Tomato Octopus

The hybrid variety Sprut is a popular tomato widely known in the territory of the Russian Federation. It is especially appreciated for its resistance to extreme weather conditions, as well as its ability to grow in various regions of the country.

This unique crop (tomato tree) was developed in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s. Later, in 2007, it was officially registered in the national state register. There is also a Russian version of the plant, developed by a group of the following authors: Lukyanenko A. N., Dubinin S. V., Dubinina I. N. (Agrofirma Sedek LLC). Our hybrid was transferred to the copyright holder (the Japanese company "Sedek").

The culture is perennial, indeterminate, tall (up to 400 cm), strongly branched, with intensive growth of stepchildren. Lateral shoots are not eliminated from her, tying them up. Only the lower stepsons are removed (up to the first brush). The variety has a well-developed function of cyst formation. 5-6 fruits are formed on each cluster.

Often this perennial tomato is called a tree, because it is grown for 2 seasons, and its trunk is lignified. The branches give a powerful and spreading crown. The leaves of the plant are oval, large, of dark green shades. Inflorescences are pale white.

Octopus is intended for both open soils and greenhouses. For growing crops in greenhouses, a special frame is provided to hold the branches, since the formation of fresh shoots occurs continuously.

Of the pluses of culture, they note:

• the possibility of long-term storage of fruits (until December);
• excellent taste;
• versatility when using tomatoes;
• high yield;
• reliable resistance to diseases and pests;
• drought resistance;
• unpretentious care.

Minuses:

• medium-late periods of fruit ripening, and therefore they are usually removed brown so that they reach the house;
• inability to use seeds for sowing;
• the hybrid requires enhanced feeding, otherwise the yield is significantly reduced.

To grow such a tomato tree, special cultivation technologies are used. We need year-round heated greenhouses, stationary lighting, nutritious soils, and integrated irrigation systems.

Carp berries, large, in their inflorescences 5-6 pcs., Approximately the same in rounded configuration and weight (about 130 g). They are deep red in color. Taste properties are excellent. They are used in salads, for pickling and preservation. The marketability is high.

The color of unripe fruits is light green. The peel is even, smooth. The inflorescences are simple, formed after 3-4 leaves. The stalks are articulated. The consistency is striking in its density, meatiness and juiciness. The keeping quality is high.

The fruits are sweet, refreshing in their unobtrusive sourness.

Octopus belongs to the mid-ripening group, with fruit ripening periods of 115-120 days. The fruiting process is long.

The yield is high - 6.9 kg / m2.

Sowing seeds for seedlings is done in February, and planting seedlings in the soil in June.

The recommended landing pattern is 70x70 cm.

Traditionally, hybrid seeds are not pre-prepared, which greatly simplifies the sowing process. They are sown in special containers with soil, covered with foil material, and then placed in a dark and warm place. In conditions of heat, seedlings emerge quite quickly, and as soon as the "loops" of the sprouts are envisioned, the film is removed, and the seedlings are placed in a bright place. The culture is irrigated in moderation, by a root method, thoroughly moistening the soil. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to water the bushes twice with a weak solution of manganese. In March, the seedlings are illuminated using fluorescent illuminators.

When 2-3 true leaves appear, the seedlings are seated (dived) in separate containers, which should be at least 0.8-1 liters in volume. It is better to fertilize the culture after picking with ready-made compounds ("Kemira" or "Agricola") or complex fertilizers. Experts' reviews indicate that a higher degree of yield is obtained from plants grown in greenhouses.

Bushes are planted in the soil in June, taking into account the specifics of weather conditions. In order to warm up before planting (about 1.5 weeks), the soil on the ridges is covered with a dark film. Usually 1 sq. 2-3 bushes are planted per meter, since later they grow intensively and abundantly.

It is recommended to add a handful of humus or compost to the wells, plus 20 g of superphosphate. At the same time, supports and trellises are placed in order to tie up fast-growing stems and shoots in a timely manner.

Often, gardeners do not set themselves the goal of growing a Japanese tree, realizing that in the conditions of traditional polycarbonate or film greenhouses this is unlikely to succeed. For this reason, the hybrid is cultivated as a traditional indeterminate crop: with a garter, as well as the elimination of unnecessary lateral shoots.

Intense and vigorous plant growth requires abundant irrigation and adequate nutrition. The root introduction of vermicompost, yeast infusions, and special humates will be obligatory.

During flowering and formation of tomatoes, potassium, phosphorus are introduced, nitrogen is excluded. The first feeding is carried out 2 weeks after planting the seedlings, using a solution of mullein, bird droppings. The second feeding is carried out 1.5 weeks after the first (mullein is bred, fed with ash infusion). The third - after 10 days, potash and phosphorus compositions of fertilizers are prepared for it.

Irrigation is carried out plentiful, but infrequently. Moisture should not get on the leaves of the bushes. In greenhouses, after irrigation, the vents and doors should be opened for intensive ventilation. The irrigation scheme is determined by the weather, as well as the condition of the bushes. The culture perfectly tolerates short-term drought, but a moisture deficit can affect the quality of the fruits, and one cannot expect significant yields with irregular irrigation.

Octopus, be it cherry, cream or a regular hybrid, should be formed into 2-3 stems. For this purpose, 1-2 stepsons are left, the rest are eliminated. Mulching brings a good effect. To do this, use straw, grass cuttings, sawdust or non-woven material.

Octopus is a culture that is quite resistant to various infections and insect attacks. However, the implementation of preventive measures should not be avoided. They are carried out in standard ways and using known means.

The degree of resistance of the hybrid to various extreme manifestations of weather conditions is high.