Tomato Larisa F1: description, reviews, photos, productivity, planting and care

Tomato Larisa is a well-known, popular first-generation Canadian hybrid. The plant is characterized by mid-ripening, medium height, and high productivity. In 2009, the crop was included in the Russian state register of breeding achievements and recommended for cultivation in open ground and greenhouse conditions. The originator of the hybrid variety Larisa is agro. Tomatoes are cultivated on an industrial scale with great success.

The brainchild of Canadian breeders is adapted for cultivation in the climatic conditions of Russia: in open ground - in the southern regions, under film covering - in the central regions

Pros and cons of Larisa tomatoes

Hybrid tomato Larisa is a strong plant with many positive characteristics. The plant is unpretentious, develops quickly, and produces a high-quality harvest of fruits of equal size. The advantages of Larisa tomatoes include:

• friendly emergence of seedlings and harvest yield;
• changes in temperature and humidity do not have a negative impact on plant development and fruit quality;
• abundant and long-lasting fruiting;
• are well stored and tolerate transportation;
• high setting in cool cloudy weather;
• resistance to Alternaria and tobacco mosaic.

Like all first-generation hybrids, tomato seeds of the Larisa F1 variety are not suitable for sowing next year, as they do not retain the characteristics of the mother plant. According to reviews from gardeners, the Larisa tomato hybrid has one drawback - the relatively high cost of seed material.

Landing in the ground

Young Spring tomatoes are transferred to a permanent place of growth when 6-7 leaves and one inflorescence appear on them. The beds are pre-fertilized with ordinary humus or a complex mineral mixture.

In order for the seedlings to quickly adapt to new conditions, they are hardened in advance:

• a week before planting, in the morning and evening, tomato sprouts are left for several hours at a cooler than usual temperature - taken out to a cold veranda or balcony, in warm spring weather - outside;
• gradually the “hardening” time is lengthened - tomatoes can spend the night at a temperature of 7-11 °C.

3-4 plants are placed per square meter (in ordinary beds, holes 30 cm deep are spaced 50-60 cm apart). After planting, the tomato bushes are carefully watered and mulched with sawdust or straw.

Optimal growing conditions

The hybrid tomato variety Larisa grows on almost any soil, but prefers light, moisture-intensive and breathable loams and sandstones with a high nutrient content. The root system of the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so a site for Larisa tomatoes should be selected with deep groundwater that is not subject to flooding. The Larisa tomato develops well on neutral soils; the pH level should not exceed 6.5. The area should be well lit and protected from strong winds; the best location is the south side.

Attention! The hybrid tomato Larisa develops normally and bears fruit in low light conditions.

Growing

You need to prepare the ground for the Larisa tomato in the fall. The best predecessors are legumes, carrots, radishes, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and wheat. The bad ones are cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes. The area is cleared of plant debris and dug up using a shovel. Organic fertilizers are added to the same depth - humus, peat, bird droppings, compost in an amount of 5 kg/m2.

In the spring, a week before planting the Larisa tomato variety, the soil is spilled with a hot solution of copper sulfate or copper oxychloride (1 tablespoon per bucket of water, consumption - 1-1.5 liters per m2). Then the soil is harrowed, carefully loosened 2-3 times to the depth of a fork, fertilizer is scattered and covered with a cultivator. Soil nutrition may contain organic fertilizers or consist of complex mineral fertilizers:

• 1 kg of bird droppings, 1.5 kg of wood ash, 20-25 g of ammonium sulfate per 1 m2;
• 55 g of superphosphate, 20 g of ammonium nitrate, 15 g of potassium chloride per m2.

It is important not to overdo it with the amount of fertilizer; you need to choose one of the options.

Advice! It is undesirable to use manure to fertilize tomatoes - the plant will begin to “fatten” and actively grow tops, inhibiting the development of fruits.

The greenhouse must be disinfected before planting the Larisa tomato. If it has a wooden frame, then you can use fumigation with sulfur and spraying with copper sulfate. A greenhouse with a metal frame is treated with a solution of bleach (400 g per bucket of water, leave for 4-5 hours), and tightly closed for 2-3 days. Before planting Larisa tomatoes, the soil is also disinfected with Bordeaux mixture, vitriol, or spilled with boiling water.

Advice! The break between planting tomatoes in one place should be 3-4 years. In the case of constant cultivation of a crop in one greenhouse, along with disinfection of the room, it is recommended to change the soil annually.

Growing seedlings

Hybrid Larisa tomato seeds are sown for seedlings 55-65 days before planting in open ground or a greenhouse. The specific date is calculated by counting 65 days from the expected last frost. To obtain high-quality tomato seedlings, it is necessary to create conditions in which the crops will develop best:

• sufficient lighting is necessary so that the seedlings do not stretch;
• if necessary, you can use additional lighting with lamps;
• high humidity - seedlings should be sprayed several times a day or use humidifiers;
• temperature regime – during the day + 18-25 ˚С, at night + 12-15 ˚С.

The seeds of Larisa hybrid tomatoes do not require preliminary disinfection, bubbling, or stratification - they have already undergone all the necessary processing at the factory. To germinate, tomato seeds are placed on gauze or cloth, covered and moistened. The container with the seeds is kept in the light at a temperature of 20-30 ° C, keeping the fabric moist. Periodically, the tissue is lifted, allowing access to oxygen. To speed up the germination of Larisa tomato seeds, you can add a little growth stimulator “Heteroauxin”, “Kornevin”, “Epin” or fresh aloe juice to the water.

The soil for planting Larisa tomato seedlings needs to be disinfected:

• bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at a temperature of 180-200˚C;
• place in a pot with a drainage hole and pour boiling water over it;
• treat with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.

After these procedures, at least 10 days must pass before sowing so that the soil can “rest” and beneficial bacteria appear in it.

Tomato seedlings are grown in low boxes, cups, peat tablets - each gardener has his own favorite method. Larisa tomato seeds are planted in pre-watered soil to a depth of 1 cm, lightly sprinkled with earth, and covered with film. Water the seedlings as the soil dries. Feed 5 times:

1. With the appearance of the first true leaf, water with a solution of Agricola-Forward liquid fertilizer (1 tsp per 1 liter of water).
2. At the stage of the appearance of the third leaf, watering is carried out with a solution of the drug “Effekton” (1 tbsp. L per 1 L of water).
3. 10-12 days after picking - 1 tbsp. l. nitroammophoskas are diluted in a bucket of water. Product consumption – 1 glass for 2 pots.
4. 2 weeks after transplanting into large pots, dissolve 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. l. potassium sulfate and superphosphate. 1 tbsp is poured under one plant. liquids.
5. After another 2 weeks, prepare a solution from 1 tbsp. l. nitrophoska and 10 l. water. Consumption – 1 tbsp. for one bush.

With the appearance of 3 true leaves, tomato seedlings are plucked - transplanted into small pots, discarding weak plants. After 3 weeks, Larisa tomato seedlings need to be transplanted into large pots.

Landing rules

Successful cultivation of the Larisa tomato largely depends on the choice of planting date. The seedlings are transferred to open ground after the end of spring frosts - in early June. Work is carried out in cloudy weather or at the end of the day. The classic scheme for planting tomatoes is in 2 rows with a row spacing of 50-60 cm, between plants in a row of 40-45 cm.

Seedlings are transferred to heated greenhouses at the end of April, to unheated ones in mid-May, and under film covers in the last ten days of May.

Transplanting Larisa tomatoes to a permanent place occurs in the following order:

• water the seedlings generously and leave for half an hour - this makes it easier to remove them from the pot;
• dig holes 15 cm deep, pour a handful of humus or vermicompost into them, and water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
• planting material is placed vertically in the ground, only the roots with a lump of earth are buried;
• plants are sprinkled with soil, compacted, mulched;
• install supports;
• For preventive purposes, plantings can be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture.

After the end of the activities, tomato seedlings are left alone for 8-10 days to take root in a new place. After this period, the plantings are watered for the first time.

Watering and fertilizing

Proper care of Larisa tomato seedlings after planting in the ground is an important condition for obtaining a good harvest. You need to water the bushes as the soil dries out. Water should be poured under the roots of the tomatoes, being careful not to get on the leaves. The sprinkling method should not be used; this can lead to shedding of flowers and delayed development of ovaries. During the period of fruit formation and ripening, the need for liquid in tomatoes increases. Watering should be done once every 2-3 days. After each watering, you need to loosen the soil to a depth of 5 cm and remove weeds. Hilling is an important event that improves the development of the root system of tomatoes, plant nutrition, and serves to enrich the soil with oxygen.

Advice! To reduce watering and accelerate the ripening of fruits of the Larisa variety, the soil between the rows needs to be mulched.

During cultivation, Larisa tomatoes are fed 4 times:

1. 3 weeks after planting in the ground, each plant is watered with 0.5 liters of solution: 1 tbsp. l. liquid fertilizer "Ideal" and 1 tbsp. l. nitrophoskas are diluted in a bucket of water.
2. With the blossoming of the 2nd flower cluster, each bush is watered with 1 liter of a mixture prepared from 1 tbsp. l. Agricola-Vegeta fertilizer, 1 tsp. potassium sulfate and 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate diluted in 10 liters of water.
3. With the blooming of the 3rd flower cluster, you need to prepare fertilizer: 1 tbsp. l. liquid sodium humate and 1 tbsp. l. Dilute nitrophoska in a bucket of water. For each m2, 5 liters of composition should be used.
4. The last feeding is carried out after 2 weeks. 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate is diluted in 10 liters of water, this volume is consumed per 1 m2.

Poor soils are fed every 2 weeks; you can use both mineral fertilizers and organic matter. Larisa tomatoes respond well to an infusion of bird droppings. To prepare a concentrated solution, fill any container halfway with bird droppings, add water to the top and leave for 3 days. Then dilute with water in a ratio of 1:15, pour 3 liters of solution under each bush.

When using inorganic fertilizers, nitrogen content should be minimized. For example, dilute in 10 liters of water:

• 20 g nitrogen;
• 40 g phosphorus;
• 15 g potassium;
• 10 g magnesium.

Apply 0.5 liters of solution to each Larisa tomato bush. All of the above solutions can be fed to plants leaf by leaf - their effect occurs faster than when applied to the roots.

Pinching and tying

Timely gartering is an important condition for obtaining a good harvest. It is easier for tied bushes to withstand fruits that become heavier every day, and they are convenient to care for. As a support for the Larisa tomato, stakes 1 m high are preferred; the garter material should consist of natural fibers - gardeners often use strips of cotton fabric. Larisa tomato bushes are tied up after the formation of 4-5 leaves. During the entire growth period, the plant is tied up 3-4 times, picking it up under a brush with fruits.

Larisa tomatoes are planted after the appearance of the first flower cluster, removing the sprouts in the axils below the inflorescence. This technique allows the plant to direct all its forces to ripening the crop. In place of a severed stepson, a new one often grows, so Larisa tomato bushes need to be regularly inspected and unwanted shoots should be plucked off in a timely manner.

Formation

Determinate tomato Larisa is formed into 2 and 3 stems; the double-stem form is more popular. In 2 stems, a bush is formed, leaving a stepson located below the first fruit cluster; in 3, another stepson is selected, located lower, but stronger. Subsequently, the main and side stems are pinched after the formation of 6-8 inflorescences. A Larisa tomato bush can be formed into 2 stems even at the stage of growing seedlings - pinch the top above the second true leaf. Then 2 shoots will emerge from the axils of the first and second leaves, which will subsequently form a 2-stem bush.

Protection from diseases and pests

The hybrid tomato Larisa is highly resistant to diseases. However, preventive measures must be taken. A healthy plant is less at risk of getting sick, so you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology and crop rotation, avoid stagnation of moisture, and feed the bushes on time. Regular treatments will help prevent infection:

• fungicides “Fitosporin”, “Gamair”, “Alirin-B”;
• growth stimulants "Epin-Extra", "Zircon", "Novosil".

In order to combat harmful insects and fungal diseases, it is recommended to plant marigolds, garlic, basil, thyme, nasturtiums, cilantro, dill, parsley, and peppermint in the row spaces.

Biological products “Verticillin”, “Actofit” or insecticides “Tanrek”, “Break” will help get rid of harmful insects. It should be remembered that the use of pesticides should be stopped 20 days before harvest.

Characteristics and description of the tomato hybrid Barberry

The Barberry tomato is characterized by high taste. This variety of tomatoes is characterized by abundant fruiting. The fruits can be collected until autumn. Thanks to their positive characteristics, mini-tomatoes of the Barberry variety have gained popularity among summer residents and gardeners.

Characteristics of the variety

Barberry F1 tomatoes are early ripening varieties. From the moment of planting until the appearance of the first fruits, no more than 95 days will pass. The height of an adult plant reaches two meters. The fruits grow in large clusters, like grapes. You can count up to 70 tomatoes on one powerful brush. The first tomato cluster is formed above the fifth or sixth leaf. The leaves are of normal shape and sticky.

On one bush, as a rule, from three to five clusters are formed, densely overgrown with tomatoes. Tomatoes have high yields - this is an important characteristic.

Description of the fruit

The description of the fruit should begin with the shape. Cherry Barberry is distinguished by small, elongated oval-shaped fruits of a rich red color. These tomatoes are called cherry tomatoes. Tomatoes have smooth, dense skin. The weight of one tomato does not exceed 20 grams.

Tomatoes of this variety can be consumed fresh; they have a very pleasant sweetish taste. The fruit contains about 8% sugar. They can be used to decorate dishes. You can also make preparations for the winter from Barberry tomatoes. Small fruits are well suited for whole-fruit canning.

How to grow tomatoes

Hybrid Barberry is intended for growing in a greenhouse. Seeds for seedlings are planted two months before they are transferred to the greenhouse. This period falls on the end of March - beginning of April. For successful germination, you will need to maintain the temperature between 23 and 25 degrees. Seedlings are planted in protected soil in mid-May. In areas with warm climates, planting in open ground is acceptable. This is done in June. No more than three bushes are planted per square meter.

The bushes of the hybrid tomato Barberry grow very tall, so they will need to be tied up, otherwise they may break under the weight of the fruit. The procedure for caring for tomatoes includes daily watering and regular fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. It is necessary to water the bushes at the root. The bushes will also need to be loosened and hilled.

Plants of the Barberry variety are used for decorative purposes. Tall barberry bushes are used in vertical gardening. They decorate walls, gazebos, fences, pergolas.

Ideal variety for greenhouses

Barberry variety tomatoes are ideal for growing in greenhouse conditions. Due to the fact that the bushes are not spreading, but grow vertically upward, they do not take up much space. In this way, the entire space can be distributed efficiently.

You should not reduce the distance between the bushes, this will lead to a decrease in yield. It is better to leave no more than 0.6 meters between rows. The greenhouse must be located in a well-lit place. All tomato varieties are light-loving. Due to lack of light, they ripen poorly and become tasteless.

In order for tomatoes to be well pollinated in greenhouse conditions, it is necessary to maintain air humidity within 65%. Artificial pollination can be used.

How to feed tomatoes

Even if the soil in the greenhouses was well prepared and fertilized before planting the seedlings, the plants must be fed periodically. This procedure will increase productivity. It is better not to use chemicals as fertilizers.

Fertilizer for Barberry variety tomatoes is prepared as follows:

• prepare a large container;
• one part of the manure is placed in the container;
• add ten parts of water;
• mix well;
• leave to ripen.

The fertilizer will be ready in two days, then the slurry must be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1. One liter is poured under each bush. The first feeding is carried out 10 days after planting the seeds, the second - after the second cluster opens and the ovary forms. The plant is fertilized the third time after the first harvest.

The Barberry variety can be grown in regions with any climate. This universal variety has many advantages, first of all, high yield, which has gained popularity among gardeners. Reviews from summer residents are predominantly positive.