The German red strawberry tomato variety is famous not only for its unusual name. In 2015, reviews from gardeners on forums included it among the ten most popular tomato varieties. This variety from Germany immediately appealed to lovers of unusual, original types of tomatoes. Externally, the vegetables resemble gigantic strawberries. Some gardeners compare the fruits to neat-looking hearts, which once again confirms the unusual shape of the tomato.
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The description classifies the plant as an indeterminate species with a medium ripening period; under good weather growing conditions, the ripening period is significantly reduced and the variety can be classified as an early species.The growth of bushes reaches 1.8 meters. Despite the high growth of shoots, the plant is compact. When grown in greenhouse conditions, the shoot height can reach 2.5 meters and the variety shows higher yields.
What are the characteristics of the fruit?
Unusual strawberry-shaped tomatoes can have a rich red or orange tint. The vegetables have an unusual, fruity, slightly sweet taste compared to ordinary tomatoes and an unusually delicate aroma. A distinctive feature is the combination of a sweetish taste with a slight sourness. The outer surface of the vegetables has an unusual glossy shine.
Characteristics and reviews from gardeners note good yield indicators and indicate the possibility of obtaining large-sized fruits. With proper care, the weight of one tomato can reach 300–500 grams, on average it varies from 150 to 300 grams. Vegetables are captivating with their beautiful shape and even coloring of the fruits. In some unripe tomatoes, a small white spot may form at the base of the stalk, which has an increased density and requires cutting when consumed fresh.
The fruits have a low seed content and good fleshiness. Tall bushes, when pinched correctly, are compact, and the plant's brushes contain a large number of ovaries. The variety, in comparison with analogues, is distinguished by early reddening of the fruits.
Features of cultivation
Depending on climatic conditions, tomato can be grown by seedlings or by sowing seeds in the ground. It is worth paying attention to recommendations for preparing seeds for planting.When independently collecting seeds from a previous harvest, it is recommended to soak the planting material in a stimulating solution for better growth. For such planting material, a preliminary disinfection procedure with hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate is recommended. When purchasing ready-made seeds, such work is not required from the manufacturer, since they undergo pre-treatment during the packaging process.
To sow seeds, it is recommended to prepare a mixture of garden or turf soil mixed with humus. For better nutritional value of the shoots, it is worth adding wood ash. To grow seedlings, a temperature of 23–25 is required ⁰C.
Young shoots need sufficient lighting, so to prevent the seedlings from stretching, illumination with a fluorescent lamp is recommended. The first sign of a lack of light is the loss of green color by seedlings. Diving is done after the formation of the first pair of leaves. During this period, it is recommended to carry out the first fertilizing with a mineral complex.
When planting in a permanent place 1 m2 3–4 plants are planted. The soil should be loose and generously moistened with humus. It is recommended to pre-treat the soil with a weak solution of manganese.
During the season, shoots are fed 3 to 4 times. Bushes are formed into 1 or 2 stems; the maximum for growing strong stems is the presence of 3 main trunks. The plant needs periodic pinching. It is recommended to remove brushes with deformed and underdeveloped ovaries to stimulate the formation of vegetables and obtain higher yields.
