The Marmande tomato is a non-hybrid variety bred by Dutch breeders. It is distinguished by high, uniform yield, earlier fruit ripening and ease of care. Plants are excellent for growing in unprotected soil and indoor greenhouses.
General characteristics
Marmande tomatoes were bred by Dutch breeders. The variety belongs to the group of early ripening, indeterminate. Plants are characterized by medium height. The bush is not standard, it grows up to 1.2 - 1.5 meters. Maximum yield is achieved when grown in 3-4 stems.
Marmande was classified as an early ripening variety due to the short period of fruit ripening.Technical ripeness of the crop occurs in the period from 85 to 100 days after emergence. Fruiting lasts from July to September. With proper care, the harvest is abundant and friendly.
Super Marmande fruits are large in size. The shape is round, strongly flattened. The ribs are clearly expressed. The weight of tomatoes ranges from 150 to 200 grams. At technical maturity, the color of the fruit is rich red. The peel is dense and shiny. The pulp is juicy and fleshy. The number of seeds in the fruit is small. The taste is excellent. Tomatoes have a delicate, sweet taste and a pronounced tomato aroma.
Taking into account the description of the variety, the fruits are used in slices, green salads, preparation of tomato juice, and various preservations. Its bright appearance and good shelf life make Marmande suitable for sale.
Advantages and disadvantages
Marmande variety tomatoes are found on most homestead farms. Their popularity is due to a wide range of positive qualities.
Among the advantages of the variety are:
- attractive appearance;
- excellent taste;
- storage duration;
- transportability;
- early fruit ripening;
- friendly and long-term fruiting;
- resistance to diseases and pests;
- ease of care.
Reviews about the variety allowed us to highlight only one significant drawback. With too frequent and excessive fertilizing, the green mass on the bushes increases in volume and fruiting decreases. The growth of bushes leads to difficulties in caring for plants.
Sowing seedlings
The variety is grown by seedling method. They begin to sow seeds in early March. When grown in closed greenhouses, preparation begins 2-3 weeks earlier.At least 60 days must pass from the moment the seedlings emerge until they are transferred to the ground.
For seedlings, use individual containers measuring 10 by 10 centimeters. Prepare the soil yourself or use a ready-made nutrient mixture. Before planting, seeds are hardened and treated in potassium permanganate. The seeds should be buried no more than 1 centimeter.
Before emergence, the containers are covered with glass or film. Seedling greenhouses are maintained at a temperature of 22-25 degrees.
After the shoots emerge, the film is removed. Plants are regularly watered by sprinkling, and the soil is loosened. At the stage of 2-3 true leaves, picking is carried out. Hardening is carried out 1-2 weeks before transfer to the ridges.
Rules of agricultural technology
Marmande belongs to the category of light and easy-to-care varieties. It is unpretentious to the composition and quality of the soil. It is distinguished by stable high yields even in sparse areas without additional fertilizer.
If it is necessary to increase the volume and quality of the harvest, experts recommend following the rules for growing tomatoes.
- Choosing a location. A place for Marmande is chosen with light, fertile soils. The variety is light and heat-loving. Therefore, areas should be well lit.
- Growing method. Tomatoes are grown by seeding. Seedlings are sown in early March. Hardening must be carried out before transferring to the ground.
- Transfer to the ground. Plants are transferred to unprotected soil in the second half of May. Seedlings are planted in closed greenhouses or under film at the end of April or beginning of May. This method allows you to get an earlier harvest.
- Landing scheme. The distance between bushes should be at least 50 centimeters, between rows 40. Up to 9 bushes are placed on 1 square meter.
- Soil fertilization.The first stage of fertilizers is produced in early spring. Humus is added to the ridges while digging the site. Then the tomatoes are fertilized 2-3 times per season with organic fertilizers.
- Watering. Plants are moisture-loving. They require regular watering. It is carried out in the evening with warm, settled water.
Plants should be protected from night frosts. When the temperature drops sharply, it is recommended to cover the bushes with film.
Diseases and pests
The description of Marmande tomatoes speaks of the variety’s resistance to diseases and pests. The plant has the greatest immunity to the effects of late blight and verticillium.
To prevent seasonal diseases, bushes are treated with insecticidal preparations several times a season. It is also recommended to inspect the plants regularly. Dried and yellowed leaves on the bushes are immediately removed.
The characteristics of the Marmande variety make it a real find for a gardener of any level. With proper care, plants produce high yields for a long time. The excellent taste of tomatoes allows them to be used fresh, sliced, salads, as well as various preserves.