Tomato Labrador

When planting tomatoes on a personal plot, the summer resident will definitely choose an early ripe tomato variety that does not require complex agricultural technology, gives abundant harvests and practically does not get sick. These include the early Labrador variety, which grows well both in the beds and in greenhouse conditions.

This type of tomato was bred relatively recently - less than 10 years ago, but immediately won the attention of gardeners and farmers. Domestic amateur breeders worked on the creation of the variety. Today, this type of tomato is not included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, however, it is in high demand among vegetable growers due to its early ripening and unpretentious care. The variety is recommended for cultivation in all climatic zones of the country.

The Labrador tomato variety belongs to the category of standard tomatoes. This is a determinant low-growing plant, reaching a height of 50-70 cm. The bushes are characterized by spreading, low thickening of the foliage of a dark green color, a powerful stem with a large number of shoots, a developed root system that provides the plant with vitality, as well as a simple type of inflorescence. The first fruit cluster is formed above the 7th leaf, where there are up to 5-7 ovaries (fruits). When growing a tomato, it is recommended to form bushes into one stem - there are enough 5 fruit brushes on the plant. According to gardeners, a garter is required, despite the power of the stem and the flexibility of the branches, and there is no need for pinching.

The Labrador tomato is a medium-sized tomato that gains weight up to 80-150 grams. The berry has an unusual apple-shaped shape with a perfectly smooth surface, without a hint of ribbing. When fully ripe, the tomato has a deep red color, and when unripe, it is light green. The skin of the berries is thin and shiny. The transportability of the variety is weak, and the keeping quality is short, therefore, after harvesting, the crop must be processed.

The Labrador tomato is endowed with the classic taste of many varieties of tomatoes. The berries taste sweet and sour, and the aroma is spicy and rich. The flesh of the fruit is dense, fleshy, rather juicy, with a small number of seeds. The variety is universal, therefore it is eaten fresh, canned, salted, processed into sauces, mashed potatoes, pasta.

Labrador tomatoes represent the ultra-early class. From the appearance of full shoots to ripe berries on a bush, 98-105 days pass. The culture bears fruit for a long time, which allows you to enjoy fresh tomatoes for a long period. Ripening occurs amicably, you can harvest with brushes. The active phase of fruiting occurs in June-July. It is characteristic that at the stage of full ripening, the berries do not crumble or crack.

Excellent yield indicators of this variety are one of the advantages of the culture. Fulfilling all the rules of agricultural technology, up to 2.5 kg of fruits can be removed from one bush per season. When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, yields can be slightly higher.

Sowing seed for seedlings is carried out in early spring: late March - early April.The seeds are preliminarily sorted and disinfected. The first shoots appear in 5-8 days. Seedlings grow well in a moderately warm (+ 16 ... 18 degrees) and sufficiently lit room. At the phase of the appearance of 2-3 leaves, a dive should be carried out. It is recommended to harden the bushes in the fresh air 8-12 days before transplanting into the ground.

A transfer to a garden bed is carried out when the air is warmed up to +17 degrees, and there is no threat of night frosts. Most often, the stage of planting plants in a permanent place takes place in May-June. If night frosts are predicted, then the bushes must be protected by covering with agrofibre overnight.

In order for the plant to grow and bear fruit, it is necessary to observe the density and planting pattern. Since the plant is compact, 5-6 seedling bushes can be planted per 1 m2. The optimal layout for landing is 40x40 cm.

The nightshade culture is grown by the seedling method. The site is pre-cleared of weeds, fertilizers are applied, moistened and thoroughly dug up to improve air exchange. The best place for growing Labrador tomatoes is considered to be the area where carrots, cabbage, peppers and garlic previously grew.

The Labrador tomato needs routine care, which includes watering with standing water, loosening the soil, applying mineral and organic fertilizers, tying bushes and preventive measures to protect against viruses and insects. Compulsory ventilation is carried out in greenhouses. If you do not want to tie up bushes with ripening berries, then it is recommended to lay a dense layer of straw under the plants.

The immunity of the crop is sufficient to resist many tomato diseases, but it is necessary to protect the plant from the invasion of pests in a timely manner. Whitefly, bear, aphids and wireworms are especially dangerous for tomato bushes, protection from which will be provided by spraying with special preparations (insecticides). According to scientists, the late blight variety does not suffer, but if infected, the diseased plant must be immediately removed and burned.

The variety is quite stress-resistant. He is not afraid of sharp temperature fluctuations, prolonged heat and drought. The only factor that culture should be protected from is drafts and strong winds. In addition, when growing tomatoes, it is worth controlling the level of soil moisture.

The variety grows well and bears fruit in all regions of Russia. In northern climatic zones, it is better to grow tomatoes in greenhouses of any type, and in warmer regions - in beds. Recently, the culture has been willingly grown on the territory of Ukraine and Moldova.

Despite the fact that this tomato variety is relatively new, it is massively grown by both experienced farmers and novice gardeners. It captivates with unpretentious care, high immunity to many diseases, abundant and stable yields, as well as incredibly high taste qualities of tomatoes.

Along with its many advantages, there are also disadvantages to culture. The main disadvantages include the short storage time of tomatoes and a shortage of seeds.