roots and disrupts the plant’s metabolism. For preventive purposes, use dry eggshells, which you scatter on the garden bed. If the bushes are already sick, use the professional drug “Medvetox”. It is sold in granules, which is convenient to use.

Important! Also, Rosy Cheeks is occasionally attacked by whiteflies. This small white insect leaves mucus on the bushes, which harms the normal development of the bush.

For preventative purposes, use a soap solution.

The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse

In a greenhouse, the variety produces more stepsons than in open ground. This is due to the fact that under cover the plant develops faster, reaching a height of about 1.5 m. Stepchildren are removed every 10 days. If the shoot is shorter than 5 cm, then for convenience, use scissors. If the bushes are not pruned in time, new ovaries form on the shoots, which will not be able to develop normally due to a lack of vitamins and minerals.

In open ground, pay special attention to the application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Their excess leads to cracking of tomatoes.

Yellow spots also appear on the bushes, and the leaves begin to dry out. In this case, gardeners advise watering the beds abundantly and putting straw on them to remove “excess” nitrogen from the soil.

With improper care, there is a lack of potassium, as a result of which small leaves become dark and dry, curl and become wrinkled. The growth of fruits slows down, and the stepsons, on the contrary, begin to develop faster. To compensate for the lack of potassium, add potassium sulphide, ash or potassium magnesium to the soil.

Pros and cons of tomatoes

The peculiarities of this type of tomato are that it does not have negative characteristics. That is, its cultivation will only be a plus for any person. But at the same time, it has many advantages:

• Large-fruited and early ripening.
• Very tasty, retains its presentation for a long time.
• Perfectly tolerates transportation over long distances.
• High yield volume.
• Tomatoes do not crack.
• Universal to use.
• Not susceptible to diseases.
• If you wish, you can collect the seeds and grow them yourself, since the tomatoes are varietal.

The characteristics of a tomato presuppose complete satisfaction with the resulting harvest. It is only important to fulfill all the necessary requirements and the result will please everyone.