Ox ears tomatoes are a salad variety. This variety has advantages and disadvantages. It is worth considering that almost all indicators - growth, bush formation, duration of fruit ripening - are inferior to their taste. However, it is precisely because of its excellent taste that the popularity of the Ox’s Ear tomato for growing in summer cottages does not fade. By the way, this variety is very similar in taste to Bull's Forehead.
Characteristics and Features
Characteristics and description of the Ox Ears tomato variety states that its first fruits ripen at the end of the summer season. Tomatoes have a long growth period: approximately 110-115 days pass from germination to fruit ripening. That is why some summer residents consider growing Ox Ears not a relevant matter. This is due to the fact that by the end of summer, almost everyone had already harvested early tomatoes and made preparations for the winter based on them.
Despite the late ripening of tomatoes, any summer resident who at least once tastes the taste of these tomatoes will give preference to growing this particular salad variety.
This choice is determined not only by excellent taste, but also by the following advantages:
- the fruit is of medium density, its pulp has a delicate structure;
- fruits are cylindrical in shape, with a smooth surface, a uniform rich red color;
- the flavor range of tomatoes is revealed to the maximum in absolutely all regions, since their pulp has a balanced content of organic acids and sugars;
- the plant is determinate, its height can reach 60-80 centimeters;
- rich yield of the variety - on average, 1 square meter can produce 6.3 kilos of tomatoes;
- the average weight of 1 fruit is 100 grams.
Many summer residents add some disadvantages to the description of tomatoes:
- in the middle of the fruit there is a light vein, which is very noticeable when cut;
- the seed chambers are only partially filled, resulting in a feeling of emptiness;
- the lack of supports for branches can lead to their damage and loss of some part of the harvest.
Experienced gardeners claim that by ensuring proper planting and care of the plant, disadvantages are minimized.
Growing
This variety should be grown in seedlings. Prepare seedlings according to the following instructions:
- The seeds are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, then thoroughly washed, dried, and soaked for 12 hours in any growth stimulant.
- At this time, the soil is being prepared. Suitable soil can be obtained by mixing garden soil with peat or humus material. To make the soil more nutritious, you can add a small amount of wood ash to it.
- Seeds are sown in shallow holes, sprinkled with soil, and moistened.
In order for the first shoots to appear on the soil surface faster, it is necessary to ensure optimal environmental temperatures.
The plant actively develops at temperatures above 25 degrees. After seedlings appear on the surface of the earth, the temperature should be reduced and the containers should be placed in a lighted place.
Seedlings should be picked only after several full leaves appear above the soil surface. The plant should be fed with complex fertilizer. It needs to be replanted in the second half of May, when the plant has formed at least 1 flower cluster and 6 leaves.
Care
Ox ears require the following care:
- The first days after planting the plant in open ground, it must be covered with film.
- 1 or 2 stems should be formed by removing the stepsons above the 3rd cluster.
- To support tall plants, it is necessary to build a support structure.
- During the planting season, the plant should be fed three times with complex fertilizer.
One of the advantages of the Ox Ear tomato is that the tomato is resistant to pathogens. However, gardeners still recommend carrying out preventive treatment of plantings. This measure will help to completely eliminate the risk of damage to the bush by late blight, root, gray and blossom end rot.
With proper care, Ox's Ear bears large, juicy fruits that will decorate any table and an excellent ingredient for preparing not only salads, but also drinks and sauces.
