Description of the eggplant variety Ilya Muromets, its characteristics and yield

The seed-growing company "Gavrish" of Russian selection for the production of seeds provides a huge selection of various varieties of eggplants. Each crop is endowed with high productivity and taste. However, according to reviews from gardeners, the Ilya Muromets eggplant variety is very popular. Its unusually large fruits, high yield and versatility, combined with additional advantages, will be appreciated by even the most demanding summer resident.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Eggplant Ilya Muromets is a mid-season crop. The growing season from seed germination to the start of fruiting averages 113 days. The culture is quite high-yielding. From one sq. m, subject to the rules of agricultural technology, you can collect more than 10 kg of giant fruits.

General characteristics of eggplants:

• shape - cylindrical;
• size - 35-40 cm in length, diameter - 10 cm;
• weight - 500-700 g;
• the skin is thin, glossy, deep purple in color;
• the pulp is creamy white, without bitterness and with a small amount of seed;
• taste is of high quality.

The universal purpose allows the fruits of Ilya Muromets to be used in the preparation of hot dishes and winter preservation.

This variety of eggplant can be grown throughout Russia. However, if in the southern regions Ilya Muromets prefers open ground, then in the northern part of the country it is recommended to plant it in greenhouse structures.

Advantages and disadvantages of Russian Bogatyr eggplant

The description of eggplant by Ilya Muromets says that it is a fairly productive crop that does not require care.

Such qualities are undoubtedly a big advantage of the variety. In addition, this culture has the following advantages that will appeal to every summer resident:

• delicious taste;
• multifaceted healing properties;
• versatility of use;
• transportability;
• long shelf life.

No major deficiencies have been identified in the Russian Bogatyr eggplant. But it is still worth noting that although this is a heat-loving crop, it does not tolerate intense heat. Therefore, before you start cultivating a variety, you need to know several rules for growing it.

Growing eggplants

The variety Ilya Muromets Russian Bogatyr, like all similar crops, has a long germination period. Therefore, in order to get an early harvest, eggplants must be grown in seedlings.

Time for sowing seeds

The sowing time of Russian Bogatyr depends on the chosen growing method. Thus, according to the observations of experienced summer residents, if eggplants are planted in greenhouse structures, it is better to plant the seeds in mid-late February. In this case, the seedlings for transplanting to a permanent place of growth will be ready by the 15th-20th of May.

If eggplants grow in open ground, the seeds are planted at a later date. The optimal time for this is considered to be the second half of March.

Sowing seedlings

Before you start sowing eggplants, you first need to prepare the soil material. To do this, you need to mix 2 parts of humus and one part each of the top layer of soil and sand. Then it is recommended to add 60 g of superphosphate and 2 tbsp to 1 bucket of the resulting mixture. l. wood ash.

After the procedure, the soil material is mixed well and placed in peat pots.

The process of sowing seeds is carried out in the following way:

1. The planting material is treated with potassium permanganate and placed in hot water at a temperature of +50 degrees for 15 minutes.
2. After the specified time, the seeds are planted in moist soil to a depth of 2 cm.
3. The seeds are covered with soil and watered using the air-drop method.
4. Peat pots are covered with film and placed in a dark place with a temperature of +25 degrees.

When the first shoots appear, the container is freed from the covering material and transferred to the windowsill. Over the next week, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of +16 degrees during the day and +13 degrees at night.Then the air temperature is raised to +28 degrees.

When growing seedlings, you need to take into account the fact that they do not tolerate drafts well. Therefore, when ventilating the room, it is recommended to cover young seedlings or move them to another place.

Choosing a landing site

In the case when eggplants of the Ilya Muromets variety are grown in open ground, it is very important to choose the right place for their growth. Taking into account the characteristics of the culture, the beds must be located in a well-lit area, but at the same time protected from direct sunlight and wind. As a rule, such places are located along the walls of fences or greenhouses.

The best predecessors for eggplants are:

• cabbage;
• legumes;
• cucumbers;
• carrot;
• zucchini;
• pumpkin.

At the same time, it is not recommended to plant eggplants in places where potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and other nightshade crops were previously grown.

Transplanting

Seedlings are planted in greenhouse structures in mid-May. Transplantation into open ground occurs at the beginning of June, when consistently warm weather sets in.

Standard planting eggplants in open and closed ground is the same, it is carried out as follows:

1. In the selected location, holes are dug according to a 50 x 70 cm pattern.
2. A support is installed in the holes.
3. Each depression is watered generously with warm, settled water.
4. Pre-moistened seedlings are carefully installed in the prepared holes in a vertical position, without disturbing the root system.
5. The plants are covered with soil and tied to a support with braid.

After the manipulations, the soil around each seedling is mulched with dry straw and peat.

Recommendations for crop care

Integrated agricultural technology for the Ilya Muromets variety consists of the same tasks as for all types of vegetable crops.However, it has its own characteristics that are worth paying attention to.

Irrigation rules

It is recommended to regularly water Russian Giant eggplants with warm water. Otherwise, they slow down their growth, which negatively affects their yield.

Plant watering scheme:

1. The first irrigation is carried out 3-4 days after transplantation.
2. Before the first inflorescence appears, water is added once a week.
3. During the flowering and fruit ripening stage, watering is done every 4 days.

Recommended volume of water per 1 sq. m - 10-12 l.

Necessary fertilizers

Like all crops, eggplants need complex fertilizers. On average, during their growth period, fertilizing is applied three times:

1. Before flowering begins.
2. During the period of fruit ovation.
3. During the harvest.

Fertilizers are used in liquid form at the root. Calculation of nutrients per 1 sq. m:

• potassium salt hydrochloric acid - 8 g;
• superphosphate - 15 g;
• Ammonium nitrate - 15 g.

If the summer is cold, with a lot of wet precipitation, it is recommended to feed eggplants by foliar feeding.

Bush formation

An important element when growing the Ilya Muromets variety is the formation of the bush. As a rule, the plant should have no more than three stems, which are selected from the strongest shoots. After its formation, when it reaches a length of more than 3 cm, all lateral branches and leaves are removed. It is especially worth paying attention to the greenery that shades the inflorescences. Otherwise, there will be a decrease in yield and a delay in its ripening.

Diseases and pests

As a rule, the development of diseases in eggplant Ilya Muromets is affected by improper care.

If you limit plants with light, timely watering and fertilizers, they begin to suffer from diseases such as:

• leaf curling;
• blackleg;
• yellowness of leaves;
• black spot;
• powdery mildew.

It is possible to cope with these diseases only in the first stages of their development. Therefore, it is worthwhile to inspect the plants in a timely manner and take appropriate measures.

One of the most dangerous pests that can cause damage to eggplants is the Colorado potato beetle. A more effective method to combat them is to collect insects and their larvae by hand. If gardeners have little free time, it is recommended to use insecticides.

Harvest and storage

The first harvest of Russian Bogatyr eggplants, on average, occurs on the 35-40th day after the plants begin to flower. The ripening of the fruit can be judged by the rich dark purple skin and the density of the pulp.

Harvesting eggplants should be done very carefully using a knife. The fruits are cut off along with the calyx, leaving a stalk 3 cm long.

Eggplants can be stored for quite a long time. At a temperature of +10 degrees and a relative air humidity of 90%, the fruits do not lose their commercial qualities for more than 1 month. However, they should be stored in a dry, dark place.

Having familiarized yourself with all the given characteristics of the Ilya Muromets variety, you can come to the conclusion that this is a fairly successful find for every summer resident. If you follow all the above agricultural tips, the plant will reward you with a high yield of tasty and healthy eggplants, regardless of how they are grown.