- Category: grade
- Growth type: semi-determinant
- Appointment: universal
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening time, days: 100-105
- Growing conditions: for open ground, for greenhouses
- Bush size: tall
- Bush height, cm: 150-180
- Ripe fruit color: Red
- Fruit shape: oval, slightly widened towards the bottom
The semi-determinant variety of Raja tomatoes is considered one of the most promising among the new products of domestic breeding. It is well adapted to landing in temperate and cold climates. Beautiful calibrated fruits suitable for whole-fruit canning are especially appreciated.
Description of the variety
Raja is a tall tomato growing to 150-180 cm in height. The leafiness is medium, the branching is moderate. 4-5 fruit clusters are formed on the main stem.
The main qualities of the fruit
This variety has large tomatoes, reaching a weight of 200-300 g. The skin is brightly colored, red, the flesh is fleshy. The fruit is oval in shape, with a slight expansion at the bottom. They are small-seeded, juicy, with a thin and smooth skin.
Taste characteristics
Tomatoes taste great. They are well suited for use in salads, cooking lecho, canning. The content of sugars in the fruits is above average; starchy-silvery grains are visible on the cut in the pulp.
Ripening and fruiting
Early variety with long, extended fruiting. Harvesting begins 100-105 days after planting. The fruits ripen from the end of July to the 3rd decade of August.
Yield
With collection rates of 6-8 kg / sq. m the variety can be called high-yielding. In greenhouses, they are always higher than in open ground.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
Sowing seeds is carried out 55-60 days before the transfer of plants to the greenhouse or open ground. Timing should be taken into account regional factors to avoid frost exposure to tomatoes.
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 location of tomatoes at a distance of 60 × 40 cm is considered optimal for this variety. In this case, there will be 2-3 plants per 1 m2.
Growing and care
In the process of growing, the Raj tomato requires formation of 1-2 stems, periodic pinching. The tip is pinched after the formation of 4-5 brushes. Separate stakes are used for the garter, fixing the growth with loops on a weekly basis. If you neglect these recommendations, the plants will simply fall.
Seedlings are grown in a special substrate containing equal proportions of humus, turf and a little sand. Until the emergence of shoots, the boxes are kept at a temperature of +16 degrees. With the appearance of the second true leaflet, the saplings are transplanted into pots.7 days before the transplant, young tomatoes are fed with a mineral complex fertilizer with a potassium-phosphorus composition.
Both in the greenhouse and in the open field, tomato bushes need regular watering. It is held every 3-4 days, in the evening hours, after sunset. It is important that the plants do not dry out, but also do not end up drowning in water. In the greenhouse itself, it is important to maintain the humidity level in the range of 50-60%. It can be reduced by airing, mulching the soil surface.
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
Due to early maturation, Raja is not affected by most diseases, including late blight. It shows good resistance to top rot and other types of infections. Treatment with fungicides for prophylaxis is carried out no more than 2-3 times per season. Insects also do not annoy gardeners too much. Insecticidal treatments are performed as needed - upon detection of the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites.
Resistant to adverse weather conditions
The variety is very resistant to most external weather and climatic factors. It is well adapted to growing in the open field, it is not afraid of short-term frosts, strong temperature changes.
Review overview
According to summer residents, the Raja tomatoes deserve special attention. They are praised for their excellent taste, characteristic sweetness and juiciness. The fruits keep their shape perfectly in slicing and in whole form, suitable for canning. When processed into juice, adjika or sauces, they give a bright color and a pleasant tomato flavor.
Those who plant the Raj tomato for the first time in a greenhouse mention the need to pinch the top. Without it, plants can reach very significant heights. In the open field, this problem is not so urgent, but pinching has to be done constantly.
In the conditions of the northern regions, ripening of fruits is carried out after their removal. Among other disadvantages of this variety, not very high transportability is usually noted, which is compensated by an excellent presentation. Complicated agricultural techniques can be a problem for novice vegetable growers. In addition, the purchase of seeds can also be associated with certain difficulties.
