What are tomato hybrids and F1 tomatoes, choosing the best: gardeners advise

Some tomato lovers criticize hybrids, considering them less tasty and healthier than varieties. Others, on the contrary, choose hybrids because they are more productive and less susceptible to various diseases. Every year, new tomato products appear on the shelves of garden centers, most of them are hybrids. Let's look into this tomato story.

• What does a tomato variety and hybrid mean, what is the difference
• What is the advantage of hybrid tomatoes over varieties
• What are the possible disadvantages of growing hybrid tomatoes?
• Classification of tomato hybrids by ripening period
• The best tomato hybrids
• Tomato hybrids for greenhouses
• Tomato hybrids for open ground
• Tomato Hybrid Tarasenko

What does a tomato variety and hybrid mean, what is the difference

A variety is the result of many years of selection and reproduction of the most productive and stable parent pairs of plants. Varietal crops retain their properties in the next several generations. Seeds of any variety can be grown independently; they repeat the parental characteristics. Perhaps this explains the huge (most likely incalculable) popular selection of tomatoes.

On packets of seeds next to the name you can see the designation F1 . This suggests that this is not a variety, but a hybrid form.

The abbreviation is easy to decipher:

F is the first letter of the word children (filii); 1 - first generation.

Hybrids are obtained by crossing specially selected plants of different varieties. An F1 tomato hybrid occurs when you have two tomato plants of different varieties, and then one is pollinated with pollen from the other variety. The seeds of the resulting cross-pollinated tomato will produce plants that are F1 hybrids (first generation hybrid).

The descendants of F1 hybrids are F2. The descendants of F2 are F3 and so on. Hybrids are more productive and of higher quality than varieties, but retain their properties only in the first generation. There is no point in collecting seeds from hybrids. They do not repeat the original qualities, and most often grow up much worse than their parent pairs.

Pink hybrid for greenhouse F1 Donna Rosa (photo: www.udec.ru)

Hybridization requires protected soil and manual labor, so the cost of such seeds is higher than varieties.

To debunk a myth that we sometimes encounter, let us remind you that F1 hybrids are not genetically modified. These are completely natural plants, bred in the traditional way.

What is the advantage of hybrid tomatoes over varieties

By giving preference to hybrid forms of tomatoes, gardeners receive several advantages:

• the tomato yield is many times larger (this phenomenon is well known as hybrid energy);
• ripening time is reduced;
• fruits are one-dimensional, even in shape, color, weight;
• the pulp has a harmonious taste, a rich set of nutrients;
• plants get sick less often, do not suffer much from pests, and adapt well to weather conditions.

Series of tomato hybrids “Great”

Description of the tomato variety Stump

The Stump tomato is a semi-determinate hybrid with short internodes. Its upper growth is limited - it stops after the formation of a certain number of inflorescences (usually from 8 to 12).

The first flowering raceme appears above the 7-9 leaf, on the lateral shoots - above the third or fifth leaf. Internodes are short, the distance is up to 18 cm (for comparison: indeterminates have almost twice as much: from 25 to 30 m). Tomato Stump is a medium-sized plant, the height of which is 100-120 cm.

The fruits are flat-round, red in color, weighing on average from 140 to 160 g. Tomatoes have an attractive appearance and a glossy surface. The aroma is bright, pleasant, the taste is balanced, the flesh is juicy, but not watery. The main wave of fruiting occurs in July and August. If the second half of summer and the beginning of autumn are warm, then Stump tomatoes can be harvested in the first ten days of September.

What are the possible disadvantages of growing hybrid tomatoes?

When purchasing seeds of a favorite variety, an experienced gardener analyzes its characteristics at the end of the season: early ripeness, yield, taste, color, care features. If everything suits him, he selects high-quality ripe fruits and releases seeds from them. Next year you can use your own seeds. All varietal qualities are preserved.

In the case of F1 hybrids, seeds will have to be purchased annually; it makes no sense to purchase the hybrid form yourself. The second generation may unpleasantly surprise:

• the bushes will be of different heights;
• fruits may vary in color, shape, size;
• low yield;
• if the manufacturer doesn't release a given hybrid for whatever reason, you're stuck. Once the seed is gone, it's gone forever.

tomato F1 Orange Santa

Other early ripening varieties

If you are in doubt whether you should buy stump tomato seeds, look at the table of characteristics of other early ripening varieties. They might interest you:

Classification of tomato hybrids by ripening period

When choosing a tomato hybrid, be sure to look at the ripening period. It depends on whether it will have time to form a crop in your strip, and whether or not it is suitable for growing in open ground (in a greenhouse, as a rule, there are no problems, but outside the heat may not be enough). So:

The classification of hybrid tomato seeds is as follows:

early ripening, or so-called early - 85-105 days from germination to the beginning of ripening; mid-early - 106-110 days; mid-season - 111-115 days; medium late - 116-120 days; late ripening - more than 120 days.

Moreover, in different years and in different regions, the growing season of the same variety or hybrid of tomatoes for open ground and greenhouses can be different.

Pests and diseases

The tomato variety Ilyich F1 is resistant to many nightshade diseases. It is little susceptible to late blight or fusarium wilt. In greenhouse conditions, plants may be threatened by crown or root rot. Mulching, loosening the soil, and not too frequent watering followed by ventilation will help prevent the disease. It is recommended to regularly spray plants with phytosporin or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Plantings are often affected by insect pests. During the flowering period, tomatoes are plagued by spider mites and aphids, later naked slugs and mole crickets appear and attack the fruits. Large larvae are removed by hand, and then the plantings are generously sprayed with an aqueous solution of ammonia. Warm soapy water will help get rid of aphids; an infusion of celandine or an industrial insecticide works well against mites or thrips.

The tomato variety Ilyich F1 has proven itself well in different regions. Gardeners who have already tried it note the excellent taste of the fruit, good yield, and easy care. Plants very rarely get sick, they are able to bear fruit until frost.

In the table below you will find links to informational articles about tomato varieties with different ripening periods:

The best tomato hybrids

Fortunately for us, tomato enthusiasts, today there are many varieties; it is simply impossible to count all the varieties and hybrids. For example, the “Author’s Varieties and Hybrids” series alone includes about 300 items. Available in a rainbow of shades, from red to yellow and purple, in all shapes and sizes, from a tiny cherry to a kilogram giant.

Read about the most interesting yellow tomatoes in this material >>>>>>>

There are special series of hybrids, which include:

• the most delicious tomatoes (“Vkusnoteka”, “Oriental Delicacy” from Search, including hybrids: F1 Coral Reef, F1 Magic Harp, F1 Golden Stream, F1 Chinese Souvenir);
• the most stable (“Special Hybrids” from Biotechnika);
• multi-colored (for example, “Crimson Miracle”);
• compact and for balconies (for example, the “4 summer” series Search);
• especially healthy (usually combines yellow and orange tomatoes);
• a series of tomatoes that do not require pinching (for example, “Nepas”)
• cherry (series “Sweetie”, “Sweets from the garden” SeDek)

Read about how to choose truly black tomatoes here >>>>>

Tomato F1 Sweet million (considered an analogue of F1 Red bunch)

Tomato hybrids for greenhouses

To use the greenhouse productively, try to grow vigorous hybrids (indeterminate). They will grow to the ceiling, which means they will produce more fruit per unit area. Follow the seed manufacturer's recommended planting pattern and do not plant plants too close together.

Tomato F1 Forte Rose (from Semko) pink hybrid: quite early, suitable for greenhouses. May crack in heat.

If you need tomatoes for growing in a greenhouse, suitable for canning , then you can pay attention to the hybrids of the “Tsar” series (SeDek): F1 Empire, F1 Empress, F1 Russian Empire, F1 Peter the Great, F1 Peter the Great. They are tall and set fruit well even in low light conditions or in conditions of temperature changes. The tomatoes of these hybrids are perfectly preserved both on the bush and during storage.

Tomato series F1 Russian Empire and F1 Peter the Great

Fruitful salad-type giants for the greenhouse are included in the “Great Tomatoes” (SeDek) series: F1 Alexander the Great, F1 Vladimir the Great, F1 Catherine the Great, F1 Dmitry the Great. They are distinguished by their large size, rich taste, resistance to tobacco mosaic virus, verticillium and fusarium wilt, cladosporiosis and other diseases; high stress resistance.

For the southern regions and high greenhouses the series of cherry tomatoes “Octopus” (SeDek) has gained particular popularity, these are the so-called tomato trees: F1 Octopus cream raspberry, F1 Octopus cream orange, F1 Octopus cream chocolate, F1 Octopus cherry raspberry, F1 Octopus cherry . All of them are incredibly productive and resistant to many tomato diseases.

F1 Opera is one of the earliest ripening hybrids for greenhouses. Plant height is 1.5 m. The fruits are round, even, smooth, weighing 100–110 g. Thanks to the pronounced tomato aroma and harmonious taste, they are especially good fresh, but are also suitable for canning. The variety is very productive – 5–5.5 kg, maximum – 8.5 kg. Resistant to many diseases.

Cherry tomato hybrids occupy leading positions :

F1 Strawberry Indeterminate hybrid of cherry tomato with a beautiful and original heart-shaped or “strawberry” fruit shape. The tomatoes are collected in elegant, even clusters of 18–30 pieces.

F1 Miracle Bunch Hybrid is characterized by high growth energy, bears fruit until autumn and is resistant to a range of diseases and various weather stresses. The first fruits are ready for harvest after 90–95 days.

F1 Blue bunch Indeterminate mid-season cherry tomato hybrid with fruits that play in the sun with all shades of blue and blue!

Cherry tomatoes

Fruit characteristics

The fruits are heart-shaped in appearance with a sharp tip. There are ribs, but they are not clearly defined. One Big Momma tomato can reach a weight of 150 to 400 grams. If you properly care for the plant, you can harvest larger amounts of fruit.

The skin of the fruit is dense, but not thick. The color of unripe tomatoes is green, while ripe ones are bright red. Tomatoes are very juicy, tasty, and their pulp is fleshy and sugary, containing a small amount of seeds.

Tomatoes can be stored for quite a long time and tolerate transportation well. It is recommended to keep them in a cool, dry and dark place.

The fruit contains a large amount of the antioxidant lycopene, which is involved in the processes of rejuvenation of the body, and a large number of other useful substances. The taste of tomato is sweet and sour.

It's best to eat Big Mom tomatoes fresh from the garden. But this variety is also perfect for processing. It makes very tasty juice or tomato paste.

Tomato hybrids for open ground

When choosing tomato hybrids for open ground in the Middle Zone, give preference to early and mid-early ones. The standard type of growth has the advantage; determinant ones are also suitable. and of course, for open ground it is vital that the tomato is resistant to late blight, a sinister disease of nightshades. It won’t hurt if the manufacturer promises that the hybrid is capable of ripening if the bush is harvested prematurely (such as F1 Caspar 2, F1 Torbay).

Lovers of sugar and meaty tomatoes will appreciate a series of beef tomatoes suitable for growing in open ground and film greenhouses: F1 Openwork, F1 Barin, F1 Bourgeois, F1 Fat, F1 Doll, F1 Doll Dasha, F1 Doll Masha, F1 Gift for a Woman. These are beef tomato hybrids with determinate type plants.

Tomato F1 Openwork

Hybrid F1 Red Red for open ground is attractive for its versatility, resistance to diseases and temperature changes. Can be grown in a greenhouse and in open ground. Plant height is up to 150 cm, branching is average. At the same time, the bush itself looks quite powerful due to its single strong stem. Clusters with large fruits of 5-7 pieces are formed on it. The weight of one tomato is from 200 to 500 g, manufacturers promise up to 8 kg of fruit per bush. The pulp is sweet, loose, sugary. Fruits for fresh consumption, salads and canning in the form of lecho, adjika, tomato sauce.

Read about how to properly form tomatoes here >>>>>>>

Tomato varieties f1 for the Moscow region and central Russia

Separate varieties of tomatoes are intended for the Moscow region and central Russia. They are most tolerant of local weather. The most popular varieties are: Ivanhoe F1, Alexia F1, Demirosa F1, Pink Lady F1, Bobcat F1, Andromeda F1, Sultan F1, Samara F1, Blagovest F1, Poisk F1, Ilyich F1.

Ivanhoe F1

A good hybrid that is popular among summer residents. It almost never gets sick, so there is no need to use harmful chemicals. The harvest is quite abundant, the weight of one tomato is up to 200 grams.

Alexia F1

The hybrid is resistant to mosaic viruses and some other diseases typical of tomatoes. The fruits are red, weighing up to 210 grams.

Demiros F1

Early maturing hybrid. The maximum fruit weight is 220 grams. The plant is resistant to most diseases typical of tomatoes. The harvest can be transported over long distances without fear of damage.

Pink Lady F1

A productive variety with pink fruits weighing about 280 grams. An early ripening crop that is suitable for greenhouses. It is characterized by high resistance to most diseases.

Bobcat F1

Suitable for early planting in greenhouses. The vegetative period is 65 days. The plant is quite strong and resistant to most diseases.

Andromeda F1

An early ripening variety, the ripening period of which is about 90 days. The maximum height of the bush is 70 centimeters. Fruit weight – up to 120 grams.

Sultan F1

A Dutch selection culture that is most often grown in open ground. It takes 70 days to mature. The weight of one tomato is 200 grams.

Samara F1

The hybrid has been released. Has early ripening periods. From one bush you can get up to 4.5 kilograms of vegetables. Their skin is glossy and quite dense, the taste of the pulp is pleasant. Tomatoes can be used both for salads and for canning.

Blagovest F1

A high-yielding crop, you can get up to 20 kilograms of vegetables per square meter. Up to 8 fruits are tied on one brush.

Search F1

Ideal for greenhouse conditions. You get a bucket or a little more vegetables per square meter. It is very important to tie up the bush, as it can reach a height of 1 meter.

Ilyich F1

Another great option for the Moscow region. The taste of tomatoes is very pleasant. You can make tomato juice or paste from them, and also add them to other dishes. The approximate weight of one vegetable is 150 grams.

Tomato Hybrid Tarasenko

This is where the confusion begins. The fact is that tomatoes under this name are not hybrids at all, but varieties! Moreover, they are quite interesting and popular, such as Hybrid Tarasenko, Yubileiny, Tomato Tarasenko. They were brought out by an amateur vegetable grower from the Sumy region, Feodosiy Tarasenko, a physics teacher who was fond of gardening. His track record includes about 50 varieties of tomatoes.

• How to avoid confusion and choose the right hybrid specifically for your conditions, read our convincing guide to choosing tomato varieties and hybrids.
• You can learn more about how F1 hybrids are made from our article >>>>>>
• Read all about growing tomatoes (tomatoes) in our selection of materials here >>>>>>>>>>

Photo for article: sugar series of tomatoes from SeDek company

Features of cultivation, planting and care

We recommend sowing tomato seeds Raspberry sockeye salmon for seedlings 70-75 days before the intended planting in the ground. Gnomes in seedlings do not stretch, this is a big plus. Caring for seedlings is no different from other varieties.

When planting seedlings in a permanent place per 1 sq. Place no more than 4 plants per meter of prepared area. Further care consists of timely watering, pinching (discussed above), fertilizing as necessary and preventive treatments against diseases and pests.

This is a natural variety of tomato. Therefore, we recommend taking seeds from a ripe fruit and using them for planting in subsequent seasons.

If you grew Raspberry Sockeye tomatoes, write whether you liked them or not. What was the yield and taste of the fruits like under your climatic conditions? If possible, attach a photo of your tomatoes to the comment.

Your reviews of the Raspberry Sockeye tomato and additions to the description will help many gardeners evaluate it objectively and decide whether to plant this tomato or not.

You can order seeds from our collectors now. Catalogs have been updated.