Most gardeners are confident that pinching is a mandatory procedure that must be carried out when growing Snowdrop tomatoes. There are exceptions to this rule - the Snowdrop tomato, which can be grown without removing the lateral shoots. Refers to a hybrid low-growing variety characterized by excellent yield.
Description of the variety
Breeders developed Snowdrop tomatoes as an early ripening variety, characterized by frost resistance. These tomatoes can be grown in most regions of the Russian Federation. Even poor soils will not be an obstacle to the cultivation of Snowdrops. It should be noted that, while bred specifically for growing in cool climate regions, Snowdrops do not grow well in areas characterized by predominantly hot weather and mild winters.
If the tomato is grown outdoors, it must be grown using three stems. On each bush you will notice the formation of three fruit clusters, on which up to 5 fruits can be placed. Thus, it is not difficult to calculate that up to 45 tomatoes can grow on one bush at the same time. The sizes of Snowdrop fruits can be very different; the lowest cluster will produce tomatoes much larger than those grown on the upper branch.
The tomato owes its name to its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations. For the conditions of the regions of Russia located in the west of the country, this variety is perfectly suited. Tomatoes will grow well in Karelia too. The Snowdrop bushes bloom very amicably, as do the fruits. Each bush is capable of producing up to 1.6 kilograms of tomatoes - the yield is at a fairly high level.
The tomato was bred in 2000 by Russian breeding scientists, and the variety underwent state registration in 2001. Amateurs and professionals immediately began to leave positive reviews about representatives of the Snowdrop variety.
Vegetable growers whose territorial location is Karelia, Leningrad region, and the Urals especially expressed their favor. Even in the regions of the Far North it was possible to grow Snowdrops, in a heated greenhouse and with additional lighting.
Fruit characteristics
Tomatoes of the Snowdrop variety are smooth, round in shape. When ripe they have a rich red color. The weight of tomatoes is small; at best, the fruit can reach 150 grams. The average weight is 90 grams.The pulp of tomatoes is very soft and sweet, perfect for preparing fresh salads and for pickling and pickling. It is possible to preserve Snowdrops as part of assorted vegetables. Small red tomatoes in one jar with cucumbers, carrots and herbs are very beautiful.
The number of fruits collected from one plant is large. From one square meter you can get up to 6 kilograms of tomatoes. Considering that the weight of each fruit is small, we can guess how many tomatoes a vegetable grower collects from one bush. Such characteristics and descriptions of Snowdrop tomatoes attract the attention of many vegetable growers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Professional agronomists, farmers and amateur summer residents greatly value the Snowdrop tomato variety for its undeniable advantages:
- resistance to low temperatures;
- ability to tolerate long-term lack of watering;
- fruiting abundantly;
- resistance to pests and diseases;
- maintaining the integrity of the fruit for a long time;
- excellent taste;
- successful cultivation under film in temperate and cool climates;
- ability to tolerate transportation well.
Vegetable growers also noted disadvantages. There are few of them, but it is important that the plant is demanding on the quality and quantity of fertilizing, especially at the stage of growth and ovary formation. Anyone who has ever planted tomatoes understands that great care must be taken with fertilizers.
How to grow
Snowdrop tomatoes can be planted as seedlings in early April. Transplanting into a greenhouse that is not heated is justified in early June. Cultivation in a greenhouse where the soil is manured is possible.
An excess of humus is undesirable for the plant, because rapid growth will lead to the formation of a small number of ovaries.
In order for bushes planted in a greenhouse to grow faster, they must be sprayed with a superphosphate solution. As a result of this procedure, the leaves become darker, which leads to accelerated photosynthesis and fruit ripening. If you plant seeds directly in the greenhouse, bypassing the seedling stage, the plants will become more hardened and will not outgrow.
Caring for Snowdrops requires traditional care, but to obtain a richer harvest you need to know some of the subtleties:
- seeds must be treated in a solution of potassium permanganate before planting;
- It is advisable to disinfect the soil;
- Before planting seedlings in the ground or in a greenhouse, the substrate should be scalded with boiling water;
- the best option for forming a bush is 3 stems;
- It is recommended to tie it, because the plants may break under the heavy weight of the fruit;
- watering should be moderate;
- The soil should not be “overfed” with fertilizers and organic matter, but a lack of fertilizing will negatively affect the yield - it is important to observe the measure;
- Fertilizer application should correspond to the growth phase: during the growing process, the bush needs potassium and phosphorus, and during ripening, nitrogen.
The plant does not require pinching. With this technique, gardeners usually accelerate the development and growth of the plant. In the case of Snowdrop, there is no need for additional stimulation.
The main rule that you need to follow to get a good harvest is diligence and a competent approach. In this case, the tomatoes will be responsive and healthy.
