Tomato Calabrese

The variety with the amazing name Calabrese has earned a lot of positive reviews from Russian summer residents. When creating it, breeders took into account many nuances in order for the new variety to become popular and in demand among gardeners.

Currently, the Italian variety occupies a leading position in sales. It has come out ahead due to its excellent taste and high yield compared to other similar varieties. In addition to a large list of advantages, such as resistance to diseases and weather conditions, the Calabrese variety has its own disadvantages, which you must definitely familiarize yourself with.

Calabrese is a tall bush, reaching a height of 150-180 centimeters. An indeterminate variety should be grown in open areas or in greenhouses. The purpose of the fruit is universal. Tomatoes are used to prepare ketchups, tomato paste, snacks and are eaten fresh. In the middle lane, the large-fruited variety should be grown in greenhouses. Strong bushes need to be tied and pinned. The stem is massive and erect, but under the weight of the crop, it begins to tilt towards the ground. Inflorescences are formed every three leaves.

The color of the leaves is dark green. The shape is standard with pointed edges.

Unripe tomatoes are light green with a dark green spot at the stalk. The ripe crop becomes deep red. The marketability of the fruits is high, and the sizes are considered average. In weight, they gain from 250 to 300 grams. Sometimes there are specimens weighing up to 0.5 kilograms. Tomatoes resemble a heart shape, they are slightly elongated with slight ribbing. On one brush from 3 to 5 vegetables ripen at the same time.

The skin of this variety is elastic, but thin with a glossy texture. Under it is a dense, tender and very juicy pulp. When cut at the fracture, sugar content is observed. A small number of seeds are formed inside. The fruits have excellent keeping quality, due to which the harvest can be stored for a long time. Tomatoes of different sizes can grow in one brush at the same time. According to the manufacturer, tomatoes are stored for a month without losing the declared qualities.

The taste of ripe fruits is noted as excellent and harmonious. The ratio of sugars and acids is optimal, due to which a rich and expressive taste is obtained. The appetite is fueled not only by the wonderful taste, but also by the amazing aroma.

Calabrese is considered an early variety. The ripening time of the crop is only 85-90 days. Tomatoes are harvested from July to early autumn.

The yield varies from 1.5 to 4 kilograms per square meter of plantation. This indicator is influenced by many factors: care, feeding, growing conditions, climate in the region and much more.

The seed is sown 60-65 days before the planned planting in the ground. Based on this characteristic, you need to choose the timing of planting seedlings.Young plants can be planted only after warm weather is established, and the earth warms up enough. Tomatoes should then be cared for properly for healthy and strong seedlings. Preventive measures against diseases, including apical rot, are also required.

It is customary to sow the seeds of the Italian variety under the bark of March. Such terms are recommended by many Russian summer residents. In order for the germination to go well and the seedlings are ready for transplanting in May, you should take a few simple steps. Grains for germination are pre-prepared. To discard empty seeds, they are soaked in a salt water solution. Those that fall to the bottom of the container will germinate with a probability of almost 100%. So that the bushes do not get sick, the seeds are kept for half an hour in a weak solution of manganese.

The soil mixture for germination is also prepared in advance. Your best bet is to purchase a ready-to-use mix from a gardening store. The seed is deepened by 1-2 centimeters. After the container with seeds, cover with a thick film and transfer to a warm, bright place.

Before transferring plants to a permanent place, they are hardened. The container with the seedlings is taken out into the street and left for some time so that they get used to the new temperature regime.

For the Calabrese variety, the following planting scheme is preferable - 70x40 centimeters. Some gardeners recommend placing no more than 4 bushes per square meter.

To achieve the richest harvest possible, the following requirements must be met.

• Be sure to leave a sufficient amount of free space between the bushes.
• When the bushes are formed into one stem, the fruits will be larger than when grown in two stems. In the second case, the tomatoes will be smaller, but their number will remain the same.
• Tall bushes need to be fed periodically. Young seedlings especially need phosphorus, therefore, compositions based on this component are used to fertilize it. Nitrogen is essential for the formation of strong stems and lush leaves. During fruiting, gardeners use potassium.
• We must not forget about the introduction of calcium. If this component is not enough, the plants will begin to ache with apical rot. The root system begins to weaken, and the top of the bush dies off. To replenish this component, tomatoes are fertilized with calcium nitrate.
• The variety prefers abundant irrigation. To keep moisture in the ground as long as possible, the beds are covered with a layer of mulch. Waterlogging of the soil must also not be allowed, otherwise the tomatoes begin to crack.

The following rules of agricultural technology are also observed:

• competent pinching;
• hilling beds;
• control of harmful insects and diseases, especially when symptoms are detected;
• removal of weeds;
• ventilation of greenhouses.

The Italian variety is resistant to the following ailments:

• viral infections;
• late blight (a common disease among vegetable crops);
• bacteriosis.

The tomato is not afraid of sudden temperature changes, which allows it to be cultivated in regions with a changeable climate. Also, Calabrese is cold-resistant and will calmly survive minor cold snaps. Despite the strong immunity, the bushes need to be properly looked after and protected from possible ailments.

If the tomatoes are infected with a fungal infection, the plantation should be treated with the following compounds: "Tattu", "Infinito", "Alett" or "Ridomil Gold". As for insects, tomatoes can be attacked by aphids, Colorado potato beetle and other pests. Get rid of insects with the help of drugs such as "Confidor", "Aktofit" or "Fitoverm". Before using them, you need to carefully read the instructions and follow them exactly.