Tomato Cardinal

Most gardeners, when choosing tomatoes for growing, prefer classic proven varieties. One of these is the mid-early hybrid variety Cardinal.

The Cardinal nightshade culture is the brainchild of a group of domestic scientists (Nazina, Bogdanov and Sysina), which was bred in 1997. The mid-season variety was entered in the State Register of the Russian Federation and approved for use in 1998. The tomato is suitable for growing in film greenhouses, as well as in open garden beds. Stress resistance and adaptation to different weather conditions allows growing this type of tomato in different regions (Central, West Siberian, Ural, North, North Caucasian).

This variety of tomatoes is a tall, semi-determinant bush, stretching up to 100-190 cm in height. Among the characteristic features of the plant, it is worth highlighting weak branching, moderate thickening of light green foliage, a powerful root system and simple inflorescences in which yellow flowers are collected.

Despite the power of the stems, the bushes require a garter to support, since the fruits are so weighty that they can lead to fractures of the branches. In some cases, it is necessary to tie up not only the stem, but also branches with brushes. One cluster can contain 7-8 ovaries (fruits). In addition, experts recommend the obligatory formation of bushes in 1-2 stems and periodic pinching.

The giant tomato stands out from the multitude of tomatoes with an unusual heart-shaped shape with a medium ribbing surface and a beautiful uniform color - pink with a raspberry hue. When unripe, the berries are light green with a speck at the base. In addition, the fruits have a large weight - on average, the weight of the berry is 442 g, but the first harvest can give even larger tomatoes, the weight of which reaches 600-800 grams. The tomato skin is firm, with a slight gloss, but not hard. It prevents cracking of fruits, and also ensures transportation with absolute safety of the integrity of tomatoes.

Tomatoes have excellent taste and increased fleshiness. The taste is expressed sweetness, sugariness. The pulp is very juicy, practically without seeds and veins. Tomatoes have a salad purpose, but in processed form (juices, sauces, dressings) they are characterized by excellent taste. A feature of the variety is the bright aroma of the fruit.

The variety Cardinal is mid-season. From the appearance of the first shoots to the tasting period, 120 days pass. Experienced gardeners claim that the variety is capable of bearing fruit several times per season. The fruiting period is quite extended, which allows you to remove fresh and fragrant tomatoes from the garden for a long time. The phase of active fruiting begins from mid-July and lasts until the end of September.

The variety gives excellent yields. Observing all the requirements for cultivation and care, up to 8, 4 kg of aromatic tomatoes can be removed from 1 m2. Depending on the growing conditions, each healthy bush is capable of producing 4-5 kg ​​of fruit.

The timing of sowing for seedlings and planting in the ground is established, taking into account the climate and conditions where the culture will grow. On average, seed for seedlings can be sown at the end of March (2 months before planting in a permanent place). The seeds are preliminarily disinfected and soaked, and then immersed in the ground. Providing a greenhouse effect using glass or polyethylene will help speed up the sprouting process.

The room where the seedlings are grown should be warm (+ 20-26 ° C) and light enough. In order not to dive (planting bushes in separate containers), you can use peat pots, in which later the seedlings are planted in the soil in a greenhouse or in a garden bed. Landing on the garden bed is carried out in the first half of June, and in the greenhouse soil - a month earlier. Experts recommend adding wood ash to each hole where the bush will be planted.

When forming a bush of 2 stems per 1 m2, no more than 3 plants can be planted. The optimal scheme for planting a culture is considered to be a 70x70 cm scheme.

This species is grown by the seedling method. Before planting the bushes in the soil, a number of preparatory measures are required - cleaning from weeds and grass, digging up the soil, which improves air permeability, moistening and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. The site should be well lit by the sun and away from direct drafts.

Cultural care consists of a chain of events:

• timely watering with warm or settled water;
• loosening the soil;
• shaping, pinching and tying a bush;
• top dressing with complex fertilizers;
• disease prevention.

Careful pruning of the crown will help to stop the growth of bushes.

The plant's immunity to the main diseases that tomatoes can suffer from is high, but it is highly likely to become infected from crops growing in the neighborhood. As a rule, the main reason for the invasion of pests and the development of diseases is improper agricultural technology. Treatment of young bushes of seedlings with fungicides will help to avoid infections. Insecticides will help protect against aphids, spider mites and mold. It is strictly forbidden to carry out processing during the formation of fruits, as well as 15-20 days before the phase of active fruiting.

The variety has high resistance to sudden temperature changes, and the plant also resists drought well. In addition, tomatoes are cold resistant.

The Cardinal nightshade crop is grown in large quantities in areas with southern, temperate and northern climates. In regions with warm climates, the plant grows well in the beds, and in temperate and cold climates - in greenhouses and greenhouses. Today, giant tomatoes are grown not only in Russia, but also in Belarus and Ukraine.

Based on the numerous reviews of amateur gardeners and farmers growing tomatoes for commercial purposes, a number of conclusions can be drawn - the Cardinal seed crop is unpretentious in care, quickly adapts to weather conditions and soil characteristics, and gives a stable and high-quality harvest.

Many housewives are captivated by the incredible taste and aroma of tomatoes, their versatility and good keeping quality. Along with the advantages, some disadvantages are noted, the main of which is the need for a garter, regular pinching and the formation of bushes.