The Black Prince tomato stands out from hundreds of other types with its characteristic color: deep burgundy, dark. Otherwise, this is a typical tomato. Below you will find a description of the variety, get acquainted with the features of planting and care, learn about productivity and much more.
Characteristic
Black Prince tomatoes were created by Chinese scientists. During development, genetic engineering products were added, however, the species is not a GMO type, so even connoisseurs of proper nutrition can consume it.
The characteristics of the variety are as follows:
- The bushes are indeterminate, that is, they have no restrictions in growth and can reach the roof of the greenhouse;
- On the strong trunk you can see typical tomato leaves;
- Inflorescences appear approximately every 8 leaves;
- The clusters have an average of 4 berries;
- The fruit is round, regular in shape, sometimes slightly pointed towards the end. It has a fleshy consistency, is sweetish and exudes a pleasant aroma. The maximum weight of one tomato is 400 g.
It is advisable to sell the Black Prince fresh, as it is not suitable for long-term storage and is difficult to transport. Under the influence of high temperature (during cooking, stewing), it acquires a typical red color.
Not very suitable for canning, because it has a thin skin that bursts in jars.
The Black Prince tomato variety is quite resistant to diseases. It may be susceptible to late blight, but only the leaves are affected, the fruits remain intact. This is the description of the variety.
Harvest quantity
Black Prince tomatoes ripen quite an impressive number of fruits. The yield from one bush can range from 3 to 5 kg. It depends on the climatic conditions in which the plant lives: the warmer it is, the higher the fruitfulness.
Selecting seeds and preparing them for planting
When choosing material for sowing, it is advisable to give preference to domestically produced seeds, since they are better adapted to Russian weather conditions. Although foreign grains often have a more attractive appearance, difficulties may arise when selling them.
Be especially careful when checking the expiration date of seeds for sowing.The old material will most likely also germinate (possibly only partially), but it will bear fruit worse.
Manufacturers offer 2 types of seed:
- Seeds that have undergone a disinfection procedure and are covered with all the necessary nutrients;
- Ordinary seeds, which you need to prepare for sowing yourself.
Preparing material for planting is quite simple:
- We cut several strips from a medical bandage, approximately 20 cm long. Gauze is also suitable, the width in this case should be 10-15 cm;
- Place 1 sheet of cloth on the bottom of a flat plate with rounded edges, then lay out some of the seeds. We alternate the bandage and the seed, as if making a sandwich. Try to distribute the seeds evenly, in one line, so that they do not fall on each other;
- We dilute potassium permanganate until a dull pink, light color is formed. Pour the liquid into the bowl so that all the kernels are submerged. After 20 minutes, remove the potassium permanganate and rinse the seeds directly in the bandages with clean, cool water;
- Next, fill the sandwich with a previously purchased growth stimulant (optional), and maintain the composition according to the instructions.
It is also recommended to harden the kernels in the refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding +5 degrees.
Preparing the soil
Tomatoes of this variety prefer light soil with low acidity. If in the previous season there were already tomatoes, peppers or eggplants in the beds, then fertilize the soil well with limestone.
Be sure to mix the soil with fertilizers: wood ash, humus, superphosphate. Before combining, it is advisable to disinfect the composition by calcining it in an oven or freezing it.
Description of the landing process
Anyone who has previously planted tomatoes should not have any problems growing Black Prince tomatoes.
It is necessary to plan the planting of seedlings in advance. It reaches readiness in about 50-70 days, its height should be a maximum of 35 cm. If you keep the bush in a container and let it grow large, it may not take root.
Plants are planted depending on weather conditions. As a rule, this is mid-June.
This variety feels equally comfortable both in greenhouse conditions and in open beds. If you decide to place the sprouts outside, do not forget that abundant sunlight can dry out the leaves. To avoid this problem, you should carefully monitor the intensity of watering.
The seedling must be buried a few centimeters in the ground, approximately to the lower leaves. In this case, the trunk should be slightly inclined towards the south.
Once the plant has been successfully moved into the ground, it needs to be watered thoroughly. It is advisable to use water with the addition of special bait, which contains ash. Sprinkle a small amount of sawdust or dry leaves (mulch) at the roots.
The roots are on average up to 50 cm long, so a distance of 70 cm should be maintained between seedlings.
If you plan to grow several varieties of tomatoes in one greenhouse or in neighboring beds, then it is worth considering the fact that the Black Prince actively pollinates with other plants. It is necessary to plant it at a short distance from other bushes in order to preserve the taste and aroma of the fruit.
Subtleties of caring for the Black Prince bushes
The plant produces quite large, and therefore heavy, berries.This leads to the fact that the trunk and branches sag to the bottom or even break. Proximity to the soil also does not benefit the tomatoes themselves: there is a high chance of picking up pests. To avoid problems, the plant must be tied up.
The Black Prince loves moisture, so it must be watered frequently at the very root, or using a drip irrigation system.
Reviews say that the fruits of the Black Prince are much fleshier if the soil is loosened more often. It is necessary to fertilize the bushes every 10-15 days with a special composition, which can be purchased in stores for summer residents.
When growing tomatoes, do not forget to protect the bush from various fungal infections and feed it with additives to increase the intensity of development. At the same time, you should not spray the leaves too often, because they are capable of independently producing a natural protective poison.
The first fruits, with proper care of the plants, appear a couple of months after planting. Thanks to their rich dark color, they will become a real highlight of the garden and will arouse envy and delight among guests.
