- Authors: A. N. Lukyanenko, S. V. Dubinin, I. N. Dubinina, LLC Agrofirm "Sedek"
- Year of approval: 2017
- Category: grade
- Growth type: determinant
- Appointment: fresh consumption, for whole-fruit preservation, for curing and drying
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening time, days: 90-95
- Growing conditions: for open ground, for film greenhouses, for balconies, for growing on a windowsill
- Bush size: undersized
- Bush height, cm: 30
Those who dream of growing not only tasty, but also beautiful tomatoes are advised to pay attention to decorative varieties such as cherry. Among these, the early ripe tomato Florida Petit can be distinguished, which combines excellent taste and decorative qualities.
Breeding history
Florida Petit mini-tomatoes are the creation of a group of domestic scientists from the Sedek agricultural firm (A. N. Lukyanenko, I. N. Dubinina and S. V. Dubinin). The tomato was registered in 2015, and in 2017 the variety appeared in the register of approved for cultivation. Tomato productivity is high both in open ground and in greenhouses. In addition, tomatoes can be grown in a flowerpot on a windowsill. All climatic zones of Russia are considered recommended for growing crops.
Description of the variety
Florida Petite is a standard plant, the growth of which does not exceed 30 cm. The determinant bush is characterized by moderate foliage, a powerful central stem with a dense edge, medium branching and simple inflorescences. In a single elongated fruit cluster, up to 20-25 berries are tied.
When growing, the bush does not need to be formed and removed from it stepchildren, however, a garter is sometimes required, since fragile branches do not always withstand long fruit brushes with many tomatoes. Mini tomatoes have a universal purpose: cooking, canning, eating fresh, decorating dishes, as well as pickling, drying and pickling.
The main qualities of the fruit
Florida Petite berries are small. The average weight of one fruit is 20-25 grams, however, berries of 35-45 g can grow on the upper fruit cluster. The shape of the dessert vegetable is correct - round. The berries have a smooth surface. Ripe fruit is evenly covered with bright red color, while unripe vegetable will be dark green in color.
The tomato skin is dense, glossy, well protected from cracking. Dessert berries perfectly tolerate transportation and lie perfectly. According to some growers, the peel of tomatoes is a little tough.
Taste characteristics
Taste also attracts gardeners. The pulp of the berries is fleshy and juicy. The taste is dominated by sweetness, sometimes sugariness is present. It is extremely rare in the taste that there is a pronounced sourness. The tomato has a dessert aroma, with light spicy nuances.
Ripening and fruiting
The described variety represents a class of early vegetables. From the appearance of seedlings to ripe berries on the bushes, 3 months pass - 90-95 days. Tomatoes ripen at the same time. Fruiting occurs in late June or early July.
Yield
Productivity, given the compactness of the bushes, is quite good. With proper agricultural technology, up to 5 kg of delicious tomatoes can be grown per 1 m2. One bush grown on a windowsill yields 0.5 kg of berries.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
It is possible to sow seeds for seedlings in late March-early April (50-55 days before transferring to the garden). Before sowing, the seedlings are disinfected and kept in "Epin". Seedling germination occurs on 6-8 days.The greenhouse effect using glass or polyethylene will help accelerate the mass germination of sprouts. For healthy plant growth, lighting is required for more than 14 hours / day and a room temperature of + 18-24 degrees. At the stage of the appearance of three leaves, the sprouts can be planted in separate pots.
It is recommended to plant bushes in the garden at the age of 50-55 days. Transplantation is carried out in the second half of May. The soil and air should warm up well.
Growing tomato seedlings is an extremely important process, because it largely depends on whether the gardener can harvest at all. All aspects must be taken into account, from seedbed preparation to planting in the ground.
Landing scheme
It is necessary to plant seedlings correctly so that each plant has access to oxygen and the sun. Up to 4-8 bushes are required per 1 m2. The recommended planting pattern is 50x60 cm.
Growing and caring
Tomatoes are completely unpretentious to care for, but they have some requirements for the quality of the soil. The soil should be fertile, airy, breathable, with a neutral acidity level. It is strictly forbidden to grow a crop on a site where tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, physalis or potatoes have been growing for the last three years, as this is fraught with infection with specific diseases. The best precursors are radish, cucumber or cabbage. Comprehensive care consists of regular watering, top dressing, loosening and weeding of the soil, measures to protect against ailments and insects.
A plant needs different micronutrients at each stage of growth. All fertilizers can be divided into two groups: mineral and organic. Folk remedies are often used: iodine, yeast, bird droppings, eggshells.
It is important to observe the rate and period of feeding. This also applies to folk remedies and organic fertilizers.
Disease and pest resistance
Excellent immunity makes the plant resistant to many ailments. In addition, the tomato, due to its early ripening, leaves late blight.
Resistant to adverse weather conditions
Resistance to stress allows you to grow tomatoes in unfavorable conditions, in dark areas, during droughts and heat.
