Planting early varieties is an excellent solution to speed up the harvest. The Early King tomato is a variety that takes root well in central Russia. In greenhouse conditions it tolerates the Siberian climate well. It fully lives up to its ambitious name, producing medium-sized fruits with an individual, unique taste. A product of selection by Russian scientists, it adapts perfectly to difficult environmental conditions.
Data
Designed for open planting in the Astrakhan, Kursk regions, and Krasnodar Territory. The regions of the far north are not suitable for this variety, but as a result of selection, the Siberian climate has become native to it.
The variety is able to withstand short-term frosts. Greenhouse conditions allow for a good harvest.
Among the main features are:
- ripe fruits have a characteristic red color;
- average weight 150 – 200 grams;
- multi-chamber - their number reaches 7;
- has a round shape;
- seed content - up to 5%.
When grown in extreme conditions, it has a peculiar Siberian accent. The fruits can be picked unripe, which will extend the shelf life. Tomatoes ripen well in a cool, dark place.
The largest fruits are harvested 80–90 days after planting. Their weight reaches up to 500 grams. The rest of the harvest is medium-sized fruits. From one bush you can harvest up to 4 - 5 kg of wonderful tomatoes. For 1 sq. m there are usually 3 - 4 bushes. Average yield per 1 sq. m - up to 12 kg.
Taking into account the description of the variety and its characteristics, it is possible to plan fruit processing in advance. A vegetable garden and an orchard can be kept in the same area, but the plants will bear fruit at different times. Garden crops are processed separately as they ripen. The first tomatoes are convenient to use for making fresh salads or juice. The rest of the harvest is suitable for canning.
Disadvantages and care
Since the selection of the first tomato seeds, the King of Early Tomatoes have stood the test of time in many garden plots. The variety was registered in 2005. According to reviews from vegetable growers, the crop bears fruit consistently, but is sensitive to diseases and pests:
- has a weak immune system;
- susceptible to late blight;
- fights poorly with soil plants;
- requires constant attention.
But there are no ideal varieties. The characteristics of each culture depend on external factors.It is enough to create favorable conditions for the development of the plant, after which all of the above disadvantages disappear:
- Tomatoes are light-loving plants. When planning plantings, it is necessary to place the garden and vegetable garden in different areas, away from each other. Cherry or apple trees should not shade the beds. The culture is equally receptive to both the eastern and western sun.
- Treatment with antibacterial drugs during fruit ripening will help preserve the harvest. The amateur who planted the crop in the early days knows well when whiteflies, spider mites or slugs appear. Proper spraying will increase productivity, reduce the risk of infection of large areas, and reduce or completely destroy the number of viable individuals that can cause harm in the next season.
- Periodic aeration of the soil when kept in greenhouse conditions will give the expected effect.
- Mandatory drying of the soil after watering. The crop gets used to the cycles of watering/drying/loosening and reacts positively to changing conditions. The garden prevents the implementation of this condition, since it shades large areas.
- The variety is semi-determinate; the height of the bushes can reach one meter. Mandatory tying will prevent infection by soil bacteria, provide access to sunlight, and ventilate the fruits.
- The root system of plants and fruit trees has significant differences. They work on different principles. Chemical processes of varying content and intensity take place here. The garden makes the soil looser, but releases organic substances into the soil that will inhibit the vital activity of vegetable crops.
- In addition, the garden and vegetable garden have different watering regimes, schedules for applying soil fertilizers, and compositions of antibacterial drugs.
- Favorable temperatures for the development of tomatoes vary between +18 – 25 degrees. When it decreases, all vital processes slow down, which will affect the increase in fruit ripening time. An increase above the permissible limit will lead to sterilization of the crop and the fruit will not set.
Taking into account the above aspects of a plant’s life, you can get maximum yield in a short time. This is especially true in areas of risky farming and short, cold summers.
Pest Control
Pest and soil bacteria can be controlled using traditional or modern methods. Their difference is fundamental; it all depends on the degree of damage and the preferences of the gardener.
The nature of the effects of chemicals can be found in the instructions for use. Usually their impact is more widespread, affecting not only the vital activity of pests, but also tomatoes of the Early King variety. In some cases, fruits should not be consumed for a long time after processing. This is due to the fact that the chemicals affect metabolism and are found in the sap of the plant that the pest eats.
Traditional methods are more loyal, scaring away insects that fly away to feed elsewhere. They do not harm nature. The grown and processed crop can be safely consumed. Certain methods help not only to get rid of insects, but also to enrich the soil with useful elements.
Interestingly, some plants also like to wash themselves with soap. The soap solution works well against mites, and at the same time disinfects the tops, fruits and partly the soil.
Slugs don't like ash. Among other things, ash is an excellent fertilizer and contains a large amount of nitrogen. It will repel pests, which will have a beneficial effect on growth. It is recommended to use a mixture of ash and ground pepper.
You can use traditional or modern methods against whiteflies. A description of the action of the drugs can be found in the instructions for use. Fufanon, Ekamet, Decis, Embus, Inta-Vir are used. The list of drugs does not end there.
It should be remembered that after the initial treatment with chemicals, the pest eggs remain. After some time, you should expect an invasion of hungry insects. Re-processing required. For normal cultivation of crops, it is best to combine various methods, which will have a beneficial effect on growth and fruit formation, enrich the soil, and make a good foundation for the next season.
Traps
Special glue traps for insects can be seen in any store in the summer. They are popular due to their efficiency and lack of impact on the environment. Some types of traps contain special scents that attract insects.
Previously, the chemical industry was not so developed. Many gardeners simply coated the fabric with glue or honey and hung it over the plants. This method is effective when processing crops, delaying insects on the way to the treasured vase of jam. They are produced under different names: Pheromone, Bona Forte, ARGUS.
Fumigators
Special devices that spray chemicals into the air. Effective when used in greenhouses and indoor spaces. Available with removable plates or liquid solution. The compounds are toxic to humans; you cannot breathe such air. Destroys and repels various insects, has a wide spectrum of action.
Several naphthalene tablets are placed in a plastic bottle.Open the lid and distribute among the beds. The sun's rays heat the plastic. The pungent smell of mothballs repels pests, and insects fly away to feed elsewhere.
Many gardeners have learned to grow an excellent crop of Early King tomatoes, taking into account the peculiarities of planting, growth, and harvest timing. Fighting the weak points of culture, timely care, combining the achievements of modern science and natural methods of fighting insects can work wonders. Gradually, invaluable experience in caring for a new breeding species is accumulated, which makes the Royal Family of tomatoes a real favorite of gardeners and housewives.