- Authors: Andreeva E.N., Nazina S.L., Ushakova M.I., Oktyabrskaya T.A.
- Year of approval: 2002
- Category: hybrid
- Growth type: indeterminate
- Appointment: fresh consumption, for ketchup and tomato paste
- Ripening period: mid-early
- Ripening time, days: 115
- Growing conditions: for film greenhouses
- Marketability: high
- Bush size: tall
The idol is a high-yielding hybrid with an indeterminate growth type. This name was given to him for a reason: the variety is very popular among summer residents. Growing in greenhouse conditions makes it possible to plant Idol tomatoes even in the most remote and cool areas.
Description of the variety
The variety in question was developed by breeders Andreeva E.N., Nazina S.L., Ushakova M.I., Oktyabrskaya T.A.Thanks to the efforts of scientists, tall bushes were obtained that can grow up to 170 cm, provided they grow from a lateral shoot. With direct growth, plants can reach 2 meters.
Despite such an impressive size, the bush is not very abundantly leafy. Medium-sized foliage is painted in green shades pleasant to the eye. The inflorescences are simple, yellow. Their peculiarity is that the first is formed over 9 leaves, then an interval of 3 leaves follows.
The main qualities of the fruit
Light green berries turn red as they ripen. Flat-round tomatoes have a medium degree of ribbing, as well as rather large parameters - at least 165 grams. Observing all agrotechnical standards, in greenhouses it is possible to achieve a weight of 400 grams. In the middle of the fruit, there are 4 to 6 seed chambers. It should be noted that the Kumir variety contains no more than 5% dry matter. This means that the pulp in it will be very fleshy and rich.
Taste characteristics
The idol is very much appreciated by summer residents, first of all, for its taste. Juicy pulp is distinguished by sweetness, delicate tomato aroma. That is why tomatoes of the variety in question are so often tried to keep longer, making pasta and ketchup, adjika from them, freezing and drying. Even dried specimens are incredibly tasty. As for canning, this variety is not suitable for him.
Ripening and fruiting
It takes about 3-3.5 months or 115 days for the Idol to fully mature. The considered variety is medium early. The variety bears fruit for a long time. Judging by the reviews, such tomatoes can be harvested before the onset of cold weather.
Yield
The plant is high-yielding. The minimum collection is 14.2 kg per square meter. However, you can achieve both 16 and 18 kilograms.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
It is worth noting that the seeds of the Idol are quite rare on sale, so it is best to prepare them yourself in advance. The material is checked with salt water for germination, rejecting floating grains. Then for a quarter of an hour it will have to be kept in a solution of potassium permanganate. The last pre-planting procedure is soaking in a growth stimulator.
Sowing seeds for seedlings is best done after March 15. Selected containers are filled with nutrient soil with neutral acidity, and then seeds are spread into the substrate. There is one seed per square centimeter. The grains are sprinkled with soil and moisturized well. The container is covered, placed in the warmest place in the house. With parameters of 30 degrees, sprouts will hatch after 4 days.
The specimens that hatch first and last can be safely discarded, there will not be much benefit from them. Those that remain should receive at least 16 hours of light a day. Drying of the soil must not be allowed.They are fed for the first time on the 20th day after germination, with herbal infusions. Then feeding is given weekly. The shelter can be removed only 14 days after the first shoots appear. Closer to the transplant, seedling hardening procedures begin. In film greenhouses, plants are determined in mid-May. In southern regions with a mild climate, seedlings can be planted in open ground. The transfer of seedlings is carried out only when the threat of freezing is completely gone. And this is not earlier than the beginning of June.
Growing tomato seedlings is an extremely important process, because it largely depends on whether the gardener will be able to harvest at all. All aspects must be taken into account, from seedbed preparation to planting in the ground.
Landing scheme
The idol prefers fertile and loose soils. On a land with high acidity, it will develop poorly, and therefore this issue should be resolved in the autumn. Do not forget that this variety has tall and branched bushes that will take up a lot of space. Planting more than 3 seedlings per square meter is impractical. In addition, a distance of 60-70 cm should be calculated in advance between the landing holes. To make it convenient to walk, the rows should also be at a distance of at least 0.5 meters from each other.
Growing and care
The main point of caring for the Idol will be the formation of a bush. You need to leave two stems. So that the plant does not break under its own weight and the mass of large fruits, it is mandatory to install supports. They are buried in the ground at the stage of planting.
The second thing to note is foliage care. For tomatoes that grow in greenhouses, it is better to pick off the leaves growing from the bottom, leaving just a couple of pieces. For those plants that are cultivated in the open field, such a procedure is contraindicated, because the foliage protects the fruits from the scorching sun rays. Along with the foliage, one must not forget about the stepsons. Removing them allows the bushes to direct forces towards the formation of fruits.
Watering activities are carried out in the morning or evening. The liquid is served warm, several liters under each bush. In the heat, it is recommended to water the Idol every day, as the earth dries up quickly. But don't give all the water at once. Pour out a third of the liquid, wait 20 minutes until it is slightly absorbed, then give the next portion. On ordinary days, watering is carried out every 5-7 days.
It is important to remember that greenhouses should always have an influx of fresh age. Therefore, they must be opened daily. Tomatoes love the draft, and Idol is no exception. In addition, a light breeze promotes rapid pollination. While the greenhouse is open, and it is a little cooler, you can loosen the top layer of the earth, as well as get rid of weeds. For those who find such work with difficulty, mulching of tomatoes can be advised.
The idol will need to be fed four times per season. They give both organics and minerals. This variety is especially fond of phosphorus fertilization. Any fertilizers are applied along with the liquid under the root. If you need to spray on a leaf, choose the time after sunset.
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
The idol has a pretty good immune system. It is rarely exposed to the tobacco mosaic virus and fusarium wilt, and is very resistant to cladosporiosis. However, under conditions of improper agricultural technology and constant rains, late blight inevitably occurs. This dangerous disease can destroy the entire crop, and therefore it is necessary to begin to fight them as early as possible, spraying tomatoes with fungicides.
The pests of this variety are standard, but gardeners noted that the Colorado potato beetle became the most frequent guest of the site. The insect lays eggs, which means that you need to get rid of it quickly. The easiest way to do this is with an insecticide. Calendula and garlic will also help scare off the beetle. Such a plant just needs to be planted next to the Idol.