Every vegetable grower has his own favorite varieties of tomatoes; let's talk about the Alyoshka tomato - not the most whimsical, but a productive early variety. It should be said that tomatoes are an unpretentious crop, so tomatoes can be planted in the countryside. Having tried his hand at growing tomatoes at least once, the gardener will no longer be able to resist the temptation to plant tomatoes again next year.
Short description
Recommended for early harvest in greenhouses and open beds. Tomatoes of this variety are good for adding to salads and for pickling. Alyoshka is an early ripening tomato variety: it will take about 95 days to harvest.The plant is determinate, about 120 cm high. The bushes are quite powerful, tall, and definitely need to be tied to a support. The leaves are large and green. The peduncle has an articulation.
The fruit is round, bright red in color, and weighs 250 grams. The tomatoes are very juicy and tasty. The yield in greenhouse conditions is 14 kilograms per square meter. This variety was developed recently, but many gardeners have already appreciated the quality of the tomatoes. Reviews of the Alyoshka F1 tomato say that the fruits are best consumed fresh.
Where and how to plant
Light soil is suitable for this variety of tomato; seeds should be sown for seedlings in March. Before planting, the seeds should be treated with potassium permanganate. Picking is done when two true leaves appear. Fertilize seedlings with fertilizer 3 times.
It is recommended to harden off the seedlings a week before planting. To do this, in April, tomatoes at the age of 60 days must be planted in a heated greenhouse. Since tomatoes are tall, they must be tied to horizontal trellises. In the future, the plant needs to be watered systematically.
This variety is grown by seedlings, the seeds are bought in the store. The soil must be light - if possible, purchase soil at the store. The greatest return from Alyosha can be obtained if you grow tomatoes on loamy soil.
Pros and cons of the variety
The advantages of Alyosha include the following:
- disease resistance;
- excellent productivity;
- long fruiting time.
There are also disadvantages:
- in an unfavorable season, Alyoshka F1 will not produce much harvest;
- the variety needs a lot of sunlight;
- quickly responds to mistakes made during boarding and leaving.
Rules for planting and sowing
Seeds should be sown at the end of May so that when the seedlings are moved into the ground, the soil is already warmed up. Be sure to water the soil before planting. Seeds should be planted in wooden boxes and sprinkled with a special soil composition.
Next, the containers are covered with film and placed in a warm place. When the first sprouts appear, the container should be placed on the windowsill so that the plants receive sunlight. If there is not enough daylight, it is necessary to organize additional lighting with a lamp. Seedlings need to be watered and loosened, fed with various fertilizers. After the second leaf appears, pick them into cups.
Transplantation into the ground
The formed seedlings are moved into open ground at the appointed time. By this time, the sprouts should already have real leaves. The soil is prepared in advance for planting - manure, sand, and fertilizer are mixed.
It is recommended to plant tomatoes at a distance of sixty centimeters from each other. To provide tomatoes with fresh air and light, it is recommended to form bushes into one or two stems. Growing tomatoes, of course, is a labor-intensive process, but the result of the work can be seen in just three months.
Care after transplant
If you neglect basic care rules, the tomatoes will become sick a lot, and the fruits will be of poor quality. It is recommended to loosen and mulch the top layer of soil on the ridge more often. If you have ever tried to grow the Matryoshka variety, you will feel the difference. Alyoshka tomatoes are not as whimsical as Matryoshka; it is enough to water them in a timely manner and clear them of weeds.
It is advisable to fertilize regularly. Use humus or manure.If you decide to grow tomatoes outdoors, cover them with polyethylene at night in the first days after transplanting. Water constantly, but in moderation so that the plant is not flooded.
Diseases
The main problems of these tomatoes:
- late blight;
- aphid;
- Colorado beetle;
- whitefly
As a preventative measure, the bushes must be treated with specialized compounds to protect tomatoes from late blight.
Plants should be systematically carefully inspected for the presence of the Colorado potato beetle. Its larvae can destroy tomatoes. You can get rid of other parasites in your garden beds by sprinkling wood ash on your plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting begins in late August - early September. These fresh tomatoes do not last long, so it is recommended to process the crop. If you want to eat fresh tomatoes as long as possible, you can extend their “life” a little. To do this, the box with the harvest must be placed in a dark, cool place. Taste qualities depend on the care and composition of the soil.
Many gardeners use one effective technique - they remove the foliage above the formed fruits. This measure accelerates the ripening of the crop. The Alyoshka variety is preferred by those gardeners who like to tinker with large-sized hybrids. This variety can be cultivated in any region, you just need to fulfill the above requirements. It should be remembered that Alyoshka’s harvest is unstable.
