Tomato Russian Bells

The early variety Russian bells have long been appreciated by gardeners from all regions of the country. This plant is unique, it perfectly tolerates short frosts, heat and drought, and therefore can grow calmly even in areas of risky farming.

As the name suggests, the variety belongs to the Russian selection. Medium-sized bushes, reaching 100-120 centimeters in height, can be grown in open and protected ground, as well as in film greenhouses. The shoots of the plant are erect, foliage is weak. The leaf plates have an ordinary green tint, and are not very large in size.

The formation of the first cluster occurs between the 4th and 5th leaves, then the ovaries are formed through the leaf. The inflorescences are simple in structure. Fruiting in the variety is carp. A single bunch contains up to 8 uniform fruits.

Russian bells give very beautiful, neat tomatoes, one to one. Fruits are elongated, resemble cream berries in shape, there is a spout at the tip. The dimensions are average, the weight is about 90 grams, but there are also smaller specimens. Ripe berries acquire a juicy orange color. Moreover, tomatoes are characterized by the presence of elastic skin. Thanks to her, the fruits are provided with good keeping quality and transportability.

The pulp of the variety has a structure that is far from watery, so the taste is very rich. According to reviews, it is sweet and sour, the balance is perfect. If such a tomato is cut, then on the cut it will be sugary.

Due to their interesting shape and beautiful color, Russian bells are often rolled up in jars. But such tomatoes look no less great in salads and vegetable slices.

For full ripening in open ground, the variety will take from 98 to 102 days. If we are talking about greenhouses, then with proper agricultural technology, the variety will reach ripeness in 90 days. Such indicators allow us to talk about early ripening. It will be possible to harvest the fruits in the last month of summer.

Even in unstable weather, Russian bells produce bountiful harvests. A square meter of plantings allows you to get from 8 to 9 kilograms of sweet berries.

Russian bells are to be grown through seedlings. It is very important to immediately select good seeds so that later there will be no problems with seedlings. The selected material is disinfected, soaked, and then germinated.

Planting seeds is best done in mid-March. The grains are placed in plastic containers filled with nutrient earth, watered, covered with foil and sent to heat. Further, the seedlings are looked after according to the classical scheme: they maintain the desired temperature and humidity, ventilate, water. After the first pick, you can feed with complex preparations for tomatoes. The last stage of germination of sprouts is hardening in the open air.

When the seedlings are two months old, they can be planted in a permanent place. The sprouts are transferred to open ground in June.As a rule, at this time there is no longer a threat of a night cold snap.

It is recommended to prepare a planting place for tomatoes Russian bells in the autumn months. The soil should be cleared of old debris, plant debris, dug up and fertilized with superphosphate and wood ash. If the land is poor, it is recommended to add humus to it. In open ground, up to 5 plants can be planted per square meter of soil, while maintaining an equal distance between them. In greenhouses, tomatoes grow more strongly, so here it is better to limit yourself to 3-4 bushes.

The first feeding of the described variety is carried out 20 days after planting. During this period, young shoots really need organic matter, for example, mullein or bird droppings. The next feeding procedure is carried out after about 2 weeks, and here it will already be necessary to give minerals. Further feeding is alternated. At the stage of fruit formation, nitrogen will have to be completely eliminated, otherwise the tomatoes will begin to fatten.

Bushes that grow in the open field have to be pinned every 10 days. But the stepchildren of greenhouse plants will have to be cut off twice a week, as they grow much faster. When breaking off a stepson, it is important to leave a small stump in order to restrain the growth of a new shoot.

Russian bells most often lead to 3-4 trunks, so you can ensure the maximum yield. In addition, the tomatoes of the variety will have to be tied up, since the plants form large and heavy clusters.

Watering is carried out a couple of times a week, not exceeding the norm of 3 liters per bush. After irrigation, the soil is loosened. Mulching with organic materials will help curb the growth of weeds. The mulch layer should be no more than 10 centimeters.

Russian bells are a very resistant variety that rarely gets sick. However, with improper agricultural technology, it can undergo rot and late blight. In order to prevent the development of ailments, it is necessary to purchase seeds from trusted suppliers, and also follow all the rules of care. The following activities are especially important:

• removal of excess foliage (thickens the bushes, creating a favorable environment for the fungus);

• treatment with prophylactic drugs (fungicides, biological agents);

• disinfection of equipment used by the gardener;

• adherence to the fertilizing schedule;

• compliance with the rules of crop rotation;

• weed removal;

• daily ventilation (for greenhouses).

Harmful insects on the bushes of Russian bells also rarely appear. But if they are noticed, it is important to prevent them from spreading. In the early stages, aphids can be removed with a strong jet of water, as well as with soapy water, the Colorado potato beetle is harvested by hand, and infusions of strong-smelling herbs are used against the caterpillars.

Summer residents really like Russian bells tomatoes. Beautiful and tasty, they find their place both on the summer table and in winter preparations. Gardeners remove them from the bush mostly immature, sending them to ripen in a cool room. Resistance to diseases and unfavorable weather conditions is also especially noted. But in order for the plants to justify the qualities declared by the originator, the gardener himself will have to work hard, because caring for this variety does not look easy.