Every summer resident who loves classic varieties of large-fruited tomatoes should try a species that was bred relatively recently. This tomato is called Snow Leopard. Well suited for areas where the climate is unfavorable, it grows well both in open ground and in greenhouses.
general information
The characteristics of this tomato variety are remarkable. Snow Leopard is a variety that belongs to the category of high-yielding and early ripening. The bush is determinate, the amount of foliage is quite large. The color of the leaf is dark, the leaf itself is large.
Fruit ripening occurs in clusters, which are formed from 4 to 6 fruits.The plant is considered quite compact, but needs shaping. The best option is 1 or 2 stems. Some branches may be heavy and need staking.
The yield of the variety is excellent: one square meter can “give” the gardener 2 to 3 kg of selected even tomatoes. The size of the fruit is large, but moderate: the average weight is 120 – 130 grams. The color of the fruit is red-orange, very rich.
The shape of Snow Leopard tomatoes is flat-round. The stalk has clearly expressed ribbing. Bright taste, devoid of wateriness, gives off a slightly noticeable sourness. The fruit pulp contains a very small amount of seeds, but is juicy and fleshy. An important component of the characteristics of the Snow Leopard tomato is the fact that the pulp contains a large amount of sugars and amino acids.
Tomatoes of the Snow Leopard variety are an early variety, the fruits of which ripen on the 100th day. The compact plant has a simple inflorescence, excellent taste and melt-in-your-mouth pulp. The variety exhibits good resistance to Fusarium and Verticillium wilt. Important: Snow Leopard tomatoes are not affected by temperature changes. This is a variety that perfectly adapts to almost any growing conditions.
Snow leopard is a variety that is remarkable for its unpretentiousness. The description states that the tomato is absolutely problem-free. Very productive and quite early, the variety has become the favorites of many vegetable growers in Central Russia.
The fruits resemble balls on a Christmas tree. They are framed by dark green foliage; the height of the bush rarely exceeds 0.5 - 0.6 meters. The variety does not respond well to fertilizing; if there is an excess of fertilizer, you can end up with an overgrown bush with lush foliage and an almost complete absence of fruits.
After planting a plant in a hole, it is necessary to water it regularly and occasionally spray it with biological preparations, for example, Baikal.
The result is sure to be: a huge number of red, expressively shiny tomatoes of excellent taste, collected from each bush. The variety is perfect for those who cannot visit their summer cottage every day - this is evidenced by numerous reviews from tomato fans.
How it appeared
The Snow Leopard tomato variety was bred by Russian breeders and recommended for cultivation both under film cover and in open ground.
An excellent option for regions that cannot boast a very warm climate. The tomato grows well in temperate or northern climates, perfectly tolerating all the vagaries of the weather: drought, prolonged rains, short-term frosts. Fruits collected from the Snow Leopard bush are well stored, do not crack, and handle transportation well.
Advantages and disadvantages
The snow leopard has several obvious advantages, which even the most experienced vegetable grower will not dispute:
- excellent taste of fruits;
- good yield;
- Possibility of use both fresh and for preservation;
- resistance to pests and diseases;
- good tolerance to adverse climatic conditions;
- possibility of long-term storage and transportation.
The only drawback, which is quite relative, is the need to tie up sagging brushes and form a bush. Removal of the lateral processes is mandatory.
Features of cultivation
You can grow Snow Leopard either using seedlings or by planting seeds in the ground.Agronomists still recommend the first method, since this type of tomato is more often chosen by residents of regions where the climate is not hot, with the likelihood of prolonged frosts.
Before planting seeds for seedlings, they must be immersed in a growth stimulator for 12 hours. After this, the prepared material should be planted in small containers, deepening the plantings by 1 - 2 centimeters. The composition of the soil can be as follows: garden soil, humus, river sand (previously well washed), superphosphate and wood ash.
After the first sprouts have appeared on the surface of the earth, the containers should be placed under lamps or in the sun, if the length of daylight allows this. When a pair of true leaves unfold, we can talk about picking.
Having planted the plants in separate (preferably peat) pots, you should feed them with mineral complex fertilizer, and then assign them to a permanent place of residence. The crop can be planted in the ground or greenhouse no earlier than after May 15th. Plants are watered regularly. It is necessary to ensure that the top layer of the substrate dries well.
There is no need to tie up a fairly compact bush of this variety, but as the fruits ripen, the branches can become heavy. In such a situation, it is worth thinking about tying up individual plants that need support.
Pests and diseases
The peculiarity of the Snow Leopard is that the tomato does not suffer from diseases that are characteristic of other varieties, but sometimes infection becomes possible. To maintain the plants and remain satisfied with the harvest, preventive measures should be taken.
To do this you can do the following:
- add a portion of humus before planting seedlings in the ground;
- spill the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate;
- feed the plants in a timely manner, but very carefully;
- thoroughly ventilate the greenhouse or greenhouse;
- loosen the soil;
- use mulch.
Snow leopard is a wonderful tomato that can be grown in any region of the country. Very unpretentious - good yield with a minimum of care.
