Tomato Gnome Purple Heart

Heart-shaped tomato fruits are in great demand among domestic and foreign farmers. One of the most famous representatives of these forms is the Purple Heart Dwarf. It belongs to a series of Dwarves specially bred for a limited growing area. Such tomatoes will grow successfully with maximum space occupancy.

The described variety was first seen in 2014. The idea was developed by American Bill Minkey, who lives in Wisconsin. To get the perfect crop, two varieties were involved: Brad's Black Heart and Wild Fred Dwarf. The work was not completed immediately, so the variety was often altered and improved. Finally, the case came to an end, and Vince Lavallo took over the final development. At first, the variety was called the not very interesting name Porky, which means "thick" in English. However, very soon the dissonant name was replaced by the Purple Heart Dwarf.

The Purple Heart Gnome is one of the many indeterminate varieties. This is a standard variety of tomatoes, reaching a height of 100 centimeters, which allows us to speak about the short stature of the bushes. Compact specimens have a large amount of foliage, but this does not prevent them from growing in close proximity to each other.

The main advantages of this variety are considered to be an unusual color, as well as the ability to use tomatoes in different blanks. For example, thanks to their juiciness, you can get a very tasty and healthy juice. Fruits, if properly arranged, can be transported long distances for sale. And in the basements, they are not bad. The downside is that the variety needs large amounts of fertilizer for normal growth.

The gnome Purple heart has a rather unusual color among the nightshades - purple-chocolate. Summer residents cultivating this variety claim very large fruit sizes - from 100 to 200 grams. The shape of the berry is similar to the heart, it is correct. The pulp is not friable, but its structure resembles jelly.

The taste of this variety is ambiguous. Some people like him, others - not too much. The tomatoes are sweet. There is a slight oiliness. The aftertaste has hints of fruit.

Dwarf Purple Heart is harvesting closer to the beginning of August. This allows it to be ranked as a mid-season tomato variety.

Judging by the reviews, tomatoes of this variety have an average yield. One bush of the Purple Heart will yield about 2 kilograms of tomatoes. And yet, some manage to grow "heroes" weighing almost 500 grams, which, of course, increases the overall yield.

In order for the plant to fully take root in the open field, you will initially have to attend to the planting of seedlings. Seeds begin to grow 60 or 65 days before the intended planting in a permanent place. The dates may shift depending on the region, but mostly this is the second half of March.When growing seedlings, the following rules must be observed:

• the presence of a nutritious substrate richly flavored with peat;

• the presence of a shelter (after the appearance of greenery, it is removed);

• temperature in the range of 18-20 degrees Celsius;

• spraying from a spray bottle as the top layer dries up;

• daily airing;

• picking (upon the appearance of two leaves);

• hardening with a daily increase in the time of "walks" (the last night is spent exclusively in the fresh air).

Simple rules will help you grow healthy seedlings. Already at the end of May, you can plant young plants in a place where they will grow constantly.

Important: if the winter is long, and the threat of night frosts still persists, it is better to play it safe and place the sprouts in a greenhouse.

The soil for planting the Gnome Purple Heart is recommended by most gardeners to prepare in the fall. By bringing in all the necessary fertilizing in the form of nitrogen, you will allow the earth to fully nourish them during the winter. If not everything went smoothly with the autumn preparation, the soil is prepared in a couple of weeks. You need to fertilize it with a small amount of compost and wood ash. The standard hole depth for one bush is 30 centimeters. Plants can grow quite crowded, but you should not be zealous. Plant no more than 6 bushes per square meter of soil. And also it is necessary to calculate the distance between the rows. The standard parameter is 50-60 centimeters.

Dwarf Purple Heart is not a capricious variety. It is important to remember only about the following nuances of caring for this species:

• the liquid is supplied at least 2 times a week, while each bush will need about 6 liters;

• it is advisable to mulch the sprouts using organic materials, the mulch layer will be 10 centimeters;

• top dressing for this variety is mandatory, they are used 4 times per season - a week or 10 days after planting, when flowers, ovaries, fruits appear;

• it is necessary to form a Gnome in 3 or 4 shoots;

• pinching the variety is not required;

• loosening the soil and removing weeds must be carried out without fail.

Tomatoes of the described variety are highly resistant to many diseases. Viruses practically do not touch this culture, and the fungus appears only if the plant adheres to the leaves and is too flooded with water. To prevent the development of pathogens, prophylactic fungicide treatments can be carried out. Of the pests, the Colorado potato beetle is most often found on the bushes. To get rid of it, you can do the following:

• manual collection;

• dusting bushes with ash or corn flour;

• mulching the soil with sawdust;

• spraying with herbal infusions of celandine, tobacco, dandelion;

• the last resort is insecticides.

Dwarf Purple Heart withstands heat and drought well. It is hardy to temperature extremes, but you should not expose it to frost.