Tomato Sensei: characteristics, variety description, reviews

Why are early ripening and determinate varieties leading?

Well, what summer resident doesn’t dream of being the first to harvest a bountiful harvest of ripe, juicy and delicious tomatoes in order to show them off to his neighbors? It is quite possible to realize this desire by planting early or mid-ripening tomatoes in a greenhouse or in an open garden bed, but when doing this, you should remember their small disadvantages:

• As a rule, such varieties do not have high yields if they grow in the open air.
• They do not have that beloved sugar content that is present in later varieties of tomatoes. This is understandable, it is under the gentle sun that this amazing sweet and sour taste of tomatoes appears, and where can you get the abundance of its rays under the film of a greenhouse or under a still cool spring sky.
• Early varieties of tomatoes are not very tall and grow to a maximum of 25-30 cm.
• Their fruits are small in size.

This is how mid-season and early varieties of tomatoes are generally characterized, but not the Sensei tomato. Although it belongs to the standard and mid-season species, it is devoid of their shortcomings, and the reason for this is its origin.

Creation of the variety and scope of application

It's nice when a great harvest is achieved with a minimum of effort. As reviews from summer residents characterize the Sensei tomato, it is an unpretentious variety that does not require special attention. We need to thank agro breeders from Novosibirsk for this.

Scientists have tried to develop a variety that will live well in most regions of Russia, produce a high yield both in a greenhouse and in the open air, and have incredibly tasty and fairly large fruits.

Everyone who left reviews about the Sensei tomato variety assures that it is excellent in salads and in the preparation of first and second courses, dietary foods and natural juices.

Useful video

Watch the video: proven tomato varieties for the northern regions

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

Description of the plant

A special feature of this variety is its ability to adapt to environmental conditions. So, in a greenhouse, Sensei tomatoes (photo below) grow up to one and a half meters in height, while in open ground conditions - less than one.

The bushes of these tomatoes are compact, which is an extremely useful quality in a small greenhouse. As the description of the variety made by the producers themselves points out about the Sensei tomato, it cannot boast of thick greenery. Its leaves are small, dark green, and the fruits grow in a bunch of 3-5 pieces in one cluster.

Fruiting continues until autumn frosts. In the southern regions, the last green Sensei tomatoes are harvested in fields and garden beds at the end of October. The characteristics of the fruits are such that they ripen well at room temperature, no different from their “brothers” who have blushed under the rays of the summer sun.

Form into two stems

Characteristics and description of the variety:

1. Bred by Siberian breeders, therefore it tolerates not the most favorable growing conditions. It is not included in the State Register, but is successfully cultivated throughout the country. Designed for cultivation both in open ground and in greenhouses, it all depends on the climatic conditions of the region. Used mainly in the private sector.
2. Plants of determinate type. The height when grown in open beds is 100-110 cm, and in closed ground it reaches 150 cm. Shoot formation is moderate, leaves are medium in size. To ensure the best performance, it is recommended to remove stepsons and form bushes with 1 or 2 stems. Also, the plant must be tied up, otherwise it will fall to the ground.
3. The fruits ripen in clusters of 3-5 pieces. Moreover, fruiting lasts until the onset of frost. If unripe tomatoes remain on the plant, they are removed and ripened at room temperature.
4. Ripening dates are early. Typically, from the moment the shoots appear until the first tomatoes are harvested, it takes from 100 to 110 days. At the same time, the fruiting period is very long, ovaries are formed constantly. In a greenhouse, the ripening period may be slightly reduced, in open ground it may increase under unfavorable conditions.

The fruiting period is very long, so tomatoes are harvested as they ripen

The average weight of tomatoes is about 400 g. But individual fruits can grow up to a kilogram. The shape is round-heart-shaped or flat-round with pronounced ribbing in large tomatoes. When ripe, the color is red-crimson, the skin is quite strong.

The yield ranges from 3 to 7 kg per plant. It all depends on the growing conditions and compliance with agricultural technology

It is very important to properly form the plants and remove the stepsons so that all the nutrients go to the formation of the fruits.

The taste is excellent. Juicy, fleshy pulp with a pleasant texture is ideal fresh and in a variety of salads

It is also used in various preparations, but due to its large size, whole-fruit canning is impossible.

Resistance to most diseases is good. Plants are affected only in unfavorable seasons and in the absence of normal care. With periodic preventive treatments, the variety practically does not get sick.

The fruits are large, tolerate transportation well and are stored for a long time in a cool room.

Description of fruits

As stated about the Sensei tomato, the characteristics and description of the variety available on the package with seeds, it has ideal, slightly elongated raspberry-colored fruits, reminiscent of a huge strawberry. They have smooth and dense skin, soft and juicy pulp, in which there are practically no seeds.

If you believe what consumer reviews say about the Sensei tomato, the weight of each tomato is approximately 450 g. This puts it in the category of large-fruited varieties that are very attractive for preparing salads. Also, this size of the fruit is convenient for preparing fresh or canned juices. This is facilitated by the sugary pulp with a refreshing rich taste.

On the other hand, an ovary of 4-5 tomatoes of this weight creates a very large load on the stem of the plant, so it definitely needs support. As the practice of gardeners confirms, the yield of up to 8 kg per 1 square meter, which is produced by the Sensei tomato variety, makes it very attractive for growing in small greenhouses or plots.

The advantages of this variety

As a rule, the popularity of a particular type of vegetable is influenced by factors such as taste, yield and care requirements. If we talk about the Sensei tomato variety, its characteristics indicate that it contains all the listed requirements.

• Firstly, it is good for all regions of the country.
• Secondly, the quality of a tomato of this variety does not change depending on whether it grows in an open garden bed or in a greenhouse.
• Thirdly, he knows how to adapt to terrain conditions. It “feels” equally well in both dry and rainy summers.
• Fourthly, this is a high-yielding and large-fruited variety.
• Fifthly, as Sensei says about tomatoes in the description of its fruits, they have unusually juicy, tasty and refreshing sugary pulp.
• Sixthly, the variety is resistant to almost all diseases that nightshades may suffer from.

Important: in order to get good results from this type of tomato, you should take into account the requirements that it makes when caring for it.

Description of the tomato variety Yenisei f1, its characteristics and yield

Tomato Yenisei f1 is a high-yielding, large-fruited, semi-determinate hybrid, intended for cultivation in open ground and greenhouse conditions.

Features of cultivation

The Yenisei variety is grown in seedlings. The seeds are first placed in an aloe solution for a while, then sown in the soil to a depth of 1 cm. Caring for the planted seeds includes regular watering with warm water (preferably snow or rain) and covering the container with film until the first shoots.

In order to ensure stable growth of seedlings, it is necessary to add compost extract from time to time. For better plant growth, you can extend daylight hours using fluorescent lamps.

After the formation of two true leaves, the seedlings are planted in separate peat containers. This will allow you to subsequently plant them in a permanent place directly in pots. The advantage of such planting is the protection of plant roots from damage.

After planting, each plant must be watered with warm water and fertilized with compost.

The best yield of the variety was recorded when the bush was formed with 1–2 stems.

Features of care

Caring for the Yenisei f1 variety includes the following mandatory measures:

• Loosening the soil.
• Removing weeds.
• Regular watering with warm water.
• Fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers.

Fruit characteristics

Yenisei f1 tomatoes are leveled, round or flat-round, weighing up to 500 grams. The color is deep red, uniform. The taste is delicate, harmonious, slightly sweet. Suitable for fresh consumption and all types of canning.

Advantages of the variety

Among the advantages of the Yenisei f1 tomato, gardeners note the following characteristics:

• Large fruit.
• Abundant fruiting.
• Excellent taste and aroma.
• Possibility of long-term storage and transportation.

Gardeners' ratings

The tomato hybrid Yenisei f1, developed by Ural breeders, is successfully grown by summer residents in many regions of Russia. We invite you to read the most interesting reviews about the variety.

Tamara Konstantinovna, Ryazan region, Kasimov: “I read the description of the Yenisei f1 tomato on the Internet. I was interested in the fact that it is large-fruited and tasty. I planted them in the greenhouse first, before other varieties. The bush was formed into 1 stem and fed with humus. The result was very impressive: there were a lot of fruits, 400–500 g each. There weren't any rotten tomatoes. The taste didn't disappoint either. Tomato is good fresh and pickled.”

Rezeda Nailevna, Republic of Tatarstan, Zelenodolsk: “The variety is excellent. Does not require complex care. The fruits are smooth, large, shiny. The pulp is juicy, fine-grained. Thanks to their thick skin, these tomatoes can be stored for a long time in a cool place.”

Irina Aleksandrovna, Moscow: “A friend gave me the Yenisei hybrid to try, it pleasantly surprised me. The tomatoes are tasty, juicy, meaty. Last year I planted several bushes in my garden. Grown in a greenhouse. The bush is low, but powerful and branched. The variety is hardy, resistant, and is not afraid of late blight and blossom end rot. Tomatoes of this variety are suitable for salads, as well as various homemade preparations. I rolled them into jars into slices, adding onions and a few cloves of garlic. It turned out divine."

Where is the best place to place Sensei?

Like other nightshades, this variety “presents” several requirements for choosing a place.

• It cannot be planted where potatoes or eggplants previously grew, but it will like it in the garden after onions, cabbage, carrots and zucchini. Also, you should not plant seedlings or sow seeds in the same place for two years in a row. At a minimum, 3 years should pass between sowings.
• Land with a lot of organic matter is not suitable for him. Although the Sensei tomato is demanding when it comes to feeding, too much of it is just as harmful to it as too little.
• This variety needs space, especially in open ground, so you need to select in advance a place where its bushes will be planted at a distance of at least 45 cm from each other.

• Neither too dry nor too wet soil suits it. The Sensei variety loves moderation in everything.
• You can't deprive him of the sun. Shaded beds will slow down the growth of tomatoes, which will affect both the quality of the fruit and their size.

To truly enjoy this variety of tomatoes, you should fulfill these minor requirements and provide it with enough space and sun.

Boarding order

Sensei tomatoes are grown using the seedling method. First, the seeds are planted at home. Grown plants are planted in open areas or in a greenhouse. The soil is prepared for planting and fertilized with compost or minerals.

Growing seedlings

The soil for Sensei tomato seedlings is prepared in the fall. It is obtained by combining equal amounts of humus and turf soil. Soil permeability can be improved by adding peat or sand. In garden stores you can purchase ready-made soil mixtures for tomato seedlings.

If garden soil is used, it must be disinfected by placing it in a heated microwave or oven. This treatment takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

Advice! Healthy seedlings are obtained by using coconut substrate or peat tablets.

Then they move on to preparing the seed material. To improve germination, seeds are wrapped in a damp cloth for a day. The material is also treated with a solution of Fitosporin or salt. Purchased seeds do not require processing, as evidenced by their bright color.

For tomato seedlings, prepare containers 10 cm high, which are filled with soil. For planting, depressions of 1 cm are made, where seeds are placed every 2 cm. The seed material is sprinkled with earth on top, after which the plantings are watered.

Tomato seedlings appear most quickly at a temperature of 25-30 degrees. A few days later, when the first shoots appear, the containers are transferred to the window. Within 12 hours, the seedlings should be well lit. If necessary, additional lighting is installed.

When the soil dries out, it is necessary to water the tomatoes. It is best to use warm, settled water, which is applied using a spray bottle.

Planting in a greenhouse

You can transfer Sensei tomatoes to the greenhouse after they reach a height of 20 cm. 2 months after planting, the plants form a strong root system and 4-5 leaves.

The greenhouse is prepared for tomatoes in the fall. It is recommended to remove about 10 cm of soil cover as it becomes an overwintering site for insect larvae and fungal spores. The remaining soil is dug up and humus is added to it.

As fertilizer per 1 sq. m it is recommended to add 6 tbsp. l. superphosphate, 1 tbsp. l. potassium sulphide and 2 cups of wood ash.

Important! Tomatoes are not grown in one place for two years in a row. At least 3 years must pass between crop plantings.

Sensei tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse made of polycarbonate, glass or film. Its frame is made of aluminum, which is a durable and lightweight material. The greenhouse is not installed in shady areas, since tomatoes require good lighting during the day.

Seedlings of the Sensei variety are placed in increments of 20 cm. A gap of 50 cm is made between the rows. The tomatoes are placed together with a lump of earth in the prepared holes, after which they are covered with soil and moisture is added.

Growing in open ground

According to reviews, the Sensei tomato variety is successfully grown in open areas, if climatic conditions permit. To do this, use seedlings or plant seeds directly in the beds.

Work is carried out when the soil and air have warmed up well and spring frosts have passed. For some time after planting the tomatoes, they are covered with agrofibre at night.

Beds for tomatoes are equipped in the autumn. The soil must be dug up, humus and wood ash added. Areas where cucumbers, cabbage, onions, beets, herbs, legumes and melons previously grew are suitable for tomatoes. Do not use beds after tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and peppers.

Advice! The area should be well lit and protected from the wind.

In open ground, holes for tomatoes are placed at a distance of 40 cm. Intervals of 50 cm are made between the rows. After transferring the plants, their root system must be covered with soil, the soil compacted and watered well.

Soil preparation

If “the sleigh has been prepared since the summer,” then the soil for planting tomatoes should be fertilized in the fall. Only in this way by spring will it become truly suitable for tomatoes, which really love soil saturated with beneficial minerals. Experienced gardeners advise liming the soil, as this will add substances important for tomatoes such as magnesium and calcium. This procedure is carried out exclusively in the fall, so that rain and snow have time to dissolve the lime and the soil to absorb it.

Some vegetable growers prefer to apply fertilizers in the spring; in this case, future tomato beds simply need to be dug up in early autumn to a depth of no more than 20 cm. This will make it easier to apply fertilizing to the ground when digging with the onset of warm weather.

Important: mineral fertilizers and humus will be enough to prepare the soil, but in the spring they should be applied 2 weeks before sowing. Also during this period, it is recommended to treat the soil with a solution of copper sulfate to protect the plants from pests. When the time comes to plant seedlings, the same fertilizers are added to the holes as when digging.

Seed preparation

Tomato Sensei can be sown or planted as seedlings. Seed preparation is carried out at the end of March - beginning of April, and it begins with soaking them in a growth stimulator. Those who do not trust store-bought products can use aloe juice, but only freshly squeezed. It is enough to keep the seeds in the solution for 12 hours so that they sprout together after sowing.

Many gardeners prefer to germinate seeds in advance so that they grow faster. This really speeds up the process, but it is only permissible in places where there are no late frosts. More experienced vegetable growers advise alternating sprouted and dry seeds in the hole. If frosts happen, and the first ones have already sprouted, the second ones haven’t even hatched yet, which will save the harvest.

Important: if you compare the quality of tomatoes planted with seeds and seedlings, then often the former catch up with the latter in growth, but at the same time they are stronger and more resistant to weather changes and pests.

Sensei seeds do not need any other preparation, since manufacturers neutralize them in advance.

Growing seedlings

As a rule, tomato seeds of this variety are sown for seedlings 1.5-2 months before planting them in the garden. In order for them to germinate well, it is necessary to create suitable conditions for them:

• You can prepare the soil with your own hands or buy ready-made peat in the store, but both should be calcined or steamed to neutralize it. Seedlings of the Sensei variety, although unpretentious, like all other plants, can be subject to stress if not properly cared for, which makes them vulnerable to fungus.
• Sowing of seeds is carried out in furrows on fertilized soil at a distance of 1 cm. If they are large enough, then this procedure can be carried out with tweezers.
• Sprinkle the seedlings with soil, water and cover with film.

Important: you need to maintain the temperature under the film at +20 degrees until the seeds hatch. As soon as this happens, the film is removed, and the sprouts only need watering and warmth.

It is best to place containers with seedlings on the windowsill on the sunny side. As soon as the plants have true leaves, they can be transplanted into separate pots.

History of growing the Sensei tomato

Tomato seeds are produced and sold by Sensei Agro, located in the city of Novosibirsk.
Sensei has not yet been registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements; it is considered a new product, but many gardeners have been growing it for several years in a row. The manufacturer and seller of tomato seeds Sensei is

The variety continued the series of large-fruited heart-shaped tomatoes. Its brightest and oldest representative is the Bull's Heart of folk selection. Since its introduction in the last century, breeders have been trying to create improved versions, and they are succeeding. Sensei is a prime example of this: it is more productive than many of its analogues, its fruits are distinguished by their ideal shape and high marketability.

Picking seedlings

Despite the fact that they say about Sensei tomatoes (characteristics and descriptions of varieties, reviews about them confirm this) that they are unpretentious and not particularly demanding, you need to grow seedlings for planting correctly. Picking is an important part of the process.

When the leaves appear on the sprouts, they become cramped in the common container, so the first transplant in their “life” is carried out.

• Prepare pots, soil and mineral fertilizer. You can use a complex composition at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. per 5 liters of water, or dilute a special mineral product for tomatoes in the proportion indicated on the label.
• In an individual pot, you need to make a hole of such depth that the plant fits in it down to the cotyledon leaves.
• Fertilizer is poured into the hole and the plant is planted.

After 2 weeks, the seedlings can be fertilized again. Water the plants as the soil in the pots dries out.

Tomato care

Even taking into account the fact that the Sensei variety is quite resistant to cold weather, the seedlings should be planted in a permanent place when the weather has already warmed up and the earth has warmed up well.

As a rule, it does not require much care:

• The Sensei tomato needs moderate watering, which is why it is so suitable for summer residents who can only come on weekends. Irrigation is carried out once a week at the root, for which it is better to use a watering can with a fine mesh.

Important: you need to avoid getting moisture on the leaves so that they don’t burn in the sun, and the water temperature should be at least +18 in hot weather and +24-26 degrees in cool weather.

• Fertilizing is carried out 4 times per season, alternating organic matter with mineral fertilizers.
• Sensei's bushes need shaping. Stepchildren should be removed, forming a plant of one or two stems.
• As the fruits form, the Sensei tomato needs to be tied to a support, since the stem may break under their weight.

This is all the care for this tomato variety.

Diseases and pests

Thanks to the early ripening of fruits, Sensei tomatoes are relatively resistant to a number of diseases, incl. late blight, tobacco mosaic, fusarium, verticellosis and alternaria. For prevention purposes and when primary signs of infectious diseases are detected, tomato bushes are sprayed with fungicidal preparations.

Most often, ultra-early universal-type tomatoes are affected by the Colorado potato beetle, whitefly, aphids, and spider mites. Insecticidal treatments are used against harmful insects.

As an additional measure to help increase the effectiveness of fungicides and insecticides, folk techniques are used by treating vegetable crops with infusions based on herbs and seasonings.

Top dressing

Today, in specialized stores you can buy ready-made fertilizer for tomatoes, although many gardeners prefer to do it the old fashioned way and prepare the fertilizer themselves. The Sensei tomato requires high-quality nutrition, without which it will not form fruits of this size. You can use it as:

• For the first feeding, mineral fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium are suitable. It is carried out 2-3 weeks after planting the seedlings.
• Fertilizers are applied a second time when the second cluster of tomatoes blooms. It is good to use organic matter during this period, for example, mullein, diluted in a ratio of 1 to 10.
• The third feeding is the same as the second, but is carried out after the next cluster blooms.
• In the fourth approach, it is better to use foliar feeding. During this period, it is important to preserve all the flowers, so you can spray the plant with mineral fertilizers. To do this you need to take 1 tsp. per 1 liter of water with the addition of half a microfertilizer tablet.

By fertilizing the Sensei tomato in a similar manner, you can expect a large harvest of large and juicy fruits.

Currently, many gardeners have already discovered the advantages of this variety, and every year it gains more and more fans.