Heart-shaped fruits of beautiful color with rich taste

Cherokee

Cherokee purple heart is a mid-season variety.
The fruits are heart-shaped, black-purple in color, juicy with a sweet note. Their unusual appearance allows them to be used for landscape design, which is what many gardeners do. Every lover of unusual cultivated plants, having once seen purple tomatoes of the Cherokee variety, thinks about acquiring a strange vegetable. The main advantage of such a crop is its high resistance to diseases, however, no matter how much purple tomatoes are praised, if they are not cared for properly, they can still be attacked by whiteflies and spider mites, and are susceptible to fusarium and blackleg pathogens. Greenhouse representatives will be less resistant to infections than those growing in open ground.

The most dangerous thing for Cherokee is the whitefly invasion; it is quite difficult to get rid of it because the moth is not sensitive to many chemicals. The main reason for the development of fungal diseases is waterlogging of the soil. A warm, humid environment is also favorable for the spread of pests. With proper care and humidity conditions, there are no problems with growing this variety.

Signs of blackleg

The disease manifests itself at different stages of seedling development, from seed to young shoots.

Signs of blackleg infection:

• darkening of the lower part of the stem and root collar at soil level;
• the stems stretch out and become thin near the soil, forming a kind of constriction - a suction that disrupts the natural flow of nutrients and water;
• seedlings are stunted in growth, are easily removed from the soil, droop and often completely fall;
• in older seedlings, the color of the leaves changes and they dry out, often falling off;
• Drying of leaf tips is often observed.

Photo: The disease affects all parts of plants.

What's special?

Consider, for example, “lilac lake”. This is an early ripening tomato variety. It has the following characteristics:

• semi-determinate;
• medium height – from 130 to 150 cm;
• universal in purpose;
• the color of the ripe fruit is brownish-burgundy;
• flat-round in shape;
• weight from 200 to 350 grams.

Dark varieties of tomatoes, especially purple tomatoes, can satisfy even the most demanding tastes. However, you should be careful, as unscrupulous entrepreneurs often invent hybrid varieties and package everything in a row.

To avoid such tricks, you need to approach everything with knowledge and special attention. It is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers and a well-known variety included in the register

In principle, purple tomatoes, like dark varieties, are no longer a curiosity. Today they are grown not only in greenhouses, but also in open ground. Both the skin of the fruit and its pulp are colored in an unusual color. The shade varies from light chocolate to purple-black.

Features of the lesion

The process of identifying the pathogen is complicated by the fact that fungi and bacteria that infect tomato seedlings have similar characteristics. For these reasons, the effect of treatment may be zero.

• Fungal blackleg is controlled with fungicides.
• The bacterial variety of the disease is almost impossible to cure.

Important! Tomatoes are affected by saprophyte fungi, which are found in the top layer of soil.

They feed on plant debris. If plant residues become scarce, saprophytes begin to eat living organic matter, among which they prefer the softest tissues. That is, seedlings and young leaves.

Bacterial rot affects not only the lower part of the stem, but also the leaves and buds. The infection is transmitted from seedling to seedling, especially in dense plantings. It most often develops in high humidity and poor air circulation.

Fungal and bacterial diseases differ in the nature of the discharge. Transparent mucus at the site of damage to the stem indicates a bacterial type of disease.

The fungus spreads slowly and there is no significant lesion on the plant. The stem may turn gray or dark green rather than black. First of all, the fungus attacks the root system.

Blue tomato varieties (photo)

Varieties of blue tomatoes

Now gardeners are already enthusiastically discussing the new products of the “blue” selection, figuring out where to buy varieties that are tastier and more productive.

Lately I have been interested in varieties with fruits of unusual colors, including blue tomatoes.

Interest in them is caused not only by the atypical color, but also by their healing properties, which are especially necessary in poor environmental conditions.

It is no coincidence that in Western Europe, blue tomatoes have long become a must-have product on supermarket shelves, and considerable attention is paid to the selection of tomatoes with a high content of anthocyanins (they provide the purple color of the fruit). After all, we manage to eat blueberries, rich in these protective substances, extremely rarely, and you can’t eat a lot of them

Another thing is tomatoes and their processed products, which can be consumed every day for therapeutic purposes. The first variety with blue fruits, Left (Blevo P-20 or Blue Tomato), came to Ukraine from Oregon (selection by Jim Myers, professor of horticulture at the University of Oregon). This tomato has dark purple or blue fruits, like eggplants. Three years ago I

I got hold of its descendant - a variety called Indigo Rose with even more intense blue fruit. And then I met the breeder of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine, Maxim Viktorovich Gurin.

The idea to collect certain genes in one genotype in order to obtain an intense purple color came to him back in 2007, independently of the Americans.

But since our science is underestimated and it exists not thanks to the support of the state, but in spite of it, relying on the enthusiasm of scientists, our local lines of blue tomatoes were created only in 2010. However, in all “blue” varieties of M. Gurin, the synthesis of anthocyanins is not determined only the American wild tomato gene, but also two more genes isolated from the Ukrainian collection of nightshades.

That is, our tomatoes are richer in the composition of nutrients and have different fruit color saturation - from light purple to almost black.

Related link: Growing tomatoes from A to Z

I define the taste and aroma of these tomatoes as explosive, rich, with a small amount of exoticism.

For me, they became the biggest and most amazing discovery of recent years.

In addition, all the blue-violet varieties of M. Gurin differ from the American ones in the type of bush. These are powerful, determinate, thick-stemmed standard or semi-standard plants with very high yields.

Thanks to this type of bush, they are suitable both for a small plot and for industrial cultivation in open ground. The fruits are dense, 100-150 g, and have excellent keeping quality.

And our blue tomatoes are decorative: at first the fruits are green, then under the influence of sunlight they gradually turn blue. But in some lines this color appears as if someone sprinkled light blue snow on the berries, while in others the fruits are fancifully decorated with purple spots and geometric shapes.

These tomatoes do not yet have official names.

Since our state does not need purple tomatoes, we, the “tomato growers” ​​of Ukraine, persuaded Maxim Viktorovich to continue working on blue tomatoes and, together with the breeder, are actively testing them.

We will be glad if Russian gardeners, especially residents of the southern regions, join us.

I grew varieties of “blue” tomatoes.

I didn’t notice any special diseases on them. There are even fewer of those that are found on regular tomatoes.

In Indigo Rose tomatoes, blue appears where the sun hits them.

The other side starts out green and then turns red. The flesh of these tomatoes is red, less often dark pink.

Indigo Rose pomdiors were originally purple.

At the end of July, the tomatoes ripened, very similar to plums. The fruits are sweet in taste and dark red when cut. About a bush and more than a bucket!

A. KULIK, variety tester Ukraine, Sumy region.

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Spread of the disease

An important condition for the spread of the disease is human hindsight. The carrier of the fungus is soil, equipment that is used to treat roots and diseased plants. If the disease is not eliminated in a timely manner, the entire seedling may suffer from the disease.

To treat tomato stems and eliminate the problem, a whole range of measures must be taken: removing the affected stems, cleaning the greenhouse from fungus and further prevention. Only a quick response from the farmer and an integrated approach will help solve the problem of plant diseases with a minimum level of losses.

Purple Pumpkin and Bumblebee

Purple Fairy is a mid-season tomato. The plant is tall, up to 2 m. The fruits are purple with green veins, the inside is burgundy with green chambers for seeds. It differs from other varieties in its fruity aroma and high taste. The walls of the fruit are thickened, sugary, and the pulp is very juicy.

All tomatoes grow from seeds. Before planting, the seed material should be soaked in water with the addition of potassium permanganate. Keep the seeds in a glass of water for 10-15 minutes. This process allows you to disinfect the seeds and also separate empty seeds from full ones. Seeds that have sunk to the bottom should be wrapped in a damp cloth and left in this form until the first sprouts appear.

The fabric should not be too wet so that the seeds do not become moldy. When the sprouts reach 3-5 mm, they can be planted in cups. To do this, use peat pots or ordinary plastic containers. They begin to plant seeds with sprouts in mid-March. The pots should be filled with soil a little more than a third, and after placing the seeds, cover them with a 2 cm layer of soil.

Purple Pumpkin is a tall variety, medium ripeness, dark lilac fruits in the form of pumpkins. The weight of the fruit reaches 250 g, the tomatoes are juicy, with a sweet aftertaste. The Bumblebee variety is a low-growing plant, the fruits grow in clusters of 2-4 tomatoes, raspberry-pink with green stripes.

Among the reviews from those who grow blue tomatoes, and especially Pumpkin and Bumblebee, there are practically no negative ones; the main difficulty is caring for planting material in the first stages. In order for tomatoes to acquire a beautiful shade, it is necessary to maintain the acid-base balance of the soil. If the soil is not rich enough in vitamins and minerals, the plant will lose anthocyanins and then the fruits will not be purple, but pink or red.

The soil should not be over-moistened; seedlings should be watered once a week; adult plants in dry weather should be watered once every 4-5 days. It is recommended to mulch the soil to retain moisture. To prevent whiteflies from appearing on your property and in the greenhouse, you should not remove ladybugs and lacewings; they are the moth’s worst enemies.

Growing seedlings

Excellent large tomatoes

To grow healthy bushes and high-quality fruits, the seeds are prepared before sowing.

Disinfection involves soaking them in a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g per 1 liter of water). Keep the seed in this solution for at least 10-15 minutes. To strengthen, the seeds are left in aloe juice for 1 hour.

Preparing soil and containers

Further steps consist of preparing the substrate and containers. Sow seeds in plastic glasses (optimal volume - 200 ml), flower pots or special containers.

The substrate is either purchased at a specialized store or prepared independently. To do this, mix garden soil, woody soil, humus and sand in equal proportions. To disinfect the soil, place it in the oven for 30 minutes. Calcine the substrate in the oven at a temperature of 180 °.

The containers are washed with a solution of potassium permanganate (3 g per 2 liters of water) to destroy all bacteria.

Planting scheme

When all stages of preparation have been completed, planting begins:

• containers are filled with prepared or purchased soil;
• Seeds are sown to a depth of 1 cm;
• sprinkle them with peat;
• irrigate with warm water using a spray bottle;
• cover the containers with plastic wrap and place them in a dark place;
• When the first shoots appear, it is better to remove the film and place the containers on the windowsill. Germination will increase under the influence of the sun.

After 15-20 days, when the seedlings have 2 true leaves, they are picked (planted) into separate larger containers. After picking, the seedlings are kept in diffused light for several days.

Table of characteristics of tomatoes in alphabetical order

Variety	Wednesday	Precocity	Height	Weight/g	Yield/kg/m2	Color
Appetizing	priming	average	short	155	7	pink
Bull's heart	station wagon	late	short	150	3	red
Flash	priming	early	short	90	5	red
Pink pear	priming	average	short	115	8	pink
De Barao	station wagon	late	tall	30	5	red
Elisha	station wagon	early	short	55	8	orange
Fatty F1	greenhouse	average	short	250	8	red
Raisin F1	station wagon	early	short	20	3	pink
Kyoto	station wagon	average	tall	350	9	pink

Baron F1

Baron F1 is a dynamically developing mid-early variety with continuous growth. The tomatoes are large, fleshy, slightly wavy, juicy red in color, with increased resistance to cracking (about 122-134 grams). Resistant to the main diseases of nightshade crops:

• tobacco mosaic;
• fusarium;
• verticillium.

Baron fruits ripen 115 days after germination. The plant is semi-determinate, reaches a height of 170 centimeters, and requires support.

Pink Elephant

Characterized by small fruits, weighing 70 grams. Has a sweet taste. And on one brush, maximum, they can reach up to ten pieces. The pink elephant has different colors:

• orange
• pink
• raspberry
• red and yellow tomatoes.

Can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

De Bravo

It is considered the best mid-season variety. Tomatoes ripen here at 125-130 days. These tomatoes have one important feature - seedlings should begin to be prepared 2 weeks earlier than all other varieties. For 1 sq.m. three bushes should be planted.

They grow quite high, so it is recommended to organize trellises here. The advantage of the species is that it has a strong immunity to late blight. Has universal meaning.

Therefore, if desired, it can be planted in open ground. Tomatoes can be pink, yellow, black and red in color. They are oval and weigh approximately 70-90 g. These tomatoes have a good taste.

Aphrodite

An excellent species of Aphrodite, with a bush height of 50 to 70 cm. Tomatoes can be harvested in 70-80 days. Tomatoes tolerate transportation well.

Sweet, with tasty pulp, can reach a weight of up to 120g. Stores well at home. Suitable for salads and canning. Tomatoes "Aphrodite F1" can be grown both in soil and in greenhouse structures.

Malachite Box

Tall, mid-early, for open ground and greenhouses. Tomatoes, 200-300 grams, have a greenish-yellow color, thin skin and excellent taste.

Disadvantages: not suitable for transportation, loss of taste in overripe fruits.

Indigo

Indigo Rose is a blue variety. The plant is low growing. Tomatoes are distinguished by their amazing violet-blue color, almost black (about 100 grams).

The pulp is sweetish in taste, red-pink in color. Tomatoes contain a lot of anthocides, substances that help preserve vision, as well as maintain normal heart and blood vessels.

Matroskin

Small tomatoes, only one hundred grams. The bush itself is from 60 to 100 centimeters in height.

A harvest of twelve kilograms is harvested from each bush. And the color range is varied.

Black Moor

Black Moor is mid-season, grows up to a meter. Very productive. The fruits are plum-shaped, small, 30-50 g.

Valued for their taste and beauty - tomatoes are very sweet, ideal for canning - they look incredibly beautiful in jarred pickles.

Andromeda F1

This is an early ripening hybrid, the fruits of which ripen in 90 days. Forms low bushes. Their height does not exceed 70 centimeters. However, the plant is characterized by very high productivity - 10 kg / bush.

At the same time, the tomatoes of this hybrid are quite large and weigh about 120 g. Per 1 sq.m. you can plant four bushes. It is best to sow planting material for seedlings at the end of March.

It can also be held in early April. The hybrid is very demanding when it comes to watering. Besides, he needs picking

Cheerful gnome

The best species, perfectly suited to the conditions of the region. Tomatoes ripen at 90-100 days. The plant forms low-growing bushes. Their height does not exceed 40 centimeters.

It is a product of domestic breeders. Tomatoes are formed on the shoots, which are the size of a small plum or peach. They are red in color.

Productive types of tomatoes

To be continued ….

Previous TomatoesEarly ripening hybrid varieties of tomatoes

Other preventive measures

Blackleg mainly affects weakened and elongated seedlings that are planted in cold soil. Therefore, it is important to observe the timing of sowing tomatoes, take care of heating the soil and additional lighting. Also needed:

• disinfestation of soil mixtures and containers before sowing seeds;
• drainage layer in containers;
• elimination of soil acidity (introduction of ash);
• moderate watering with warm water (22-24°C) in the morning;
• loosening the soil, hilling stems, thinning seedlings;
• optimal fertilization (special control over nitrogen);
• regular, preferably annual, replacement of soil in greenhouses and greenhouses;
• treatment of seedlings with general strengthening drugs: Epin, Immunocytophyte, Krepysh;
• control over temperature changes in the greenhouse (at night not lower than 17°C, during the day not higher than 32°C), ventilation, elimination of drafts.

Homemade or questionable purchased seeds are treated.
To do this, they are placed in a canvas bag and immersed for 20 minutes in a 1.5% (dark pink) solution of potassium permanganate. Wash and dry in the sun. It is important to avoid compacting the soil surface. For loosening, use a sharp object, piercing the soil around the seedlings.

General characteristics and descriptions of blue tomato varieties

The very first varieties of tomatoes with blue fruits were bred in Bulgaria. But since they did not differ in special taste, the project was stopped. Later, American scientists got down to business. Their task was not just to breed an unusual branch of tomatoes, but one more saturated with anthocyanins, since more and more is becoming known about the benefits of the latter every year.

Varieties with blue skin but red inside are obtained by crossing two varieties.

Today, there are not one or two varieties with blue and purple colored fruits, but many. And they all surprise. However, finding yours is not so easy. And all because, as in the issue with ordinary tomatoes, everyone is looking for something special in “their” tomatoes: some for size, some for taste, and some for keeping quality. And in this category there is plenty to choose from.

Blue tomato seeds can be bought not only from collectors, but also on the open market. Many of them have already been tested by gardeners and have their own assessment. However, as with any other cultivated plant, there is an unshakable rule - the variety reveals itself differently in different conditions. Therefore, if you want to find the best variety of blue tomatoes for you, you will have to resort to your own variety testing, and not just take their word for it.

But general recommendations are still worth considering. Firstly, tomato fruits become almost black only when ripe, and the color is more intense on the side exposed to the sun. The reverse side remains deep red. If the plant does not receive enough sun, the desired color may practically not appear. Conclusion - blue tomatoes must be planted in the most illuminated areas.

Tomato "Indigo Rose" (Indigo Rose).

Second, all blue varieties are medium and late ripening. Therefore, in regions with short summers, it is better to grow them only in greenhouses.

Thirdly, the overwhelming majority of blue tomatoes have small fruits, weighing up to 100 g.

Fourthly, although they have an interesting color, this group does not have an interesting taste, so it is not recommended to plant them in large quantities. However, blue tomatoes have their own specific taste, which can only be understood by trying it.

Characteristics of the variety

The best breeders in Russia worked for several years on breeding tomatoes. This variety was bred in 2007 and has already received public recognition. It was included in the State Register only in 2010.

The Malinovka tomato is very popular in countries such as Moldova and Ukraine. Here it is grown for further sale or home use. The variety is able to withstand prolonged drought. Ripening time is average.

Description of the bush

The height of the bush varies depending on the growing location. If you plant tomatoes in open ground, the maximum plant size will be 60 cm. In protected ground conditions (greenhouse), the height of the bushes reaches 100 cm. The color of the leaves is dark green. The inflorescences have a yellow tint.

Description of fruits

According to the description of the Malinovka tomato, it has the following characteristics:

• round shape;
• the surface of the fruit is ribbed;
• unripe fruits are green, after ripening they acquire a crimson hue;
• there are few seeds inside the tomatoes;
• the average weight of a tomato is 300 g, but there are specimens that grow up to 600 g;
• the flesh is fleshy.

Productivity

The yield indicators of the Malinovka variety are high. This is due to the small size of the bush and fruit. All that is required from a gardener is good care of the crop.

If you provide the plant with minimal care, the yield will be 7 kg per 1 m². If agricultural technology is carried out according to all the rules, then 6 kg of tomatoes are harvested from each bush.

Use of fruits

Thanks to its pleasant taste and rich aroma, the Malinovka variety is universal in use. The characteristic indicates that it is used:

• for preparing fresh salads;
• for creating juices and purees;
• for whole-fruit canning.

Regions of growth

The Malinovka tomato variety is suitable for growing in the southern regions of the country. Here they are planted in open ground.

If you want to grow these tomatoes in other regions, it is preferable to plant them in a greenhouse. In this case, this variety is suitable for growing in the conditions of Siberia and the Urals.

Advantages and disadvantages

Description of the benefits of vegetable crops:

• the fruits ripen together;
• the thickness of the skin protects the fruit from cracking;
• possibility of transportation over long distances;
• long shelf life;
• marketable condition;
• good taste and aroma;
• versatility of use.

No serious deficiencies were found in the Malinovka tomato variety. This explains the high popularity of the variety.

Features of purple tomatoes

First of all, dark varieties attract gardeners due to their taste. Purple tomatoes differ from red and pink varieties in their rich sweet taste with fruity notes and bright aroma. This feature is also due to the high content of anthocyanins.

In addition, the “blue” gene ensures longer preservation of the tomato crop. The anitoxidant property allows the pulp not to spoil longer, and the dense peel, characteristic of all varieties, reliably protects against cracking.

In order to gain color, colorful tomatoes need a lot of sunlight. In shaded beds, the blue pigment practically does not appear, so it is recommended to plant purple varieties in the most illuminated places in the greenhouse or garden. In terms of ripening time, most varieties are classified as mid-season. At the same time, the fruiting period lasts longer than most traditional varieties, due to the fact that purple tomatoes are resistant to cold and temperature changes.

Diseases and pests

Tomato Blue has increased immunity to various diseases. But if the care of the variety is not taken care of, the bushes may develop certain diseases.

Bacterial cancer

The causative agents of the disease are bacteria that enter plants through damage and cracks. Cancer develops slowly, but leads to complete death of the bushes. Black cuts appear on the stems, and then spots form on the stems, leaves and fruits. When the fruit is cut open, yellow strands are visible that go to the seed chamber of the tomato.

The disease can be triggered by high humidity. Therefore, all plantings, if they are in a greenhouse or under film, must be regularly ventilated. You should also follow the watering regime.

It is impossible to cure the disease. When plants become infected, diseased bushes must be destroyed. For preventive purposes, before planting seeds for seedlings, they are treated with Fitolavin.

What to do?

In general, blue coloration of tomato leaves is a sign of phosphorus deficiency. Tomatoes do not take well to excess mineral fertilizers. The seedlings are not yet full-fledged plants, so they are very vulnerable.

Phosphorus is not absorbed at temperatures below 15° C.

If you place a thermometer next to the seedlings and it shows the desired temperature, you still shouldn’t calm down. The soil temperature is usually lower than that of the air. It is impossible for a box of tomato seedlings to stand close to the cold glass of a window.

If the leaves turn purple and are raised upward, then the problem is low temperature. Then foil is installed between the window sill and the box for additional protection and lighting. If this does not help, then you need to move the box with seedlings to a warmer place and provide lighting for up to 12 hours a day. To do this, use a phytolamp or a fluorescent lamp. After some time, the seedlings will become their usual green color without additional feeding.

But if the temperature is normal, then the problem is a lack of phosphorus. Then it is necessary to spray the seedling leaves with an extract of superphosphate. To obtain a solution, pour a tablespoon of superphosphate with 150 grams of boiling water and leave for 8-10 hours. Then dissolve the resulting mixture in 2 liters of water. Now you can spray and water the seedlings.

Reasons for the appearance of black leg in tomato seedlings

The main causes of the disease are associated with a violation of the technology of growing seedlings:

• low-quality seed material, unstable variety;
• increased soil moisture;
• dense crops, poor ventilation, drafts;
• high air temperature;
• insufficient lighting;
• acidic soil;
• sudden temperature changes. Seedlings placed on cold window sills often get sick.

Advice. To prevent this, place any suitable material under the boxes with plants. Dry sawdust can be poured into the pallets.

• lack of picking tomatoes;
• excessive application of fertilizers, especially nitrogen;
• sprout fly larvae that reproduce in the soil with seedlings and feed on underground roots and the lower part of the stem.

Photo: The disease develops due to improper conditions or care.

If one or more of these reasons is present, the seedlings develop slowly, the plants become weakened, stunted in growth and are soon subject to a “fungal invasion.” The disease quickly spreads to neighboring specimens, affecting more and more of them. If you do not take urgent measures, you may soon be left without seedlings.

Tomato Black bunch

author Irina Sagitova

Mid-season, indeterminate (unlimited growth), cluster hybrid of tomatoes of Dutch selection. In the middle zone it is better to grow it in a greenhouse.

The height of the bush is up to 1.8 meters; it requires tying to a support and pinching. The best results were obtained when forming a plant with 2 stems.

Basic qualities of fruits

photo author Evgeny Balashov

The fruits are round, smooth, glossy, black in color at maturity, weighing 35-70 grams. The taste of tomatoes is very unique - sweet, with a plum flavor. If your tomatoes are not grown in the sun, then they may turn out to have the usual tomato taste, without that exotic note for which this variety is mainly grown. These tomatoes are delicious fresh. They are also suitable for canning, but they will lose their color - in canned food they turn brown.

Productivity: up to 3.5 kg of fruits per plant (with proper agricultural technology).

Signs of infection

The main signs of tomato disease are:

• The stem stretches and thins as a result of disruption of the basic development processes caused by pathogenic microflora.
• The tissues of the root collar and stem change color. First, brown spots appear, they are soft and wet, and eventually turn black. The diameter of the stem becomes smaller as a result of tissue deformation.
• At the bottom of the stem, blackleg can spread to both the upper part of the plant and the root system. Often the gardener may not notice this lesion. Infection is detected only during picking, when the seedling is dug up.
• The leaves of the seedlings curl at the ends and dry out as a result of damage to the leaf blade due to a lack of nutrients in the soil.
• You can most often suspect that seedlings are damaged by blackleg if thin seedlings begin to lean down or break off at the root.

Blue tomato varieties (photo)

Varieties of blue tomatoes

​Black Prince (300 g),​

​Indiana (150 g),​

​Negro

Negro, Negritenok (500 g) - this variety is distinguished by its unusual dark purple, almost black color of the fruit and a high content of anthocyanins beneficial to human health. This is the result of painstaking breeding work on a variety of tomato that carries the genes for the “wild” anthocyanin pigment in the fruits themselves. It should be especially noted that genetic engineering techniques were never used to create this variety of tomatoes.​​up to 1.5 meters​

​Tiger​​up to 200g​​Today there are more than a dozen varieties with a purple color and it should be noted that every year new varieties of black-fruited tomatoes appear, with different purposes, taste and keeping quality. Many people like black tomatoes both for their taste and color.​

​Also called Tzu-Yu,​​Even at the beginning of last year, debates about blue tomatoes raged on the Internet.​​Chernomor (400 g),​

​Lilac Lake (500 g),​

​sliced​

​Nochka (300 g),​

​Blueberry tomato​

​. Mid-ripening with whitish-cream colored fruits decorated with a green stripe;

​" - a modern modification of the ancient English variety "Tiger Tom", with fruits of a reddish-orange color, with not very bright yellow stripes, weight

​have a white color and a flat-round shape;​

​Just like purple ones, they can serve as a means of preventing heart and vascular diseases and fight the occurrence of cancer cells.​

​was bred by Chinese breeders. The novelty of the East feels great in our latitudes. The fruits, reminiscent of small watermelons, are suitable for salads, for decorating tables, for stuffing, and for canning. Due to its tall growth, the plant requires formation (in the same way as previous varieties of tomatoes, into one stem) and tying. Productivity is high. Ripening time is average.​

​Now gardeners are already enthusiastically discussing the new products of the “blue” selection, figuring out where to buy varieties that are tastier and more productive.​

​Black minke whale (60 g),​

​Kiryukha (150 g),​

I grew varieties of “blue” tomatoes.

​Osaris (200 g),​

​Scientists have proven that the purple pigments anthocyanins, which are part of the class of flavonoids, are powerful antioxidants that have a positive effect on the human body.​

​«​

​60-70 grams​

​Greenish-white "Lotus"​

​Today, breeders have developed many varieties and hybrids of black tomatoes for indoor soil; gardeners in our region most often find:

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Features of growing tomato

The timing of sowing seeds for seedlings depends on the place where the tomato is grown. If you plan to plant in a greenhouse, then sowing begins in mid-March, so that by the time the seedlings are planted, they are approximately two months old. To grow tomatoes without shelter, sowing is done in early April.

One of the noted features of tomato, according to reviews, is the low germination of seeds. To increase germination and grow high-quality seedlings, take care of seed treatment before sowing:

• Use a 1% solution of potassium permarganate to disinfect seeds before sowing, keeping the seeds in it for 20 minutes. Phytosporin can also be used to disinfect seeds.
• Treat the seeds before planting with growth stimulants, such as Zircon, Epin, which promote faster seed germination. The exposure time in solutions is 5-6 hours.
• Treat the seeds with microelements, which are offered by trade for this purpose.

The soil for seedling boxes is prepared in advance from a mixture of garden soil taken from areas where nightshade crops did not grow in previous seasons, compost, ash and the addition of mineral fertilizers. If the soil is not loose enough, you can add regular or coconut peat to it. The earth is calcined in advance in the oven or frozen outside.

The treated seeds are placed in moistened soil at intervals of 1.5-2 cm, covered with soil (about 5 mm) and lightly compacted. The boxes are covered with thick paper or film, leaving small holes, and put away for several days in a warm (22-25 degrees) place.

When the first shoots appear, the plants are transferred to the most illuminated place; the plants should be in the light for at least 12 hours a day. If there is a lack of natural light, illumination with fluorescent lamps is used.

The temperature regime for the next two weeks after germination is maintained quite harsh - 13-14 degrees at night, -15-16 degrees during the day, then the temperature is raised to 20-22 degrees. Watering is carried out as the soil dries, in no case over-wetting the soil.

In the phase of several true leaves, usually at the age of 4-5 weeks, the seedlings are planted in cups or boxes of larger volume, planting them at intervals of 15-20 cm.

During the entire time of growing seedlings, they are kept in a well-lit place, watered, fed, as necessary. By the time of planting, the plants should have 5-6 true leaves, a strong stem, and a well-developed root system.

Planting of seedlings begins when the ground warms up and stable warmth sets in. Plants are planted in soil prepared in the fall. The holes are made at a distance of 50-60cm between plants and 70cm between rows. When planting in a greenhouse, the distance between the holes is increased.

Compost or rotted manure, ash, and mineral fertilizers are added to the holes, the soil is moistened, and after planting the seedlings, it is watered again.

For better survival, on warm sunny days, plants are planted in the evening.

Caring for plants includes the usual measures: watering every 7-10 days depending on the weather, weeding, fertilizing at intervals of two to three weeks - first with nitrogen fertilizers - a solution of mullein or an infusion of grass, when the plants begin to bloom en masse, add phosphorus and potash fertilizers.

Growing tomatoes

Sprouts should be planted away from potatoes: this will reduce the risk of mutual infection with viral and fungal diseases.

Plant seedlings in open ground at a distance of 50-55 cm in a row.

Care: fertilizing, watering, garter

Like other tall varieties of tomatoes, Marizol violet requires special care after planting in the ground.
First of all, bushes need a lot of space: for 3 plants you need to allocate at least 1 m2. After the seedlings get stronger and begin to grow tall, they need to be tied to long, strong sticks (trellises). Their advantages:

• ensuring good lighting and ventilation of plants;
• rational use of soil;
• simplifying the formation of a bush;
• maintaining the cleanliness and marketable appearance of tomatoes.

There is another option for gartering tall varieties of tomatoes. This is a cage-shaped structure that will last for many years.

First, several circles of the same diameter are made from dense reinforcing wire. Then they are fixed at a distance from each other on vertical posts made of the same strong wire. Bushes are tied to the resulting stands.

Tall Marizol purple also requires pinching. On the remaining shoots, remove the growing point, and leave one or two leaves above the inflorescences with set fruits.

Tomato bushes of this variety need to be fed during periods of flowering and the beginning of fruit formation:

• The first time this should be done 10-12 days after planting, when the first cluster begins to bloom. The composition of the fertilizer is a liter of organic infusion per 10 liters of water with superphosphate extract;
• When setting fruit on the second cluster, fertilize with a composition of 10 liters of organic infusion with a tablespoon of complete fertilizer.

During the period of collecting the first fruits, it is also worth feeding. The composition is the same as for the second feeding.

Tall tomatoes of the Marizol purple variety should be watered only at the root. Water should not get on the stems and leaves

It is important that the soil in the root zone is moderately moist

Watering should be carried out in the first half of the day. The water should warm up to a temperature of +24-26 degrees. If the soil is too dense and the liquid does not penetrate into it well, it is recommended to make several vertical punctures in the ground using a fork.

It is recommended to pour at least a liter of water under each bush: tall varieties love moisture. After moisture has been absorbed, it is recommended to loosen not too deeply so as not to damage the root system.

You need to remove the lower leaves from the bushes that are already touching the ground: they can cause the trunk to rot. The same should be done with dried and yellowing leaves, which can cause an infectious disease of the plant. In addition, they block the light and the rays do not reach healthy foliage.

Features of cultivation, possible difficulties

To get a high-quality harvest, you need to remember the following features:

1. pollination on a hot afternoon has a good effect on fruiting. To help the plant, you need to gently tap the stem several times, shaking the brushes with flowers;
2. The fewer fruits ripen on one bush, the greater their mass. To get large tomatoes, you need to thin out the bunches once a week, cutting off most of the flowers;
3. It is better to remove leaves when the fruits ripen with pruning shears, since removing leaves manually can cause injury to the stem.

Care

When fertilizing Blue tomatoes, it is recommended to mix the plant fertilizer with the soil at the bottom of the planting hole at the time of planting. Next, add some unfertilized soil before completing the fertilizing process.

You may be interested in: Dates for planting tomato seedlings in open ground and greenhouses according to the garden calendar Favorable days for planting tomatoes for seedlings in 2022 according to the lunar sowing calendar Favorable days for picking tomatoes in 2022 after germination: dates for picking tomato seedlings in the table by day Important! If raw fertilizer comes into contact with the roots of the plant, it may burn the tomato plant.

When fertilizing Blue tomatoes, when the first fruits have formed on the plant, gardeners should make sure that the plant is well watered. If the soil is not moist before the fertilization process, the nutrients will be absorbed by the tomato roots for a long time. After watering, the fertilizer is spread on the ground, starting about a few centimeters from the base of the plant. Applying fertilizer close to the plant can cause the fertilizer to flow down to the stem and ruin the crop.

It is enough to water the plant twice a week. It is worth changing the frequency of watering only in drought conditions. Timely weeding and loosening is a prerequisite for the successful development of the plant.