What you need to know about growing Mongolian dwarf tomatoes?

• Vegetables

07.01.2021 11526
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The Mongolian dwarf tomato is a unique and unusual variety. This is a variety of amateur selection; little is known about its origin and the exact date of appearance of the variety is not known. But for several years now the controversy surrounding it has not subsided. The uniqueness of the Mongolian dwarf lies in its characteristics: it is super early, unpretentious, and at the same time, productive and tasty. A peculiarity of the variety is that the trunk of the bush at a height of 20 cm begins to bend sharply downwards. The stepsons also tend to the ground, resulting in a low creeping bush.

Unfortunately, despite having such positive qualities, the Mongolian dwarf tomato is not yet very common among summer residents. This is probably due to the lack of seeds in garden stores; they can only be ordered from private collectors.

Therefore, when the opportunity arose, we purchased the seeds of this legendary variety for our team. Our first growing experience did not please us. At the end of the season, most of the plants became infected with late blight, and the taste of the ripened tomatoes was not impressive. But when harvesting the bushes, it became obvious that the variety’s potential yield is high; a large number of ovaries have formed on the plants. This is a feature of the variety - the fruits are located under the leaves and are not very noticeable. Therefore, it was decided to give the variety another chance. The second season of growing Mongolian dwarf tomatoes turned out to be successful, we all really liked the variety. After two years of cultivation, it is already possible to draw conclusions about the characteristics of the variety, so we decided to give our feedback on the characteristics and yield of the Mongolian Dwarf tomato.

Origin of the Mongolian dwarf

It is believed that this tomato variety was bred by Russian breeders from Novosibirsk. At the moment, it is not yet listed in the state register of breeding plants. This is due to the fact that its seeds are not so easy to acquire. However, such seeds are sold on many specialized Internet resources and vegetable markets.

Mongolian dwarf is an undemanding plant. It can grow in northern regions from late spring to early autumn, as well as in dry areas.

Tomatoes "Mongolian Dwarf" are the shortest growing

Mongolian Dwarf tomato seeds are difficult to acquire

Mongolian dwarf tomatoes can reach a weight of 200 g

What makes the variety unique?

Until recently, Mongolian dwarf seeds were difficult to find and buy; they were purchased secondhand from friends. Now, thanks to popular recognition, this has ceased to be a problem. Mongolian dwarf seeds are produced by the following: “Ural summer resident”, “Partner”, etc.

Over the past few years, many well-known companies have begun to produce Mongolian dwarf seeds.

Such love for a variety that is still considered amateur is not without reason. Let's figure out why he is so interesting.

Description and characteristics of low-growing tomato

Before choosing this variety for planting on your summer cottage, you need to understand its characteristics and features. We'll talk about this further.

Appearance

This is currently the shortest growing tomato. The height of the bush does not exceed 30 cm, which does not negatively affect the size of the fruit.

The bush spreads along the ground, forming new stepsons. As a result, the width of the bush can reach 1 meter or more. The leaves are narrow with a strong edge. There are many small leaves on the bush.

The stems are thin and fragile. The root system is shallow, but it is enough to hold the bush during strong winds. The fruits are collected in clusters.

Basic qualities of fruits

Despite the fact that the bushes are not tall, the fruits of the Mongolian dwarf weigh up to 200 grams, which is a good indicator. The variety is early ripening, so the fruits are not affected by late blight if properly cared for.

The bright red fruits are dense and juicy inside. The taste is not much different from regular tomatoes. We can say that the taste is standard “tomato”. You can collect up to 10 kg of quality tomatoes from a bush.

Advantages and disadvantages

As practice shows, the Mongolian dwarf grows well in the eastern and southeastern regions of Russia, where the summer is short. However, before deciding to plant in a particular area, it is best to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of a given variety. Let's start with the pros:

• high yield of the bush;
• there is no need to tie and pin;
• there is no need to create special conditions for cultivation, it can grow in a greenhouse in an open-air garden bed - a universal variety, resistant to temperature changes;
• does not like excess moisture;
• bears fruit until late autumn;
• due to its precocity, the dwarf is slightly susceptible to late blight;
• low bushes withstand strong winds well and do not break.

Every variety has its drawbacks. Although the Mongolian dwarf has few of them, they still exist:

• grows poorly in acidic and heavy soils, as well as in areas with a humid and hot climate;
• the initial growth phase is very long. At first, the plant does not show any growth, and then rapid growth in breadth begins;
• This variety is not yet in state registers, so you won’t be able to buy it at the nearest seed store.

Features, differences from other varieties

It is not difficult to distinguish Mongolian dwarf from other tomatoes. The height of the bush cannot exceed 50 cm. The main trunk, reaching a height of 20 cm, begins to bend sharply downwards, which is a specific feature of the variety. Stepchildren grow from the main trunk and also spread along the ground.

This variety can tolerate long-term lack of watering, but you should not abuse it. Before planting, mulch the soil. In addition, as noted earlier, harvesting can be carried out until late autumn, when the first frost occurs.

The fruits are slightly susceptible to spoilage; even lying on the ground covered with leaves, they retain their properties for a long time, do not crack and do not rot.

Advantages and disadvantages, features, differences from other varieties

The very description of the Mongolian Dwarf variety indicates that interest in it should be high. Indeed, this tomato has quite a large number of advantages. This is for example:

• high degree of adaptation to harsh climatic conditions;
• drought resistance;
• ease of care: no need to form and tie up bushes;
• very early harvest ripening;
• duration of fruiting;
• high resistance to late blight;
• the possibility of growing without seedlings in warm regions;
• transportability and good keeping quality of fruits;
• large-fruited, uncharacteristic of super-determinate varieties;
• high yield.

The variety also has disadvantages. Gardeners especially often complain about the following:

• the difficulty of acquiring real seeds of this variety;
• a sharp decrease in yield in conditions of high humidity;
• negative attitude of the plant to heavy soils;
• not very high taste qualities of the fruit.

Since the Mongolian dwarf is intended for open ground in cold regions, where there have always been big problems with growing tomatoes, it should be recognized that the ratio of the pros and cons of the variety still indicates its high prospects: with such high productivity and unpretentiousness, the noted disadvantages fade into the background. It is difficult to even remember another widespread variety that has similar properties.

Among the early varieties, for example, White filling with fruits of a similar shape, but smaller in size, has long been considered revered. However, it is not entirely appropriate to compare these tomatoes: they differ greatly both in the shape of the bush and in consumer qualities.

Recently, many varieties and hybrids of tomatoes have appeared, which are also early and super-determinate. These are, for example, Alpha, Gina, Aphrodite, Sanka, etc. These are varieties that bear tomatoes of a similar shape and color to the Mongolian dwarf, are quite high-yielding and ripen early. However, most similar varieties grow to at least half a meter in height, and only the dwarf spreads along the ground. Whether this is considered an advantage is a moot point, but the fact that the Mongolian dwarf arouses increased interest is beyond doubt.

Features of growing and planting early species

The dwarf was originally intended for cultivation in the eastern regions of Russia, but as practice has shown, due to its unpretentiousness, the Mongolian dwarf is successfully cultivated in other regions. It is not recommended to plant this variety in areas with high humidity. The growing technology is not much different from the growing technology of other varieties.

Seedling and non-seedling growing methods

The Mongolian Dwarf variety is grown by seedlings and seeds. The seedless method is used in the southern regions of the country. 5-6 seeds are placed in a hole. After 2-3 leaves appear, the ground is broken through. After which only strong plants are left.

In places with more severe conditions, sowing with seedlings is used. Seeds are germinated in a pot or greenhouse at home. The seeds are sown so early that in May the bush can be planted in the garden at the beginning of flowering, and by the end of June the first harvest can be obtained.

Use slightly acidic sandy soil. Such soil is sold in gardening stores. The soil is suitable for nightshade or any vegetable crops. You can also fertilize such soil yourself.

To harvest a good harvest, you should follow a number of recommendations:

• in the fall, the beds for planting tomatoes need to be thoroughly plowed;
• per 1 square meter in early spring the following is added: 50 g of superphosphate, 20 g of ammonium sulfate, 25 g of potassium salt;
• pre-treat the seeds;
• plant seedlings and grow them according to the recommendations;
• Properly care for tomato bushes.

Preparing and planting seeds

Before sowing, the seeds must be treated. First you need to pay attention to the expiration date of the seeds. The Mongolian dwarf has a shelf life of 2 years.

Calibrate the seeds and treat them with a disinfectant solution. A mixture of aloe juice and 1% potassium permanganate is suitable as such a solution. Next, pre-soaking and germination are carried out.

Rules for planting and caring for seedlings

The process of sowing seeds for seedlings consists of several stages:

• soil is poured into the container, which is previously disinfected;
• make grooves or holes about 1 cm deep. If the seeds were germinated in advance, then the holes and grooves need to be watered;
• sow seeds in previously created depressions at a distance of 1-2 cm;
• sprinkle with earth and water;
• The container with soil and seeds is covered with polyethylene and placed in a warm place (25-30 degrees) until shoots appear. Usually the first shoots appear after 5-6 days.

You may find our other article useful - “How to grow tomato seedlings: useful recommendations.”

You need to water with warm, pre-settled water as the soil dries out. When 2-3 leaves appear, the plant is transplanted into separate pots. Seedlings that are 45 to 60 days old are planted in the beds. Typically, such seedlings already have 7-8 leaves.

Rules for planting seedlings in open ground

Planting is carried out in a place well lit by the sun, protected from the winds. A week before planting seedlings, the beds prepared in the fall are treated with magnesium sulfate and fertilizers are added. It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• plant seedlings in 2 rows, leaving a distance of 50-60 cm between plants and rows;
• seedlings are planted 2-3 cm deeper than they grew in containers;
• Before planting and after, water the soil with water at room temperature;
• 3 days after planting, water the seedlings again;
• Plant more sprouts in place of the dead ones;
• it is necessary to mulch the holes with straw;
• This variety does not require tying, but pegs can be installed.

Planting in a greenhouse

Mongolian dwarf is usually grown in open areas. Those who want to grow it in a greenhouse can do this, but it is important to remember that the yield directly depends on quality ventilation. This is due to the fact that this variety does not like increased moisture and the crop may simply die from its excess.

The greenhouse will need to be opened on warm days, because excess heat also negatively affects the yield of the dwarf. This must be taken into account if other varieties are growing in the greenhouse, which, on the contrary, need a lot of heat and moisture.

It makes no sense to occupy the entire greenhouse with just a Mongolian dwarf. In addition, the beds in the greenhouse must be wide enough, since bushes of this variety spread along the ground. Otherwise, growing Mongolian dwarf in a greenhouse is no different from growing other varieties of tomatoes. You just need to follow the recommendations mentioned above.

Advice from experienced specialists

Caring for Mongolian dwarf seedlings is not at all difficult, but it is recommended to follow certain recommendations:

• 10 days after planting, it is necessary to water with a 2% solution of potassium permanganate to prevent late blight infection;
• the beds should be made a little higher than for other varieties of tomatoes, because Mongolian dwarf creeps along the ground, otherwise higher beds will reduce soil contamination of the stems and leaves;
• The plant should be watered moderately, because the dwarf does not like abundant moisture;
• Experienced vegetable growers recommend placing black film or planks under tomatoes to reduce the likelihood of fruit spoilage by soil pests.

Growing methods

Tomatoes "Mongol dwarf" can be grown in 2 ways - without seedlings and seedlings.

The first option is suitable for the southern regions of the country. In this case, 5-6 seeds are sown in one hole and wait until the first seedlings with 2-3 true leaves appear. After this, you need to leave the strongest of them.

In regions that have short and cold summers, it is better to sow “Dwarf Mongolian” seeds first in seedling pots, and then plant hardened and strong seedlings in open ground. The optimal sowing period here is late March - early April.

It’s interesting to know: to get an earlier harvest of tomatoes, the seeds of the “Mongol Dwarf” variety can be sown directly in a greenhouse, having first made a so-called “warm bed” by laying a bedding of manure inside the bed. During the process of rotting, the manure will release some heat, sufficient for the seedlings to grow well. But a prerequisite is the presence of a fairly voluminous surface layer of soil above the layer of manure, the thickness of which should be at least 30 cm.

Feedings and their quantity

You should limit yourself to feeding at the roots, because it is advisable not to wet the tomato leaves too much. Before fertilizing, the bushes are watered with water. Feeding is done according to the following schedule:

• the first is carried out 2 weeks after planting in the garden;
• the next time the plant is fed before the fruit appears;
• the third is carried out 2 weeks later.

Fertilizers are diluted in 10 liters of water:

• ammonium nitrate 20 g;
• phosphorus-containing fertilizers 80 g;
• potash fertilizers 50 g.

To increase the yield you can use the following additives:

• Dissolve 0.5 manure in a bucket of water.
• 0.5 liters of manure infusion, 2 tablespoons of phosphorus-containing fertilizers, 1 tablespoon of potassium fertilizers are diluted in 10 liters of water. Phosphorus-containing fertilizers are soaked in advance, because it does not dissolve well.
• Add 0.5 liters of manure, 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate, 7 grams of boric acid to 10 liters of water. 1.5 liters of the prepared solution is applied to each plant.
• Ash solution is also very popular. 200 g of ash per 10 liters. Infuses for 2 days. This feeding will contain many microelements.
• You can use ready-made supplements sold in stores.
• Recently, “green feeding” has become popular. For 200 liters of water take 1 kg of ash, 0.5 kg of manure, 2 liters of whey, 100 g of yeast and fresh grass. The liquid should completely cover the greens. The contents are mixed daily for 2 weeks. When the fertilizer is ready, grass is placed under each plant when mulching, and the liquid is used for watering - 0.5 liters for each bush. Sugar can be used instead of yeast. Take 150 g of sugar per 3 liters of water and leave for 3 days. This mash is added instead of baker's yeast.

Cow or chicken manure is used. It is better to feed before sunrise or after sunset, otherwise the fertilizer may dry out. If tomatoes grow in a greenhouse, then the bushes are fed before sunrise and after feeding the greenhouse should be ventilated.

Bush shape

The first feature that catches your eye when you see the Mongolian dwarf is the unusual shape of the bush. Its height is no more than 20-30 cm (after the appearance of the 7th inflorescence, growth usually stops), but its width can reach up to 1 m in diameter. Such an original “spider” is formed thanks to the many stepsons coming from literally every leaf axil. Stepchildren grow almost horizontally, creating a tomato ground cover. Each stepson later bears 4-5 fairly large tomatoes. Accordingly, the Mongolian dwarf variety is not planted - otherwise there is a risk of being left without fruit!

Also in the description of the Mongolian dwarf tomato there is the following characteristic: the variety is not tied up. Everything is very simple here. The central vertical stem of the bush, before the formation of horizontal stepsons, is very short, no more than 10-15 cm. Such a short stem is not necessary, and it is almost impossible to place it on a support.

In the photo below you can see how spreading the Mongolian dwarf tomato grows:

The Mongolian dwarf tomato bush consists of many stepson branches on a short central stem

Reviews

★★★★★
Valentina Vasilievna, 65 years old, pensioner, Moscow region. Last year I planted a Mongolian dwarf in a greenhouse for testing.
He did not get the best place, near the northern wall in the shade. I didn’t take special care of him. I was very surprised when I collected a decent harvest from its bushes. The fruits weighed 120-150 grams. At first they were sour, but after sitting for a while they became sweeter. A very tenacious variety. I recommend. ★★★★★
Angelina Mikhailovna, 58 years old, summer resident, Chelyabinsk. I really liked the dwarf.
Last year I planted it for the first time and decided that next year I will plant it again. It is a small bush and can be planted among other tall varieties. The tomatoes grew tasty and beautiful in color. ★★★★★
Alexey, 37 years old, dentist, Belozerka. This variety is very tenacious.
It always grows well for me because I use my own planting material, collected in the fall. I fertilize with nitrogen and never fertilize. The yields are decent. Hide

Add your review

The Mongolian dwarf is an ideal choice for beginning gardeners because... it is very easy to grow. This variety is unpretentious, the harvest can be harvested from May to October, and the taste of its fruits is not inferior to other varieties. However, experienced gardeners will also enjoy it. This variety is well suited for growing in areas that are unsuitable for other varieties.

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Pest Control

During the growing process, the tomato may suffer from insect attacks. The most common pests are described below.

Slugs

Mongolian dwarf is in most cases grown spread out, so its fruits are directly on the soil, attracting slugs. To control pests, you can use traditional methods and chemicals.

Slugs are close relatives of snails. They move along the surface of the earth using a kind of leg. They leave behind a clearly visible trail of mucus. With a tongue resembling a tiny grater, they scrape off the pulp of tomatoes. In one season, in the absence of treatment, 3-4 generations of slugs can hatch.

With a small number of pests, mechanical control measures can be used. To do this, pieces of boards or cardboard are laid out between the rows. After a night out, slugs use them as shelter. Detected pests are simply collected and destroyed.

Of the folk methods against slugs, the most effective is a mixture of pepper, ash and salt. All components are mixed in equal proportions. The finished mixture simply crumbles over the surface of the beds.

Slugs do not like mechanical barriers. They make a kind of border around the perimeter of the bed. The most effective:

• a layer of crushed shell rock,
• gravel.
• eggshell.

The following chemicals are used to kill slugs:

• "Slug Eater"
• "Thunder",
• "Meta".

They use metaldehyde as an active ingredient. Even prolonged rains do not affect the effectiveness of these products.

Aphid

Aphids are a widespread sucking pest. A characteristic sign of its appearance is twisted, deformed leaves. If the leaves are straightened, aphid clusters are found on the inner surface. When the pest population is small, treatments with a solution of ordinary laundry soap are effective. In most cases, a single spray is sufficient.

With a larger number of aphids, it is impossible to do without the use of chemicals. You can use the following medications:

• Aktara,
• Alatar,
• Fufanon.

Dilution rates and rules for their use are indicated in the annotations.

Spider mite

In hot, dry years, there may be a massive spread of spider mites. To destroy it, it is necessary to use special acaricide preparations. Due to biological features, the use of insecticides is ineffective. To combat spider mites use:

• Aktellik,
• Fitoverm.

Treatment is carried out twice with an interval of 10 days.

Weather resistance

The Mongolian dwarf was originally bred for cultivation in regions with short and cold summers. But it quickly became clear that this variety of Siberian selection performs well in hot, dry climates.

When other tomatoes drop their ovaries due to high temperatures, Mongol dwarf holds on to the old ones and sets new fruits. This is because the flowers and ovaries are hidden under thick leaves. And even in extreme heat, Mongolian dwarf tomatoes do not bake or crack.

The variety also adapts well to cold. Therefore, its seedlings can be planted in OG earlier than other tomatoes. Even with a sharp cold snap, this miracle of Siberian selection does not shed its flowers and continues to set ovaries.

Reference:

But the Mongolian dwarf does not like dampness. In rainy, cold summers, its fruits become sour.

Features of care

Unpretentiousness in care is the main characteristic of the variety, which is why beginning gardeners love it.

To prevent the fruits from lying on the ground and remaining clean, straw, hay are laid under the branches, or mulched with a film in which holes are cut. Some gardeners consider this unnecessary, since the fruits lie on lush branches, like on a substrate.

Watering

Overwatering of soil is harmful for the Mongolian dwarf. It tolerates drought well, but can suffer from excess moisture. It is enough to water the tomatoes once a week. However, this is conditional and depends on the weather and growing zone.

Stepping and bush formation

Such a popular procedure among gardeners as pinching is not carried out for the Mongolian dwarf tomato variety. All shoots are left. In rare cases, shoots that thicken the bush too much are removed, but this procedure is not necessary.

The stems are very fragile and brittle, so the bushes are not tied to supports. On the one hand, this makes the work of gardeners easier, on the other hand, it causes inconvenience. The fruits end up lying on the ground under their own weight. After rain they are often splashed with mud. However, the variety is resistant to decay, so a long stay on the ground does not affect its quality.

If the dwarf is grown in a bucket or tub, then you need to think about supports for the branches, otherwise the bush may break.

Fertilizers

Feeding is carried out according to the schedule:

• The first is 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in the ground.
• The second is before fruit setting.
• The third - 2 weeks after the second.

Any complex fertilizer is used strictly according to the instructions. Fertilizers based on ash, chicken manure, and cow manure are also used.

Harvesting and storage

The first harvest can be harvested at the end of June. The variety bears fruit all summer, until the first frost.

Productivity is high. The shoots are covered with fruits. Each bush produces up to 8-10 kg of fruit per season. The first tomatoes are large, up to 200 gr. The fruits of the second wave of the harvest are slightly smaller and weigh an average of 75 grams.

Mongolian dwarf tomatoes are good for storage and transportation.

Disembarkation

Taking into account the fact that the Mongolian dwarf is a creeping variety, bushes should not be planted often - at a distance of 60 or even 80 cm.

In open ground

Mongolian dwarf is primarily a tomato for planting in open ground. Its advantages include resistance to winds due to its low stature. However, tomatoes are picky when it comes to soil. Tomato seedlings do not grow well in clay soil. In this case, when preparing a hole for a seedling, sand is added to the clay.

The seedlings are planted in the hole after watering. You can plant it in dry soil and water it later. It is recommended to apply superphosphate fertilizers. This can be done when planting directly into the hole (10 grams per each).

After planting, the seedlings are watered and left for a week. Tomatoes require abundant but not frequent watering.

To the greenhouse

Planting Mongolian dwarf tomatoes in a greenhouse is a rather irrational activity. The fact is that one bush occupies too large an area. For greenhouses, indeterminate varieties are chosen primarily. They grow upward, they are formed into one stem, and space in the greenhouse is used sparingly.

However, if the area allows, the seedlings are planted as early as April. The difference with open ground in terms of planting time is 1-1.5 months.

In a greenhouse, you can try to grow a dwarf “in the legs” - the bottom layer under the tomatoes, which grow in one stem.

Disease resistance

Producers of Mongolian dwarf seeds position the variety as resistant to late blight. This is because it manages to produce a harvest before the period of mass late blight infection. The variety is early, so you can harvest the first tomatoes in June, and the main harvest in July, while late blight usually begins in August.

Moreover, if with the help of preventive treatments it is possible to “slip through” late blight, the Mongolian dwarf will bear fruit right up to the very cold weather.

The situation is somewhat aggravated by the fact that the branches with fruits bend too low to the ground. The risk of tomatoes rotting and all sorts of fungal infections increases. To reduce risks, the soil under the bushes should be mulched - with dry straw, sawdust, cardboard, spunbond, etc.

One more nuance: low-lying Mongolian dwarf tomatoes are easily damaged by caterpillars, slugs, and snails, which you will have to fight - best by mechanical methods (for example, scattering broken eggshells between the beds) or bio-insecticides.

Mongolian dwarf bushes mulched with straw

Diseases and pests

It is believed that the Mongolian dwarf is quite resistant to disease.
At the same time, some gardeners do not recommend this variety for planting in regions where there is a high probability of late blight infection. Late blight is a fungal disease that can be recognized by the appearance of brown spots on both the leaves of the plant and the fruits. Also, the plant becomes covered with a white coating.

This disease develops in places with high humidity and insufficient air. The disease can destroy crops and plants in a matter of days. To combat the disease, preventive treatment is carried out. Fitosporin, Trichodermin and other drugs are suitable for treatment.

Harvest and storage

The Dwarf harvest begins in June and continues until the second ten days of September. Maximum fruiting occurs in August. To speed up the ripening of tomatoes on the bush, it is useful to harvest the fruits in a timely manner. Tomatoes have a short shelf life. Dwarf fruits are consumed fresh or prepared as sauce, pasta, vegetable dishes, or canned.

Experienced gardeners recommend cutting off the foliage on the stems until they are completely bare, so that the fruits of the Mongolian dwarf are fully ripened.

Dwarf Mongolian tomatoes, according to the description, are optimally suited for growing outdoors in central Russia. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology with resistance to late blight and minimal care - no pinching or staking required - will be rewarded with a yield of up to 10 kg per bush.