Everyone’s favorite tomato “Lady fingers”: description, characteristics and photo of the variety

Tomato “Lady fingers”: description of the variety

Tomato Lady Fingers is one of the oldest varieties.
It has found wide use among gardeners. It was bred in the 20th century by Soviet breeders. It got its name due to the beautiful elongated shape of the fruit. The variety is not a hybrid. Belongs to the early ripening subspecies. From seedling germination to full ripeness, 102-112 days pass. The fruit harvesting period begins in June. Tomatoes are resistant to cold temperatures, rain, and cracking. They can ripen on bushes or when picked. They can persist on bushes until September.

From one bush you can collect up to 1 kg of fruit. In open ground from 1 sq. m. harvest up to 3 kg of tomatoes . In greenhouse conditions, productivity increases 5 times. In polycarbonate greenhouses and greenhouses with 1 sq. m. up to 15 kg of fruits are collected.

Tomatoes are intended for fresh consumption, as a component in salads. Mousses and borscht are made from it. Lady finger tomatoes are great for whole fruit canning. Tomatoes also make delicious pickles, lecho, ketchups and sauces.

The taste is slightly sour. The variety has high taste and commercial qualities. Designed for long distance transportation. Therefore suitable for commercial purposes. The variety has excellent keeping quality. Vegetable storage can last up to 4 months in cool storage areas. For use in production, it is recommended to collect fruits in a state of technical ripeness.

Important! The main feature of the variety is its suitability for whole-fruit canning. Thanks to the miniature format of the fruit, preservation becomes an easy and simple process.

You can compare the yield of this variety with others in the table:

We bring to your attention useful information on the topic: How to grow a lot of tasty tomatoes in open ground? How to get excellent harvests in greenhouses all year round? What subtleties of agricultural technology of early varieties should everyone know?

Cio-chio-san

The only disadvantage of this indeterminate (sometimes growing up to 2 m) tomato is the need for support and shaping of the bush. The rest is a set of advantages! It is resistant to unfavorable conditions and can grow even in Siberia and the Far East. It bears fruit well not only in the greenhouse, but also in open ground. It is not afraid of the main nightshade diseases.

“In the greenhouse, I am always pleased with the Chio-chio-san variety from Gavrish. Maria Dolzhikova.

In terms of ripening time, the tomato belongs to the mid-early category - 100-120 days pass from the appearance of the first shoots to the start of fruiting. It won’t let you down with the harvest either - although the tomatoes are small (about 30-40 g on average), they ripen up to 50 pcs. on the brushes! So the yield from a bush with proper care is 4 kg and can reach a record 6 kg. And the taste of this tomato is excellent! And in the blanks it looks very presentable.

“Chio-chio-san - sweet, very productive, tall, with up to 50 smooth, thin-skinned sweet tomatoes in a bunch! Universal for both food and preservation.” Tatyana Vznuzdaeva. Tula region

Characteristics

Bush type: determinate, compact. The leaves of the plant are medium in size and have a dark emerald hue. The inflorescences are simple. The stalks have no joints. The plant forms 1-2 stems. Frequency of tying brushes: every 1-2 leaves. 6-8 tomatoes are formed on one brush .

Lady finger tomatoes are meaty and juicy. The fruits may be smooth or slightly ridged. Cylindrical in shape, elongated - similar to graceful lady's fingers. They reach 5-10 cm in length. They have a bright red tint. Unripe fruits have a light emerald color. There are no spots on the stalk. The weight reaches 50-75 grams. The largest specimens can reach 145 g. Number of nests: 2-3. The variety has few seeds. The pulp is firm, dense, aromatic.

You can compare the weight of the fruits of the Lady Fingers variety with others in the table below:

The calorie content of a tomato is 20 Kcal. Content of organic acids 0.5 g, starch 0.3 g. Vitamin A – 200 mcg, vitamin C – 25 mg, vitamin E0.4 mg.

Description

The plant is of a determinate type, reaching a height of approximately 60 cm; the bush itself limits its growth, forming an inflorescence at the top of the vine. In greenhouse conditions, tomatoes can grow up to a meter in height. Shoot formation is good, foliage is moderate. The leaves are medium sized, of the usual type, green or dark green, slightly wrinkled. The flowers are small, light yellow, collected in a simple inflorescence. 5-6 ovaries are formed in each fruit cluster. From 4 to 6 clusters can form on the main stem. The peduncle of the variety is without articulation.

The shape of the Lady's finger fruit does not really reflect the name; it is rather pear-shaped, slightly elongated. The fruits are elastic, thick-walled, smooth, however, sometimes slight ribbing may appear. The skin is very durable. An unripe tomato is colored in light green shades, while a ripened one becomes deep red. The pulp is fleshy, moderately juicy, dense, aromatic, and does not contain many seeds. There are only 2 seed chambers, sometimes 3. The taste is sweet and sour, tomato. Many call it ordinary, unremarkable. The State Register rated the taste as good. The weight of the tomato is about 52 grams, the length is from 5 to 10 cm. L. Myazina claims a slightly higher weight - up to 70 grams.

Features of cultivation

Grows well in Moldova, Ukraine, Russia. Distributed in almost all regions of the country. It has become widespread in the Moscow, Ryazan, Vladimir, Yaroslavl, and Pskov regions. Grows well in the Krasnodar region. The variety loves good light. Grows well in south or west orientation. Requires 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. Prefers loose neutral or slightly acidic soil.

It is necessary to sow seeds in the second decade of March. You can use the home method of sowing in containers or sowing in open ground in the southern regions of the country. In the second case, the soil should warm up to 21-26°C. The seeds must first be treated in potassium permanganate. Planting depth: no more than 1 cm. Planting pattern: 70x50 cm. Density: no more than 6-9 bushes per 1 sq. m. m.

The variety is grown as a cover and non-cover crop. Tomatoes can grow in open ground, as well as in plastic and film greenhouses. The method of growing “Lady fingers” tomatoes is universal.

The height of the bush reaches 50-100 cm. It does not require mandatory gartering or bush formation. But when growing in open ground, tomato bushes that are too long are tied up. The procedure is carried out to avoid breakage of branches from strong winds. The variety requires weeding, picking and loosening of the soil. When growing in open ground, it does not take steps.

Mineral fertilizers diluted in water can be used as fertilizing. Watering should be done at least 2-3 times a week. In hot weather, watering is increased to 5-6 times a week. Tomato grows well at moderate humidity of at least 36%. Maintenance of bushes: moderately warm. Produces an abundant amount of fruit at a temperature of at least 19-26°C.

In open ground, the bushes of the variety reach 60 cm. In greenhouses, the bushes double in size. In film greenhouses, the height of the bushes can reach 100 cm.

Agricultural technology

The variety works best when grown in seedlings, especially in cool regions. It is advisable to calculate the timing of sowing seeds yourself, taking into account climatic conditions. Picking in the phase of 2 true leaves (about 20 days after sowing) and hardening before planting in a permanent place is required. Seedlings that are 55-60 days old are considered suitable for replanting. The planting density is quite dense - 6 - 8 plants per 1 square meter, or you can stick to a pattern of 30 - 40 cm between bushes and leave up to 70 cm between rows.

Further care is very easy. The description of growing in open ground states that there is no need to form a bush. This is true, there is no need to pin the plant; moreover, it is on the emerging shoots that a large harvest is formed. Also, the bush does not require a garter. The shoots simply spread along the ground, so you can put mulch under them in advance, which will not only protect the fruits from contamination, but will also retain soil moisture longer. Although even without this, ripening tomatoes will not get sick or rot. If the summer is rainy, then there is no need to water the tomatoes. The only condition is to choose a sufficiently lit area for planting. But in a greenhouse, it is best to tie the plant and grow it in 2 - 3 stems.

Lady's fingers are an excellent productive variety for housewives who like to make preparations for the winter, but do not have enough time to care for the crop, or for inexperienced gardeners. Even with minimal care, the culture will show good results. Unparalleled adaptability allows the variety to be grown in unfavorable conditions. You can collect seeds for further propagation yourself, however, do not forget to process them before planting. The tomato did not show any disadvantages, for which it received the highest marks from vegetable growers.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• drought resistance;
• cold resistance;
• high transportability over long distances;
• high shelf life;
• wonderful taste;
• suitability of fruits for pickling and canning;
• refers to unpretentious varieties.

Flaws:

• not suitable for making juices;
• when growing, requires a lot of sunlight;
• does not bear fruit well in cold regions of the country.

Pest and disease control

To ensure successful tomato cultivation, Lady Fingers carry out preventative treatment of the soil and plants. Before planting, beneficial bacteria are introduced into the soil, green manure is planted, and crop rotation is observed. Infected areas are treated with antifungal drugs, and spores of antagonistic fungi are introduced to eliminate pathogenic microflora. Such a drug is, for example, Trichodermin.

Plants are treated leaf by leaf with fungicides.

Reviews:

The newspaper for gardeners - gardeners Dachanitsa compiled a list of the most popular varieties of tomatoes grown in personal plots of the Lower Volga region, surveying its readers.

The Triumph variety is among the three most popular!

Readers note that the harvested crop corresponds to the expected yield; they really like the taste and properties of the fruit. A defect in the fruit is the presence of dark spots on unripe tomatoes. There is no unambiguous assessment of a variety’s immunity to diseases. In some, the diseases were not detected even without treatment, while in others, symptoms were observed even after preventive treatments.

Rainbow in a jar - the best representatives of each color

The color of tomatoes ranges from pale green (almost white) to a rich purple-black hue. A mix of multi-colored fruits in a salad or preparations looks especially elegant.

Children of the sun - yellow tomatoes

Delicate and beautiful - yellow and orange tomatoes are excellent for preparation and delight with an amazing taste in salads. Proven varieties of yellow tomatoes:

• “Orange Dusya” is an undemanding tomato, characterized by medium-sized fruits, weighing 150–170 g. The tomatoes are orange-yellow, very sweet and juicy. 3-4 fruits are formed on each hand;
• “Honey Drop” – small tomatoes, but very tasty and sweet;
• Honey Spas tomatoes are slow-moving but very tasty fruits;
• “King of Siberia” is very productive, producing 4–6 tomatoes in each cluster, weighing 250–400 grams. It has good taste and fleshy fruits.

The “Honey Spas” variety is distinguished by its delicate fruits

Greens on the bushes - what are the benefits of green-fruited varieties

Green-fruited tomatoes have a very delicate taste with a light fruity note. But don’t get too carried away with planting such varieties! The fact is that green tomatoes are not at all shelf-stable; they must be eaten literally “from the bush”. After all, during the so-called ripening, tomatoes lose a lot of taste and look more like jelly. Therefore, 3–5 bushes of representatives of these varieties per family will be more than enough.

Attention! Green-fruited tomatoes have low acidity and are perfect for people with gastrointestinal diseases.

The best varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses:

• "Green Zebra";
• "Irish liqueur";
• "Emerald Apple";
• "Frog Princess";
• Cherokee Green.

“Frog Princess” is one of the best domestic varieties

Classic red and flamingo tomatoes

Despite the abundance of colors and tastes, the best seeds of red and pink tomatoes for greenhouses remain the permanent leaders in sales. The traditional “tomato” taste is their undeniable advantage.

Pink-fruited tomatoes are often distinguished by their fleshy structure and large fruits. They are good for fresh salads and some types of preserves. The main varieties that produce consistently high yields:

• “Pink Heart of Ashgabat”;
• "Pink Honey";
• "Rosy cheeks";
• "Mikado"
• "Etoile".

The ribbed fruits "Etoile" amaze with their beauty

Among the red-fruited tomatoes are:

• “Khabarovsk pear”;
• "Babushkino";
• "Monomakh's Cap";
• "Kosovo";
• "Apple Lipetsk"

Anthocyanin tomatoes - ultraviolet in the garden

Most purple tomatoes are indeterminate. There is an opinion that they are much healthier than the usual red tomatoes. And if this assumption has not yet been proven, then the resistance of varieties to diseases is a proven fact. This is due to the presence of anto-tomato genes from their wild representatives.

Purple tomatoes are high-yielding, have medium-sized fruits (weight is about 100 g). A characteristic feature of anto-tomatoes is the special taste of their sweetish fruits.

Attention! The intensity of the purple (anthocyanin) color directly depends on the amount of sunlight. Therefore, in cold summers or in the shade, tomatoes will not have a bright purple color.

How to choose anthocyanin tomato seeds - the best varieties:

Dark tomato variety OSU Blue

Amethyst Cream with a light anthocyanin coating

Original blue-pink Ozark Sunset

Interesting fact! The darkest tomato in the world is the Indigo Rose variety. It has a rich purple-black color and medium-sized sweet fruits with a fruity flavor. "Indigo Rose" is also the most resistant to late blight.

Tomatoes.

Tomato F1 SCARLET CARAVEL
Carpal . Indeterminate type, with shortened internodes.
Early (90-95 days). Fruit weight 130-150 g The fruits are uniform in shape and size, round or slightly oval, smooth, dense, tasty. The color of the fruit is intense orange-red in biological ripeness, light green without a spot in technical ripeness. The fruits are collected in a simple, double-sided, compact cluster of 7-9 pieces. The hybrid is high-yielding, resistant to temperature changes, to TMV, cladosporiosis, fusarium wilt, cracking and shedding. Recommended for growing in all types of protected ground structures. Tomato F1 SCARLET FRIGATE
Carpal oval . Indeterminate type, with shortened internodes.
Early (90-95 days). Fruit weight is 100-110 g. The fruits are uniform in shape and size, beautiful oval or ovoid, smooth, dense. The color of the fruit is bright red in biological ripeness, light green without a spot in technical ripeness. The fruits are collected in a simple, double-sided, compact raceme of 6-7 pieces, the stalk is without articulation. The hybrid is high-yielding, resistant to temperature changes, to TMV, cladosporiosis, fusarium wilt, and does not crack. Recommended for growing in all types of protected ground structures. Tomato F1 ANGEL
Indeterminate type, compact “column” habit.
Early (90-95 days). Fruit weight 150-170 g. The fruit is round, smooth, dense, 6-8 pieces per cluster. The color is intense, bright red in biological ripeness, light green without a spot in technical ripeness. A high-yielding hybrid with stable, regular fruiting, resistant to stressful conditions, TMV, cladosporiosis, fusarium wilt, and shedding. Recommended for growing in all types of protected ground structures. Tomato F1 BOYARIN
Indeterminate pink. Early (90-95 days). Fruit weight 120-150 g. The fruit is round, smooth, dense, 5-6 pieces in a cluster. The color is intense pink-crimson in biological ripeness, light green without a spot in technical ripeness. A productive hybrid, resistant to stressful conditions, to TMV, cladosporiosis, fusarium wilt. Recommended for growing in all types of protected ground structures.

Varieties or hybrids - which is better?

Many novice gardeners, faced with the diversity of the world of tomatoes, experience real agony of choice. It is simply impossible to fit all the plants you like into a small greenhouse area! Therefore, you should immediately discard those that do not suit the growing conditions, as well as your wishes.

There are several hundred varieties of tomatoes

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrids

The question of which is better, tomato varieties or hybrids, causes heated discussions in many forums. On the one hand, hybrids produce a more abundant harvest (30–40% more with strict adherence to agricultural technology), their fruits are resistant to cracking and are better stored. And the plants themselves are less susceptible to diseases.

But all the advantages of hybrids are negated by their rather inexpressive taste (in comparison with varietal tomatoes). The fruits of these plants are not so sweet (with rare exceptions), and sometimes even tasteless.

If we look at history, hybrid tomatoes were bred for industrial purposes. Therefore, their main advantages are transportability and presentation (the same size of tomatoes, as well as even color). For personal consumption, these benefits are not particularly significant.

Hybrid seeds cannot be collected independently.

Advice! The F1 marking on the packaging will help you recognize a hybrid tomato.

Which hybrids to choose?

So, good hybrid varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses:

• “La-la-fa” – stores well, ripens earlier than others;
• “Cosmonaut Volkov” - fleshy fruits have a fairly rich taste;
• “Cherry Kira” - delicious, beautiful yellow tomatoes;
• "Pink Paradise" is a tall, pink-fruited indeterminate hybrid with excellent taste. Productive, undemanding to growing conditions;
• “Pink Spam” is a tomato that is more suitable for canning (ketchup), as it has a small amount of juice and grainy pulp. The shape of the fruit is heart-shaped with a small “spout”. Characterized by high yield, early ripening and growth of about 2 m.
• “Gem Emerald” is a green-fruited, productive hybrid with a delicious sweet taste.
• “Sun Sugar” is an indeterminate hybrid with beautiful bright orange sweet berries (cherries).
• “Date Yellow” are small, tasty tomatoes that crumble quite quickly.

Hybrid tomato varieties store well