- Authors: V. I. Kozak
- Year of approval: 2007
- Category: grade
- Growth type: determinant
- Appointment: universal
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening time, days: 100-105
- Growing conditions: for open ground, for film greenhouses
- Bush size: undersized
- Bush height, cm: 45-60
Early ripening vegetable crops are in great demand among gardeners. A separate plus will be the universal purpose of the harvest, which is suitable for preparing various dishes, preparing for the winter and eating fresh. Variety Explosion was introduced recently, but it has already become widespread among Russian summer residents.
Description of the variety
Explosion tomatoes are grown both in film greenhouses and in the open field. The purpose is universal. Growth type is determinant. The bushes reach only 45-60 cm in height when grown outdoors and are considered to be undersized. In greenhouses, they become taller. The shoots are spreading and covered with medium-sized leaves of light green color.
Note: in the description of this variety it is indicated that vegetables can be grown without the obligatory use of supports and garters. Summer residents, who have been cultivating this species for several years, do not agree with this. In their opinion, without props, the branches will fall to the ground and may even break.
The main qualities of the fruit
Light green vegetables gradually take on color and turn bright red. In weight, they reach up to 90 g. Some fruits can gain weight about 200 g. The shape is round, there is a slight ribbing. Slightly flattened specimens are often found.
The pulp density is medium. The inflorescences are simple. The peduncles are articulated.
Fully ripe tomatoes are uniform in color, without spots or other imperfections. Large tomatoes grow on the first clusters. The attractive appearance of tomatoes increases their commercial qualities.
Taste characteristics
The taste has a pronounced sourness, while the gastronomic qualities are noted as good. Ripe tomatoes produce delicious and nutritious juice. Also, the fruits are perfect for whole-fruit canning. Marinade reveals the taste of the fruit from a new side.
Ripening and fruiting
The ripening time of the crop is approximately 100 days. The exact figure will differ up or down, it all depends on the cultivation conditions and weather in a particular region. The variety is considered early. Typically, the crop is harvested between July and August. Cloudy and cool weather postpones the ripening of tomatoes by 3-5 days.
Yield
The yield is noted as high. From one plant, you can get from 2.5 to 3 kg of tomatoes or 4.1 kg from 1 m 2 of the plot. Bushes grown in greenhouses delight with a richer harvest.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
Climatic conditions are also taken into account when sowing seeds for seedlings, but there is a general rule: by the day the seedlings are planted in the ground, it must warm up to at least 15 °. When grown in greenhouses, the soil temperature should be 10 ° C. If the bushes dive, the seed must be sown 57 days before planting in a new place. When choosing a seedless cultivation method - 10 days less than the specified period. Optimal planting dates for the regions of the country:
- the middle strip of Russia - the period from the end of March to the beginning of the next month;
- southern regions - mid-March;
- northern regions - mid-April.
Before you start germinating seedlings, you need to prepare the seeds. This is an important condition for obtaining a stable and high-quality harvest.The material is processed to protect it from disease and infection. Suitable grains can be identified by their bright color. When soaked in saline solution (5%), they do not float to the surface. The material stored for more than a year must be soaked in a growth stimulator. Disinfection is performed as follows:
- a weak solution of potassium permanganate (1%) will relieve rot, fungus and mold;
- to protect against larvae of harmful insects and get rid of eggs, the grains are placed in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
To get seedlings as soon as possible, the seed is left in the growth promoter for 15-20 hours. The following drugs are used: Energen, Zircon or Baikal-EM1. Also on sale you can find analogs in a wide variety. They must be used strictly according to the instructions on the packaging.
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
When arranging the planting, the scheme of 40x60 cm is observed. So the bushes will grow in comfort, without interfering with each other.
Growing and care
Caring for the Explosion variety includes certain activities.
- Regular and moderate irrigation.
- The leaves under the fruit brush, which has just begun to pour, are removed.
- Fertilize plants at the beginning of the growing season. First, nitrogen-based preparations are used, then they switch to potassium supplements with a complex of useful microelements. It is advisable to add calcium and phosphorus in the previous season.
- The site needs to be loosened and weeded, clearing it of weeds and other debris.
- Preventive treatment for diseases and insects.
Note: despite the small growth, it is advisable to tie up the bushes immediately. When the fruits come into contact with the ground, they begin to rot.
Complex preparations such as Athlete, Nitroammofoska or Agricola are great for fertilizing seedlings. Folk remedies are widely used.
- Ash. Only an extractor hood is suitable for preparing fertilizer. 80 g of the substance are dissolved in 5 l of water. The composition is insisted for a day, then it is filtered. Fertilizer is sprayed on the leaves and watered at the root.
- Yeast. 10 g of product is used per 10 l of water. Further, the composition must be insisted for 24 hours and only then used. It is not recommended to store top dressing.
When growing the Blast variety, it is important to choose the right place for planting. A well-lit area, protected from drafts and strong winds, is great. The soil is pre-disinfected and fed. Pour 1 teaspoon of ash into each well. It not only nourishes the earth, but also reduces its acidity. The bushes are placed in prepared holes, watered and sprinkled with earth.
To protect young plants from sudden temperature jumps and help them adapt better in a new place, the bushes are covered with foil and left for 10-14 days.
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
Variety Explosion is highly resistant to top rot. He is also not afraid of late blight. Despite the strong immunity, it is advisable to regularly carry out preventive treatment. Bushes should be periodically inspected for symptoms of disease.
Resistant to adverse weather conditions
Vegetable crops can withstand drought. The heat does not threaten plants or crops. The variety can be safely cultivated in areas without an automated irrigation system. If the tomatoes are irregularly humidified, cracking will be minimal, almost imperceptible.
In regions with a cool climate, this variety feels quite comfortable. Experienced summer residents note the high resistance of this variety to a drop in temperature. Bushes are ways to harvest before the frost begins.