- Authors: Gavrish S.F., Morev V.V., Amcheslavskaya E.V., Degovtsova T.V., Volok O.A., Artemyeva G.M., Redichkina T.A.
- Year of approval: 2015
- Category: grade
- Growth type: indeterminate
- Appointment: fresh consumption
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening time, days: 94-95
- Growing conditions: for film greenhouses
- Bush size: tall
- Bush height, cm: 180-220
This variety is known to many gardeners as Imperial. So he was unofficially nicknamed for the shape of the fruit, reminiscent of the imperial crown.
The variety comes in several colors. So, for example, in addition to pink, there are yellow, black and red Mikado varieties. Despite this variety, tomatoes are similar in taste and growing pattern.
Breeding history
The variety is tested at the state level, which means that it has confirmed characteristics. The pink-fruited species was presented in 2013 by Gavrish Breeding Firm LLC. Gavrish S.F. himself and his associates and colleagues represented by V.V. Morev, E.V. Amcheslavskaya, T.V. Degovtsova, O.A. Volok, G.M. Artemyeva, T.A. Redichkina became the authors an unusual variety.
In 2015, the tomato was approved for use in all regions of the country. Recommended for growing under a film in a greenhouse in individual subsidiary plots. Landing in open ground is allowed only in the southern regions.
Description of the variety
The Mikado variety is usually grown by private farmers on small garden plots. Tomatoes are indeterminate. The bush grows up to 180-220 cm and needs to be tied to a vertical support.
The main qualities of the fruit
The fruits of the pink Mikado tomato grow quite large in size. Fruit weight reaches 300-360 g. In shape, they are flat-round, ribbed. Before it regains its usual pink color, the fruit looks light green. The stalk has a green spot.
As it ripens, the green tint of the skin turns pale, a pinkish tint appears. Ripe tomatoes turn completely pink. The color of tomatoes cannot be defined as intense and uniform, but rather a dull pink.
The skin and flesh are quite dense, which gives the tomatoes good keeping quality. And also the variety is characterized by the presence of several chambers not filled with juice. The seeds are found right in the tomato pulp.
Taste characteristics
The fruit tastes sweet. The pulp is medium-dense. There is a lot of it, it is tender and juicy, of excellent taste. As a rule, Mikado tomatoes are consumed only fresh, because processing deprives the fruit of its taste.
Experts from the tasting committee who evaluated the variety gave it an excellent mark. Growers agree that Mikado deserves a high score.
Many note that among a dozen varieties growing in the beds, this tomato has the best taste indicators. The sugars and organic acids in it are so harmoniously balanced that the tomato seems to be the most tomato and appetizing.
Ripening and fruiting
The ripening period is early, as ripe fruits appear 94-95 days after the first shoots. This is a distinctive feature of the Mikado pink variety, since the ripeness of the red and yellow analogue falls on 100-110 days. Up to 7-9 fruits appear on each bush.
Yield
The yield is 5.0-6.0 kg per sq. m. Harvesting takes place in July-August.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
Sowing time for seedlings is the last days of February - the first days of March. Disembarkation takes place at the end of April.
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
It is necessary to plant seedlings of the Mikado tomato variety on the basis that each bush requires 60 x 50 cm of plot area.
Growing and care
Tomatoes react to watering and fertilization. When choosing Mikado for cultivation, it is important not only to study its strengths and weaknesses, but also to learn the agricultural technique and the rules of crop care.
Only a well-lit area is suitable for planting. With a lack of sunlight, the number of ovaries decreases.
In parallel with the planting of seedlings, a vertical wooden support must be placed in the hole. In the future, a bush will be tied to it. The plant will need pinching, pinching and shaping with the number of stems within 1-2 pcs.
As the tomatoes grow, you need to remove the lower leaves. The procedure is carried out to enable the bush to spend nutrients for the formation of many fruits. Removing leaves from the bottom provides better ventilation, which reduces the likelihood of disease.
The Mikado variety will not take root on all soil, so it needs to be loosened and fertilized regularly. The first feeding is carried out 5-7 days after transplanting. Mullein solution or prepared chicken droppings can be introduced into the soil.
If mineral fertilizer is used, ammonium nitrate, potassium salt and superphosphate should be preferred. It is important not to overdo it with nitrogen fertilization so as not to cause abundant leaf growth.
Growing pink Mikado also implies the second stage of feeding, which is carried out 2 weeks after the first.
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
In conditions of growth in greenhouses, tomatoes are almost not affected by fungus and bacterial diseases. In the open field, the culture is unstable to late blight. This problem will have to be addressed. Copper oxychloride or the use of cuproxate will help with fungal infections.
Seedlings before planting in the ground need to be treated with Bordeaux liquid. You can also use the recipe of experienced gardeners who prefer processing seeds with fresh milk. This makes them more resistant to late blight. For processing, you need a mixture of milk and water in a ratio of 1: 10. A couple of drops of iodine and a full glass of wood ash are added to the milk-water solution.
Resistant to adverse weather conditions
In high humidity, tomatoes may crack. The Mikado variety is, in principle, susceptible to temperature changes. In the heat, the skin on the fruit may lose its integrity. Low temperatures can negatively affect plant growth.
Review overview
It is this variety of Mikado that many gardeners consider ideal in taste and smell, reminiscent of tomatoes from childhood. The tomato is not hybrid, so many people get the seeds on their own.
Pink-fruited Mikado is appreciated for its excellent tasting qualities and excellent presentation. Ripe fruits are preferred by those gourmets who like such a sugar taste and meaty content. However, they do not count on a record harvest.
A big plus of the pink variety is that the seeds can be harvested on their own. A disadvantage is that the fruits are easily damaged during transportation.
Ripe tomatoes are used to prepare vitamin salads and fresh juices. Mikado fruits are not very suitable for preservation due to their large size and not too strong skin.
The fruits are so large that just one tomato can turn into a meal for the whole family. It is worth noting that a lot of people like to eat pink tomatoes. They are considered healthier, sweeter and more juicy.
The peculiarity of the variety is that the largest fruits are formed on the lower inflorescences. The higher, the smaller the tomatoes on the bush.
The tomato is very thermophilic as it adapts well. But a long sunny day is good for him.
For growing in regions with a cool climate, you need to equip a greenhouse and, most likely, an additional source of lighting.
All the efforts made to grow Mikado tomatoes pay off with an excellent harvest of magnificent fruits.