Description of the variety and characteristics of Bella Rossa tomatoes
Bella Rossa tomatoes are a first generation hybrid. They have an early ripening period - about 3 months from sowing seeds to ripe fruits. The bush is determinate, the main stem grows up to 60 cm in height. Tomatoes need shaping and staking.
Bella Rossa is known for being resistant to drought, many nightshade diseases, and at the same time not causing difficulties in care. The hybrid variety is not intended for cultivation in greenhouses or film shelters. High yields are obtained only in open ground; accordingly, Bella Rossa is grown mainly in regions with warm climates. In a greenhouse, these tomatoes will stretch out and break under the weight of ripe tomatoes, and you won’t get a good harvest. Some gardeners still plant this hybrid in greenhouses and achieve quite decent results.
Bella Rossa tomatoes mostly collect positive reviews, their fruits are shown in the photo:
Diseases and pests
Bella Rosa tomatoes gained their popularity due to their resistance to diseases, but this does not mean that we should forget about prevention. To keep the plant in shape, you must follow the regime of watering, fertilizing the soil and loosening it during the process.
Read on our website: common tomato diseases in greenhouses and methods of combating them, high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. Alternaria, fusarium, verticillium, late blight and protection against it, varieties not susceptible to late blight.
Among the pests, it is susceptible to invasion by spider mites and slugs. A soap solution used to wipe off the pest-affected areas of the bush is very effective against mites.
Against slugs, they use ash, which is sprinkled on the soil around the plant, and hot pepper, the smell of which the slugs cannot stand and do not harm the treated plants. As you can see, even a novice gardener can cope with growing this type of tomato. I would like to wish you success and a great harvest.
Taste qualities of fruits
The fruits of the Bella Rossa hybrid are quite small and are not prone to cracking. Their weight is on average 120 g, the maximum can reach 250 g. The shape of these tomatoes is a flat oval. The stalk has slight ribbing. There are many seed chambers, the skin is thin and smooth, but at the same time quite dense, which prevents damage and promotes long-term storage of tomatoes.
Bella Rossa tomatoes are bright scarlet in color. The fruit has a sweet taste, and at the same time they are very juicy. Suitable for use in salads and for preparations.
Productivity
The hybrid variety has good yield. With proper care, watering and fertilizing from 1 sq. meter you can collect from 5 to 7 kg of delicious tomatoes.
The Bella Rosa variety is intended for cultivation only in warm regions of Russia. Tomatoes do not grow in the northern regions of the country.
The optimal regions for planting the Bella Rosa hybrid are the Krasnodar Territory and the Astrakhan Region.
The variety bears fruit for several months. All tomatoes have a beautiful round shape and a bright red color. Evenly colored. There are no yellow or orange spots on the skin.
The average weight of the fruit is 220 g. Under favorable conditions it reaches 300 g. The proportion of dry matter does not exceed 6%. The flesh is fleshy, but elastic. The thick skin protects the tomatoes from damage and cracking.
Pros and cons of the Bella Rossa tomato variety
Gardeners love Bella Rossa tomatoes for a reason - the hybrid has many positive qualities:
- low bush;
- early harvest;
- drought resistance;
- pleasant taste without acid;
- versatility in use;
- stable immunity to most nightshade diseases;
- long shelf life;
- ease of care.
One of the disadvantages of the hybrid is that it is recommended to grow it in open ground, that is, only in regions with a suitable climate.
Important! In the greenhouse, the fruits most often become small and acquire a sour taste.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages, it should certainly be noted:
- early harvest;
- resistance to major diseases;
- quite good yield;
- high taste qualities of finished products.
Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it is not suitable for cultivation in all regions; it is very heat-loving. Many gardeners note resistance to major diseases. There are no particular difficulties when growing. Resistant to lack of moisture and other stressful situations. The finished crop tolerates long-term storage and transportation very well.
Read more on our website all about agrotechnical techniques for growing tomatoes:
- Planting seedlings.
- Stepsonning.
- Mulching.
- Watering.
- Preparing soil in a greenhouse.
As mentioned above, the variety is responsive to fertilizing. The most commonly used fertilizers are:
- Organic fertilizers.
- Mineral.
- Yeast.
- Iodine.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Ammonia.
- Boric acid.
- Ash.
We bring to your attention useful information on the topic: how to plant tomatoes correctly? What soil is suitable for growing seedlings and adult plants in greenhouses? What types of soil are there? As well as growth stimulants, fungicides and insecticides for nightshades.
Growing Bella Rossa tomatoes
Caring for the Bella Rossa hybrid is not difficult. Knowing the basic rules, you can achieve high yields and protect plants from most diseases. In good conditions, tomatoes will ripen juicy and sweet.
Landing rules
Bella Rossa tomatoes are grown from seedlings. It can be purchased at the store, but it is better to grow it yourself, so there is a greater chance of getting a good harvest.
When planting, it is recommended to follow the instructions:
- The seeds are left in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes, this ensures their disinfection.
- To increase germination, preliminary germination is recommended - the seed is placed in a moistened cloth and placed in a dark, warm place.
- The hatched seeds are placed in the soil; if the soil is brought from the garden, it must be calcined in order to destroy possible pests and pathogens.
- There must be drainage at the bottom of the container, and above it there must be a layer of earth. The seeds are placed in small grooves and carefully watered.
- The boxes with seedlings are covered with film and placed in a dark place. To avoid the soil becoming moldy, they are opened for 15 minutes every other day.
- When sprouts appear, the container with tomatoes is taken out into the sun.
- To avoid stretching the seedlings, they are placed on the windows on the south side.
- When the first true leaves appear, a pick is made. Usually they use plastic cups, but a more modern method is peat cups - they can be planted in the ground.
- If the sprouts are stretched out, they are buried a little when planting.
- Young tomatoes should be protected from drafts.
The best period for moving seedlings into the ground is the end of May. If there is a danger of cold weather, then the seedlings are insulated for some time. Tomatoes are placed in holes at a distance of about 55 cm from each other. After planting, watering is necessary.
Watering and fertilizing
Much of the success in growing Bella Rossa tomatoes lies in ensuring the correct watering schedule - no more than once a week in normal weather and twice a week on dry days. If there is excessive moisture, the root system of the plant suffers.
Important! Fertilizers in the form of solutions are poured strictly at the root, otherwise the development of late blight can be provoked.
For Bella Rossa tomatoes, feeding with both organic and inorganic mixtures is suitable. A good remedy is superphosphate.
Pinching and tying
The tomato bush requires obligatory pinching. The plant is not very tall, but it is recommended to tie it up. The stem may not withstand the weight of the ripening fruit and break. When grown in a greenhouse, the Bella Rossa hybrid stretches greatly and cannot do without support.
When pinching, adhere to the following recommendations:
- the first procedure is carried out together with tomato garter;
- It is imperative to have time to trim the shoots before the first cluster dissolves;
- A good length of stepsons for removing them is considered to be 5 cm, they are easy to remove, and the procedure will not harm the bush, the wounds will quickly heal and the risk of gray rot will decrease;
- all manipulations are carried out in dry weather;
- a week before removing the stepsons, the tomato bush should not be fertilized or watered.
If you follow these recommendations, the plant will be strong and healthy.
Formation
A tomato bush must be formed, while adhering to some rules:
- lateral shoots on the main stem located under the inflorescences are preserved;
- the main stem must be pinched at the level of the third leaf of the second inflorescence; growth occurs due to the lateral stepsons;
- These actions continue as long as there is room for the bush to grow.
Thus, the plant will be able to direct most of its energy to the formation and ripening of fruits.
Protection from diseases and pests
The Bella Rossa hybrid is resistant to diseases, but only with proper care and compliance with preventive measures. Timely watering, fertilizing and loosening the soil increase the plant’s resistance to various negative factors. Also, do not forget about weeding - the presence of weeds has a detrimental effect on the development of the tomato bush.
The Bella Rossa hybrid has strong immunity to spot mosaic viruses, fusarium, verticillium, gray and white spot, nematode, but may suffer from fungal diseases:
- Tomato fungus. Appears on plants in humid environments. It begins with the appearance of white spots on the grassy part of the tomatoes, then the greens turn yellow and wither. Treated with fungicides, it is recommended to use Ridomil Gold. Treatment is carried out in the morning in dry weather in the absence of wind. Plants not affected by the fungus are sprayed very little.
- Late blight. Brown spots appear on the stem and leaves, if the environment is humid, they quickly spread to the fruits and all surrounding plants. Fungicides are effective against this disease.
Bella Rossa tomatoes can be attacked by slugs and spider mites. Folk remedies do an excellent job of controlling these pests. A solution with soap is used against mites; they are used to treat the areas of the plant where these insects live. Slugs cannot tolerate the smell of hot peppers, so they treat the soil around the bushes with it. The same can be done with ash.
Features of cultivation, planting and care
We recommend sowing the seeds of this tomato for seedlings 60-65 days before the intended planting in the ground. Seedlings dive at the stage of 2 true leaves. When planting seedlings in a permanent place, it is recommended to place up to 6 plants per 1 sq.m of land.
Further care for tomatoes consists of timely watering, weed removal, pinching, fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizer and preventive measures to protect the crop from diseases and pests.
For other interesting varieties with photos, descriptions and reviews, see our Tomato Catalog alphabetically. Enjoy watching!
If you grew Bella Rosa tomatoes, please write whether you liked them or not. What was the yield and taste of the fruits like under your climatic conditions? How do you rate the disease resistance of this hybrid? If possible, attach a photo of the entire bush or individual fruits you grew. Thank you!
Your reviews of the Bella Rosa tomato, as well as additions to the description, will help many gardeners evaluate this hybrid more objectively and decide whether it is worth planting or not.
Description of the hybrid
It is rare to find a summer resident who, before planting any variety of crops, would not study its description.
The Bella Rosa tomato variety belongs to the first generation hybrids with early fruit ripening. From the moment of planting the planting material to the first ripe tomatoes, no more than 95 days pass.
Tomato is a determinate hybrid. The height of the main stem reaches no more than 55 cm. It is recommended to form plants into 2 or 3 stems. You will also need to tie up the bushes.
The main characteristic is that the hybrid has good resistance to drought. It is also necessary to note the high immunity of the Bella Rosa tomato to most diseases of nightshade crops. These are tobacco mosaic, cladosporiosis, verticillium and fusarium wilt of bushes, and resistance to nematodes and gray rot. Not demanding in care.
The variety was bred in Holland for the purpose of growing in temperate climates.
- Tomato is classified as indeterminate (tall) varieties. The stem reaches a height of 1.5 m.
- Average number of leaves. In appearance they do not differ from the plates of other representatives of the culture.
- The first inflorescence is formed after the appearance of the 9th leaf. In the future they follow through 3 nodes.
- The tomato is not distinguished by its large fruit size. Average weight 120-150 g.
- The tomatoes are round with slightly pronounced ribs at the stalk.
- 6-8 fruits develop on one cluster, which determines the high yield of the hybrid.
According to ripening time | By type of growth | By type of use | By growing method | Fruit weight (kg) | Yield (kg/m²) | Ripe fruit color | Fetal characteristics |
Early ripe | Indeterminant | Universal | For open ground and greenhouses | 120-150 | Up to 15 | Red | Round, slightly ribbed, fleshy |
Belle f1 from the Dutch company Enza Zaden was bred specifically for growing in greenhouse and greenhouse conditions in the third light zone of the country. Included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2003.
The bushes are indeterminate, branched, with foliage of medium density. The trunks are thick and knotty. The rhizome is well developed.
In the photo - Belle f1 tomatoes.
Distinctive features
The table shows the main characteristics of the hybrid.
Indicators | Characteristic |
Weight | 121–145 g (up to 180 g) |
Form | Flat-round, slightly ribbed |
Coloring | Red |
Leaves | Medium size, green |
Type of inflorescences | Simple |
Number of slots | Four or more |
Pulp | Juicy but not watery |
Taste | Sweet and sour, pleasant |
Skin | Glossy, dense |
Purpose | For salads, preserves, sauces and pasta |
Bush height | 1.5 m |
Ripening period | 107–115 days after germination |
Productivity | 27–31 kg/m² |
Sustainability | Tobacco mosaic virus, fusarium, verticillium |
Transportability | High |
How to fight diseases and insects
The Bella Rosa hybrid is protected at the genetic level from viral diseases, but is susceptible to bacterial damage, rot and insect attacks.
To combat slugs and spider mites, use a soap, garlic or mustard solution, and decoctions of thyme, sage and lavender to wipe the leaves. Ash mixed with hot pepper is scattered around the bushes.
To prevent late blight, use:
- a solution of copper sulfate before flowering begins (for 10 liters of water, 2 tablespoons of copper sulfate);
- "Fitosporin" (diluted according to instructions);
- “Trichopol” (1 tablet per 1 liter of water);
- iodine solution with milk (9 liters of water 1 liter of milk 15 drops of iodine);
- hay tincture (infused in 10 liters of water with 2 tablespoons of urea for 4 days).
If infection cannot be avoided, diseased leaves and fruits are removed and burned, and the instrument is disinfected.
Disease prevention measures:
- Maintain a distance between seedlings (at least 50 cm).
- Mulching the soil.
- Removing the lower leaves.
- Moderate watering.
Recommendations for agricultural technology of the Morning Dew variety
This tomato is grown by seedlings, as well as by sowing seeds directly into the ground. It is clear that the second method is used in the southern regions, where even late-ripening tomatoes have time to ripen. But in the conditions of the regions of Central Russia, the Urals, Siberia, and the North-West, tomatoes are grown only through seedlings.
Preparing seeds and growing seedlings
Sowing for seedlings - March, since when planting tomatoes in beds or shelters, they should be about two months old. Tomatoes usually sprout within 10 days; a lot depends on the quality of the seed material.
The soil mixture, as well as containers for seedlings, are prepared in advance. Approximate mixture options:
- turf soil, peat, peat, sawdust;
- humus, peat, soil, baking powder (for example, sand).
Sow in boxes, pots, cups, kefir and milk bags, cardboard boxes. When sowing in common containers, tomatoes will need to be picked (about two weeks old, when 2-3 true leaves appear).
The temperature at sowing should be around +22ºC...+25ºC, but as soon as shoots appear, the indicators are reduced to +18ºC. This is done so that the plant begins to expend its energy searching for nutrients. At high temperatures, tomatoes can immediately stretch out quickly, but if you lower it slightly, this will not happen.
The reduction mode is maintained for about a week, then the values are again set to +23ºC…+25ºC
Tomatoes that initially grow in common boxes are picking up, but it is important not to miss the deadline. The best time is when the plants have 2 true leaves. After diving, tomatoes should be covered from the bright sun for 2-3 days.
After diving, the tomatoes should be covered from the bright sun for 2-3 days.
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It is enough to feed the seedlings twice, and this is done 8-12 days after picking. They use Kemira, Agricola (“the favorite drink of plants”), and complex fertilizers are also suitable.
When 14-16 days remain before planting, the seedlings are hardened off. Open the vents and windows (weather permitting), take the tomatoes out onto the balcony or directly onto the street. Many people neglect hardening (most often due to lack of time), but as reality shows, such seedlings tolerate transplants into open ground or a greenhouse, nothing more, and quickly take root.
Planting tomatoes
Morning dew is a tall tomato, so do not forget to maintain distances between plants when planting. It is optimal to plant 3-4 bushes per square meter.
Planting time depends on the climate of the region, weather, as well as plant cultivation conditions (greenhouse or open beds). It is clear that when stable heat sets in, tomatoes are planted in the greenhouse earlier than in open ground.
Usually in the middle zone they start planting in greenhouses at the beginning of May, and on ridges at the end. But in the north, beyond the Urals, the timing shifts; in these areas, planting in greenhouses is usually done in mid-May, and tomatoes are planted in ridges no earlier than the first week of June.
ON A NOTE! A good guideline for planting is the soil temperature, which should be between +14ºC...+16ºC.
The place on the ridges is prepared in advance, choosing the sunniest areas. It is better to apply fertilizers in the fall (manure, compost, superphosphate) and add humus and wood ash in the spring.
It is not allowed to grow tomatoes for a long time in the same place; crops in the garden must be alternated, taking into account their compatibility. So, tomatoes grow best after onions, legumes, cucumbers, and potato beds should be placed at a distance.
Plants are planted in holes, after which they are not watered for about 5-6 days. The first watering is after a week, the first fertilizing (diluted mullein, poultry droppings, wood ash) is after 16-19 days.
Growing the variety
This tomato variety must be sown for at least 60 days. But, since the variety is a hybrid, the seed material and soil for planting require preparation.
Sowing seeds
Before sowing Bella Rosa tomato seeds for seedlings, you need to prepare the container and soil. The variety grows well in soil intended for planting indoor flowers. If such soil is not at hand, then you can use black soil with sand. Before planting, you should also prepare the seeds. It is recommended to soak them in potassium permanganate for 24 hours.
Such actions will remove any infection that may be inside or on the seed. After soaking, you can safely plant Bella Rosa tomatoes in the prepared container. To do this, make small holes in it, 2 cm deep. Then sprinkle with pre-prepared soil, water well and cover with a plastic bag. The variety remains in this state until the seeds germinate.
Seedling care
The plant needs good lighting
When the Bella Rosa F1 tomato seedlings produce two strong leaves, you need to pick. Each bush should be placed in a separate container. This will allow the seedlings to gain more strength and develop a powerful root system. For the development of bushes, seedlings must be provided with the right conditions.
The seedlings should be placed where there is sufficient light. If the day is not yet long enough, then additional lighting must be provided using a fluorescent lamp. The air temperature in the room should be above 15 degrees, otherwise all the seedlings will turn purple. Watering the plants should be done as the soil dries out; too much irrigation can lead to root rot, and a lack of moisture can lead to yellowing of the stem.
Planting seedlings
To transplant a variety into open ground, you need to choose the right place. It should be well lit and sufficiently fertilized. It is best to prepare a place for tomatoes in the fall. After you have decided where you will plant the seedlings, you need to make holes. The distance between them should be about 50 cm.
After this, you can safely replant the seedlings. To do this, fill the containers with seedlings well with water. Then carefully remove the seedlings and move them to open ground.
Tomato care
The Bella Rosa tomato fruit bush needs proper care. To do this, you must first water it properly. It is better to do this once a week, and on hot days twice every seven days. Do not overdo it with adding water to the soil, otherwise you can damage the root system of the subspecies.
Harvesting and storage
Bella Rosa tomatoes are harvested every day at a temperature of +23. For fresh use, tomatoes are harvested at the stage of consumer ripeness. Such fruits are stored for no more than one week. You should not wait until the tomatoes are overripe, as their flesh becomes loose and the vegetables themselves lose their beneficial qualities. For canning and transportation, tomatoes are harvested during the technological stage of ripening. After harvesting, the specimens ripen within ten days. Conditions for storing the harvested crop:
Whole and healthy specimens are selected for storage; the tomatoes are dried and laid out in two layers in wooden boxes; the room temperature should not fall below 20 degrees, the humidity percentage should be at 80%; it is important that the room is well ventilated; For longer storage, tomatoes should be sprinkled with sawdust and left in a dark room at a temperature of 10 degrees.
If long-term storage is required, the fruits are harvested at the biological stage of maturity. The final harvest takes place before the first frost. It is recommended to remove diseased tomatoes along with high-quality tomatoes - this way the infection will not spread to the rest of the fruits.