Tomato Sergeant Pepper

Tomato Sergeant Pepper is a variety that surprises not only with its excellent taste, but also with the original appearance of ripe fruits. This article will help you get acquainted with its main characteristics, as well as learn how to grow a good crop on your own plot.

Tomato Sergeant Pepper is a collectible product developed by American breeders by crossing OSU Blue and German Red Strawberry varieties.

The bush is an indeterminate plant with flexible thin stems, the height of which reaches 2 meters. The leaves have a deep dark green color, elongated petioles.

The leaf plate is non-uniform to the touch, fleecy, with large denticles along the edge. The flowers are of a deep yellow hue; up to 6 ovaries can form on the fruit cluster at the same time.

Culture requires garters and pinning. Yields a successful harvest when formed in 3 stems. The fewer stepsons and foliage on weak stems, the more fruits in the end.

Designed for cultivation both in a greenhouse and in open field conditions. The choice of planting option largely depends on the climate of the region.

In general, the variety is characterized by medium resistance to weather conditions, is able to withstand sudden changes in temperature, but is afraid of frost. Therefore, in order not to risk the harvest, in the northern regions it is still better to choose protected ground conditions for growing it.

The variety is picky about lighting, watering and feeding. A good harvest can be obtained only in a bright area, subject to regular adequate watering and fertilization of the soil. The root system of the culture is rather weak, therefore, feeding the plant is vital.

The variety is self-pollinated, medium-early in terms of ripening, high-yielding, has good keeping quality and transportability, subject to storage rules.

Winter hardiness of the crop is average, drought resistance is low. Possesses good immunity, is able to withstand a number of diseases and pests, which are usually susceptible to nightshades.

The appearance of the fruit is one of the main differences between the Sergeant Pepper tomato. Tomatoes of this variety have a recognizable heart shape. Rounded in the region of the stalk, they taper towards the apex, which is, in fact, an acute angle.

Interesting color is the highlight of the variety. The ripe fruit is colored in two colors: a bright scarlet or burgundy shade of the top in the center is replaced by a dark purple palette of colors, which continues to the very base, playing with its depth and saturation.

The surface of a ripe tomato is smooth and shiny, covered with a thin skin, which can easily crack if the bush is not moisturized enough during growth. The pulp of a ripe fruit is juicy, dense, rich maroon color, with a small amount of seeds.

There is another variety of the Sergeant Pepper tomato variety. It differs from the one described above only in the color of ripe fruits - the entire tomato is pink, and only the shoulders have a purple tint. Otherwise, the varieties are identical.

Tomato Sergeant Pepper has excellent taste, which can be fully appreciated only after the final ripening of the fruit.

Ripe fruits completely lack any acidity, sweet taste and caramel aroma make them ideal for fresh consumption.

They go well in salads with other vegetables, and are also eaten as a separate product. They are successfully used in cooking and canning. The product is universal.

Tomato Sergeant Pepper in terms of ripening refers to medium early crops. The first crop is ready to be harvested within 120 days from the moment the seedlings are planted - around mid-August. Differs in long-term fruiting for two months - August and all September.

With the threat of early cold weather, the autumn crop can be harvested at the stage of technical maturity and left to ripen in a cool room.

High-yielding culture - one bush allows you to get up to 5 kg of ripe tomatoes. It does not matter how this variety is grown - in a greenhouse or on a garden bed in the open field - the yield will be approximately the same.

But it should be remembered that the quantity and quality (including taste) of the fruit directly depends on the environmental conditions. With insufficient lighting, watering and soil fertility, a good harvest can not be expected. The variety is very sensitive to these requirements.

Sowing seeds for seedlings is roughly carried out in March. The exact time frame depends on the region. In areas with a mild climate, sowing can be carried out a little earlier, in the northern regions, on the contrary, later.

Seedlings can be planted in the garden one and a half months after the first shoots. On average, the dates fall in the first weeks of May. A prerequisite is soil temperature from + 18 ° С, not lower.

Despite their high growth, the plants are relatively compact. Up to 4 bushes can be planted per square meter of land.

Seedlings must be buried to the lower leaves, the roots are best placed horizontally.

The choice of the planting site plays a very important role in the cultivation of the variety. If these are beds in unprotected soil, then they should be placed in the south of the site, where there is no shadow and drafts. If you plan to plant seedlings in greenhouse conditions, then in the greenhouse you will need to organize additional lighting using special lamps.

Bushes require garter, pinching. It is better to form a plant in three stems. The brushes from which the crop is harvested must be removed immediately.

The variety requires regular feeding. It must be carried out every 14 days, alternating organic fertilizers with ready-made mineral compositions from agricultural chemistry stores.

Regular watering is essential. Before the next moistening, the soil should dry out well, while it should not be allowed to dry out to cracks.

It is worth regularly loosen the ground around the bushes and weed out all the weeds.

According to numerous reviews of gardeners about this variety, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• the variety primarily attracts with its unusual color;

• has an amazing taste;

• great not only for fresh consumption, many successfully prepare juices, lecho, ketchups, snacks, dressings for borscht and other dishes from it;

• has a long shelf life;

• loves moisture, nutrient soil and ultraviolet light;

• rarely gets sick with proper care.

Tomato Sergeant Pepper is a demanding crop for environmental factors and care. A good harvest, fully revealing all the taste qualities, can be obtained only with strict adherence to growing conditions.