Currently, with the development of very early varieties, it is possible grow tomatoes in open ground, even in northern conditions. One of these “newcomers” is the Raja tomato. Red semi-determinant of Russian selection with an extremely early ripening period.
Fruit characteristics
Rajah large-fruited tomato. The fruits are oval, similar to a large dark red plum, weighing up to 300 grams. Sweet, fleshy, almost without seeds. High taste qualities for such an early variety.Suitable for salads, canning, preparing tomatoes, sauces.
Reviews from gardeners about these tomatoes are extremely positive. Tomatoes grow in large clusters, 5-7 fruits each, and look beautiful on the bush and on the table. They are resistant to cracking, but it is better not to disturb the watering regime. Transportability is average. Those picked green ripen well.
Properties of the variety
Raja tomatoes are semi-determinate type. The ripening period is 85-95 days, which allows it to be cultivated in the conditions of northwestern Russia. It is grown mainly in open ground, but is suitable for greenhouses. The bush is powerful, grows from 1 to 1.5 meters in height, spreading. Requires formation. Very decent yield - from 3-4 kg per bush. Resistant to fungal viral diseases, does not require preventive treatments with fungicides. The resistance of the variety to late blight requires additional research.
Features of cultivation
Seedlings should be grown in the classical way. Sowing seeds in boxes with peat mixture 2 months before soil. Then, when 2-3 true leaves appear, pick them into separate containers. Planting in the ground depending on the weather situation. After picking and planting, water the seedlings with the addition of root formation stimulants.
This will speed up rooting; a developed root system will allow the formation of a powerful plant and maximum yield.
The tomato planting pattern is 60 x 40 - 60 cm between rows, 40 cm spacing in a row. If you plant more than three per square meter, the plants will create an impenetrable forest. Watering should be done in the evening, 2-3 hours before sunset. Tomatoes do not like excess moisture; drying out of the soil is also unacceptable.
Feeding
General description of the scheme fertilizing tomatoes following.It is best to use ready-made fertilizer mixtures. During the period of growth - with an increased percentage of nitrogen, flowering - phosphorus, fruit development - potassium. Potassium deficiency will significantly affect the ripening period and quality of tomatoes. Give calcium nitrate periodically, without mixing it with other drugs. Feeding Raja tomatoes should be combined with scheduled watering. Don’t forget about foliar foliar feeding with compounds containing boron, manganese, magnesium and iron.
Bush formation
Raja tomatoes are semi-determinate, but require pinching and garter, otherwise there will be a lot of ovary, but the fruits will not have time to fill and ripen. It is formed double-barreled. All other stepsons are deleted. When 5-7 fruit clusters appear, the plant is pinched and the crown is removed.
Due to the high yield, a high-quality trellis garter or powerful stakes are required. This operation should begin within 2 weeks after planting, before the tomatoes “lay” on the ground. At least once every 7 days, check the growth of the bushes and fix them with new loops.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Raja is a tomato with excellent characteristics; it has many advantages:
- early ripening;
- good commercial and nutritional quality of tomatoes;
- beauty;
- high productivity;
- resistance to most diseases;
- grown in closed and open ground.
Reviews on the Internet are positive:
Ksenia:
“I’m planting for the second year, I’m very pleased. Large, tasty, meaty."
The geography of reviews is impressive - from the Primorsky Territory to the Leningrad Region, Kaliningrad.
The disadvantages of the variety include:
- pinching and pinching are necessary.
- very picky about the quality of the garter.
