Description of Indigo tomato
The description of the Indigo Rose tomato variety indicates that it belongs to the group of hybrid tomatoes. It was developed by American breeders in 2015 by crossing an indigo-colored cultivated variety and wild varieties of tomatoes.
This tomato variety belongs to the deterministic type. The bushes reach a height of up to 120-150 cm. In greenhouses, plants can grow up to 2 m. In open ground, as a rule, tomatoes reach 1 m. It is recommended to grow bushes with two trunks and a mandatory garter.
They grow mainly in height, with little foliage. The leaves are very bright green with pronounced membranes. A distinctive feature of the variety is the curling of the leaves.
Flowers are pollinated openly. The Indigo Rose tomato is a mid-season variety. Fruit ripening occurs approximately 100-110 days after planting the seeds.
Description of fruits
Indigo Rose fruits ripen on long branches of 6-8 pieces. They are not large in size; on average, one tomato weighs about 60 g. The shape of the fruit is round with a slight flatness at the base.
At the beginning of growth, tomatoes do not differ from other varieties and are green in color. As they mature, they begin to change color and become dark purple or even black. This color is given to them by the substance anthocyanin. It is also found in beets, blueberries and black currants.
The skin is very thin and smooth. The pulp of the fruit is fleshy and juicy. Inside, the fruits do not differ from other varieties and are red in color. The taste of Indigo Rose tomatoes is very rich, noticeably different from other varieties.
Important! Black tomatoes have a special combination of sugar and acids, which makes their taste special.
History of selection
Indigoletta is a climbing rose, bred in the Netherlands (Limburg) in 1981. The authorship belongs to the breeder van de Laak. The official name of the flower is Azubis, but it did not “take root”. It is also found under the names Morvana and under the nicknames Blue Lady or Blue Queen.
Climbers (or “climbing” roses) are the result of crossing climbing varieties with hybrid teas or floribundas. From the former they inherit long shoots, from the latter - large bright flowers. Such varieties cannot climb along a support, but they successfully “climb” along any vertical.
Characteristics of tomato
Despite the fact that this tomato hybrid was developed relatively recently, it has already gained popularity among gardeners. In addition to the beautiful and unusual color, this variety has other distinctive characteristics.
Productivity and fruiting
The description of the Indigo Rose tomato variety indicates that it belongs to the mid-season varieties. On average, ripening occurs approximately 3-4 months after planting.
Important! It is recommended to harvest tomatoes only when they are as dark in color as possible and soft to the touch.
This tomato variety is characterized by high yield. From 1 bush you can get up to 7-8 kg of tomatoes, and from 1 sq. m yield can reach up to 20 kg.
Indigo Rose can be grown in any region of the country. In the southern regions - in open ground, and in northern latitudes - in greenhouse conditions. The productivity of tomatoes depends mainly on light and heat. When grown in greenhouses, if planted early, the fruits will ripen earlier and be larger. In open ground conditions, the size of tomatoes will be smaller.
The creator of the hybrid claims that this variety has frost-resistant properties and can withstand frosts down to -5 °C.
Area of application of fruits
Thanks to its unique taste, Indigo Rose tomatoes are ideal for salads and fresh consumption. In addition, they can be used to make preserves; they retain their shape perfectly.
Anthocyanin will give tomatoes an immunostimulating and bactericidal effect. Good for weight loss.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The hybrid origin of the variety provided it with a high level of resistance to various diseases. In particular, this tomato is not infected with gray rot, fusarium and blossom end rot. The Indigo Rose tomato has high resistance to late blight.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Like any variety of tomatoes, Indigo Rose tomatoes have their advantages and disadvantages. It is they who give all varieties their special characteristics and ensure the preference of gardeners.
Among the advantages of the variety are:
- High level of productivity.
- Unusual color and bright taste.
- Benefits from use.
- Easy to care for.
- Frost resistance.
The disadvantages of Indigo Rose are:
- Long ripening period.
- Short shelf life when fresh.
- The need for pinching and proper formation of bushes.
Reviews
Owners of gardens and summer cottages speak mostly positively about the Indigoletta variety. There is rapid plant growth, a strong, rich aroma, and no fading if the rose is placed in light partial shade.
Gardeners praise the spectacular shade of the petals and report that the blooming buds retain their decorative effect for about a week: only then they fade. Also, many people talk about the very long flowering period of the variety, lasting until the autumn frosts.
Disadvantages have also been noticed: some reviews indicate that the rose is prone to black spotting. There are also reviews about the discrepancy between the shade of the petals and those declared by the manufacturer. For example, someone does not grow a purple rose, but rather an ash-lilac one. However, this is no longer a minus, but a feature of the plant.
We met an amazingly beautiful rose, distinguished by an unusual shade of petals - Indigoletta. This climbing variety is excellent for decorating arched structures, gazebos, vertical structures, walls of houses and its facade. The rose will undoubtedly attract everyone's attention and admiration, and besides, it is not too difficult to grow.
Growing rules
The Indigo Rose tomato variety does not require much effort in biotechnology. High-quality seeds will help you grow a good harvest. But compliance with some rules is still necessary.
Planting seedlings
Seeds play a big role in the quality of the future harvest. They should be purchased from trusted manufacturers. Even the best seeds should be soaked in water before sowing. After the sprouts swell and peck, they are treated with potassium permanganate or a growth stimulator.
It is better to buy ready-made soil for tomatoes or make it yourself. It should be soft and loose. The soil is poured into the prepared container. You can sow the seeds in a common large container or directly into individual cups.
Seeds are planted at a depth of approximately 1 cm and at a distance of 10 cm from each other. Afterwards, the seeds are sprinkled with soil and watered using a shallow watering can or spray bottle. Watering is done daily until sprouts appear.
After the first shoots, containers with seedlings are transferred to a sunny place. It is important to monitor the air temperature in the room and avoid large changes. The optimal range is from + 18 °C to + 22 °C.
After 4 leaves appear, the seedlings need to be pruned. Transplantation is carried out into individual cups. Dividing the bushes must be done carefully so as not to damage the root system.
Fertilizing during the growth period of seedlings is carried out 2 times - after the appearance of the 2nd leaf and after diving. Fertilizers are applied with a weak solution and carefully under the roots.
Tomato transplant
Indigo Rose tomato seedlings are ready for planting in a permanent place 50 days after sowing the seeds. By this time, the bushes reach a height of 25 cm. But the exact timing depends on the ambient temperature. In the southern regions it is possible to plant as early as mid-May, and in the northern regions only at the beginning of June. Also, the timing of planting depends on the growing method - you can transplant it into the greenhouse earlier.
For ease of care and harvesting, it is recommended to adhere to the standard pattern when planting tomatoes - about 40 cm between bushes and at least 70 cm between rows. In addition, such planting provides a sufficient amount of air and freedom of growth for the bushes.
Subsequent care for tomatoes
After planting seedlings, caring for Indigo Rose tomatoes is not much different from many other varieties.
This type of tomato is not a moisture-loving plant. It tolerates lack of moisture well. Watering can be done once a week. It is better to do this with warm water.
Feeding plays an important role. They help the plant grow stronger and accelerate ripening. The first feeding is carried out after planting the seedlings, the subsequent ones once a month. It is recommended to use complex fertilizers. It is very good to add ash as a source of calcium.
The most important care can be called stepsoning. This variety of tomatoes requires the formation of a bush with one or two trunks. The remaining stepsons are removed.
The bushes are quite tall and have long branches, so they require a mandatory garter. Otherwise, they will simply break under the weight.
Planting and caring for the climbing rose Indigoletta
The climbing rose of the Indigoletta variety manifests itself best only if you choose the right place for planting. The main requirement is good lighting. But during hours of maximum solar activity, it needs light partial shade.
The plant is large, so when planting several specimens, leave at least 1-1.2 m between them. At least a meter is set back from any continuous vertical support, providing ventilation. But Indigoletta can grow without “support”; powerful shoots do not bend either on their own or under gusts of wind or rain.
The climbing rose Indigoletta is demanding on lighting; in the shade it greatly loses its decorative properties
For the first time, the climbing rose Indigoletta is watered abundantly immediately after planting, using up to 20 liters of water. Then, during this season, the soil is moistened every 2-3 days, preventing it from drying out. In subsequent years, the intervals are increased to 5-10 days, taking into account precipitation. The next watering is carried out when the soil in the tree trunk circle dries out to 5-7 cm in depth. It is not necessary to pour water only at the root - the bush and flowers do not suffer from sprinkling.
After each watering, the soil in the flowerbed is carefully loosened. It is highly recommended to cover it with mulch and replenish this layer as necessary. Mulching allows you to increase the intervals between waterings and save time on weeding.
Important! Particularly careful control over the level of soil moisture is necessary during bud formation.
The large size and abundance of flowering of the climbing rose Indigoletta determine the plant's increased need for nutrients. At the beginning of the growing season, humus or compost must be added to the tree trunk circle to maintain soil fertility and mineral nitrogen-containing fertilizers necessary for growing green mass.
Then, at intervals of 3-4 weeks, Indigoletta is fed with special products for roses. At the end of the second “wave” of flowering, phosphorus and potassium are added.
Store-bought fertilizers are a balanced “set” of macro- and microelements in the right proportions
When feeding a rose with folk remedies, it is very difficult to provide it with these nutrients.
Pruning is carried out twice per season. In the spring, before sap flow has yet begun, they get rid of frozen and broken shoots. In the fall, stems that have not yet become lignified are cut out, others are shortened by a maximum of 30 cm. Of the second-order shoots, from a third to a half are left, choosing the most powerful and “productive”.
Important! If you remove fading buds in a timely manner, you can extend the flowering period of the Indigoletta climbing rose. It is also recommended to cut them off because it is a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic fungi and a suitable “home” for pests.
Indigoletta is covered if the temperature is predicted to be -20 °C or lower in winter. A “trench” of sufficient length, 15-20 cm deep, is dug next to the bush. Its bottom is covered with fallen leaves, hay, and spruce branches. The shoots are removed from the support or simply bent and placed on a “pillow”. Arcs are installed on top and a breathable covering material is pulled over them.
The shelter for the climbing rose Indigoletta must allow air to pass through
If you cannot bend the shoots of a climbing rose, they are wrapped with the same covering material in a vertical position in 2-2 layers. The base of the bush is hilled high.
Pest and disease control
Indigo Rose tomatoes are highly resistant to various diseases. Despite this, when growing tomatoes it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.
All plants and pests quickly get used to one type of drug. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate treatments with different means.
The most effective means for processing tomatoes:
- Fitosporin;
- Copper preparations;
- Ridomil;
- Quadris.
In addition to processing, it is necessary to check the bushes for diseases and pests and immediately pick off the affected leaves. This will help to detect the disease in a timely manner and prevent its spread.
Climbing rose Indigoletta in landscape design
The description of the climbing rose Indigoletta, as well as photos and reviews from gardeners, suggest that in landscape design it is used mainly for decorating any vertical surfaces - walls of buildings, gazebos, fences, pergolas, trellises. The height of the bushes allows you to form them into a hedge. An interesting solution is zoning the territory of the site with its help.
Indigoletta's shoots are erect, so it can also be planted as a tapeworm. On a bright green, well-groomed lawn, flowers of an unusual purple hue immediately attract the eye. Groups of one climber and three low-growing rose bushes look no less impressive. The best color to combine with lilac is snow-white, also soft pink, pastel yellow, cream, and peach.
Rosa Indigoletta will not get lost even “solo”, but you can create “company” for her
Reproduction
The procedure is carried out by cuttings - the best option would be green cuttings, which can be obtained in early summer. If there are none, you can try to use the shoots that remain after pruning.
Find out more about propagating roses from cuttings at home.
Reproduction algorithm:
- Taking cuttings with 2 or 3 nodes.
- An incision is made under the lower kidney, maintaining an angle of 45°.
- Removing excess foliage on the bottom of the stem.
- Planting cuttings in a container with a sand-earth mixture, maintaining a depth of 1 cm (preferably in a shady area).
- Glass or film cover for the plant.
- Watering without removing the cover.
Thanks to its botanical qualities and ease of care, as well as the unusual elegance of weaving, the Dutch lilac rose Indigoletta is loved not only by flower collectors, but also by landscape designers due to their frequent use of the latter to form various beautiful compositions. This plant looks luxurious as a decoration for fences and garden arches, as well as house walls, facades, and gazebos.
