Tomato San Marzano

Each summer resident on his site, along with proven and favorite types of tomatoes, tries to grow some exotic variety that will give a good harvest without requiring overly complicated agricultural technology. These include the Italian tomato variety with the unusual name San Marzano.

This medium early variety has a long history of creation, during which tomatoes have been improved by breeders. Tomatoes were officially registered almost 100 years ago (in 1926), but they were not included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, which does not prevent the variety from being loved among gardeners and farmers. The nightshade crop is recommended for cultivation in greenhouse conditions, in beds, and in greenhouses.

The vegetable culture of San Marzano is a tall, indeterminate plant that can stretch up to 120-150 cm in height.In greenhouses, the bushes grow up to 180-200 cm.A powerful bush is characterized by strong central shoots, flexible branches, moderate thickening of light green foliage, developed root system and a simple type of inflorescences. The first fruit cluster is formed above 5-6 leaves, where from 6 to 8 tomatoes are formed. During the season, up to 10-12 fruit clusters are formed on the bush.

When growing a plant, it is necessary to form a bush of 2-3 stems, be sure to tie the central stem and branches to supports or trellises, and also carry out pinching in a timely manner, since stepsons can take vital energy from the bush.

The San Marzano tomato, which belongs to the large-fruited class, is characterized by an unusual shape and uniform color. The berries have a plum-like shape (elongated cream), reaching a length of 10-14 cm. On average, a tomato gains a mass of 120 grams. In a state of absolute ripeness, the vegetable has an intense red color, and in the ripening stage it is light green. The tomato skin is thin and elastic, covered with a beautiful gloss, which makes the tomato marketable.

The advantage of the fruit is considered resistance to cracking, safety during transportation, as well as long-term keeping quality. The purpose of the vegetable is universal, so tomatoes are eaten fresh, canned, pickled, processed into pasta and ketchup. In addition, tomatoes are ideal for whole fruit canning.

The taste of Italian tomatoes is rich and fresh. The pulp of elongated fruits is moderately dense, fleshy, very juicy, but when sliced, the juice does not spread. In the cut, small voids may be present inside the tomato. The taste is dominated by bright sweetness, complemented by a spicy aroma. With insufficient sun during growing, tomatoes may acquire a slight sourness. Seeds are practically not felt in the pulp.

Tomato San Marzano belongs to the medium early. From the appearance of full shoots to ripe tomatoes on the branches, 110-115 days pass. The fruits ripen evenly. In a state of full maturity, the berries do not crumble, despite the fact that there is a sufficient number of tomatoes on the fruit cluster. The peak of fruiting occurs in July-August.

A bountiful and stable harvest is one of the advantages of the variety. Subject to all the rules of agricultural technology, up to 8-10 kg of ripe tomatoes can be harvested from 1 bush per season.

The vegetable is grown by the seedling method. Sowing seeds is carried out in the second half of March, if it is planned to plant plants in open ground. Seeds for seedlings for the greenhouse are sown at the end of February. The seed is pre-sorted and disinfected. Mass germination of seeds occurs on the 5-7th day, if the temperature and light conditions are observed. After the appearance of 2-3 real leaves, you can dive (planting the bushes in separate cups).

You can transfer seedlings to the garden bed in the second half of May, when the air is warmed up, and the night temperature drops have passed. Planting in the greenhouse is carried out 2-3 weeks earlier.

Planting density and pattern are just as important as maintaining crop care. It is recommended to place 2-3 bushes per 1 m2. The optimal layout for planting is 50x50 cm.

The nightshade crop grows best in loose, fertile and weed-free soil. As a rule, an area with good sun light is chosen. The soil where carrots, zucchini or pumpkin previously grew will be favorable for the growth of tomatoes.

Comprehensive tomato care consists of regular irrigation with warm water under the root, application of useful fertilizers, loosening of the soil, formation and tying of bushes, constant pinching, as well as protection from harmful insects and viruses.

The variety is practically not susceptible to tomato diseases. It is resistant to Fusarium wilt, Alternaria, and Cladosporium. Late blight immunity is not very stable. Preventive spraying with fungicides and insecticides will protect from the invasion of pests and fungi. Colorado potato beetle can be dangerous at the initial stage of growth for seedlings.

Tomatoes are highly stress-resistant, so they are not afraid of sudden temperature changes, cold snaps, heat and drought. In addition, the variety is absolutely immune to short-term lack of moisture in the soil.

San Marzano tomatoes are grown in many European countries. Not so long ago, they began to be massively planted in different climatic zones of Russia and Ukraine, where the culture grows well and gives high stable yields.