Characteristics and description of the tomato variety Cranberry in sugar, its yield
One of the few varieties that grows well both in the greenhouse and in the open field is the Cranberry tomato in sugar. It is possible to grow in an apartment: the variety gives an excellent harvest when cultivated on a windowsill. The tomato is able to adapt to various conditions, shows resistance to the development of late blight and is well resistant to pests. A small but fruit-sprinkled bush is capable of producing an excellent harvest in almost any conditions.
Cranberries in sugar are an incredibly beautiful and decorative tomato. The bush is quite compact, its height does not exceed 60 cm, it does not need a garter and pinching. Bright red small fruits, the mass of which does not exceed in most cases 15 grams, very sweet and juicy, receive only positive reviews.
Description of the variety
This tomato variety was bred by Russian breeders working in the Aelita agricultural company. There are no restrictions on the method of cultivation or the region of cultivation. You can plant these tomatoes as follows:
- in open ground;
- in a container that will be located on the windowsill;
- to the greenhouse;
- in boxes and flowerpots outdoors.
Cranberries in sugar are a great helper for those who adhere to dietary restrictions, because the calorie content of the fruit is extremely low. This is a great dietary product. Both organic acids in combination with chemical elements and medicinal properties give the fruits a wonderful taste and excellent aroma:
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- normalization of the heart and blood vessels;
- improvement of the general condition of the blood;
- reducing the number of disorders in the digestive tract.
Representatives of this species belong to the category of small-fruited tomatoes. Small tomatoes gain a mass of 12 - 15 grams and no more. The shape of the fruit is smooth and round, and there is practically no ribbing in the region of the stalk. Skin color is classic red.
Sugar-sweetened cranberries are a variety that ripens early. The average growing season is 70 - 75 days from the moment the seedlings were transferred to the ground. Tomatoes ripen together, low bushes are completely covered with brushes.
With a compact bush - its height does not exceed 60 cm - the variety shows an excellent yield for this type of tomato: up to 3 kg per square meter. The compactness of the plants even allows them to be planted in the intervals between other, taller bushes, making the cultivation of all crops convenient and practical. This way you can save space in the greenhouse or in the garden.
The taste of Cranberries in sugar is slightly sour, but sweet. The pulp is not watery, dense, juicy enough.
The seed chambers are small. The skin of the fruit is shiny, soft, but very dense.There is no cracking of tomatoes, so tomatoes are great for canning, pickling, using in various vegetable assortments. Fresh consumption will leave only pleasant impressions, because the fruits are small and sweet. It is not only delicious, but also very interesting.
Advantages and disadvantages
This type of tomato is very popular among summer residents, because it has a number of undoubted advantages:
- Unpretentiousness. Even a gardener who is just taking the first steps in the agrotechnical field can take care of such plants. The plasticity with which a plant adapts to environmental conditions sometimes surprises even experienced gardeners.
- Versatility. Cranberries in sugar are successfully grown even in those regions that are commonly referred to as "difficult" in terms of the availability of natural conditions for the development of agriculture.
- Determination, standardization. These facts make caring for the plant bush easier, because there is no need to form a bush. When the genetically determined maximum height is reached, growth stops. At the top, the formation of a brush with fruits begins. In the future, the growth of the bush continues in width.
- Disease resistance. It is extremely rare that this variety is affected by fungal diseases and late blight.
- Decorativeness. The undoubted advantage of Cranberry tomatoes in sugar is their visual appeal. During the ripening period, the bush, strewn with bright red tomatoes, creates a very effective impression. You can even get a harvest at the window.
- Excellent taste. Sweet, but slightly sour fruits are perfect for making sauces and dressings, gravies and preservation. Retention of its shape during conservation is an undoubted advantage of this variety. Fresh consumption will leave only pleasant impressions.
Cranberries also have disadvantages in sugar. Reviews contain information that thick skin can be slightly tough. This is most often felt when the tomatoes are eaten fresh. According to some growers of this variety, they do not like the sourness present in the taste of these tomatoes.
Some gardeners are of the opinion that the description of the variety does not always correspond to the declared one, because the compactness of the bushes in some cases is not the same as stated by the manufacturer. When planted in a greenhouse, tomatoes can reach a height of 1.5 meters. All disadvantages are easily compensated by high yield and excellent consumer qualities.
Growing features
A competent gardener begins to think about the future harvest in the spring, when it is time to plant seeds for seedlings. To obtain large yields, the material is recommended to be treated with a growth stimulator, and then sown in a container with well-moistened soil. Embedding depth - 2 centimeters.
As a rule, cranberry seeds sprout in sugar together, within 4 - 6 days. After the first shoots appear, it is necessary to remove the film and place the seedlings in a warm place. As soon as the cultivation reaches the second leaf phase, it is worth making a pick. In the future, until the plants are planted in the ground, it is necessary to feed them twice with complex fertilizers.
Planting in the ground can occur after the end of frost. This is the second half of May or early June. In any case, do not rush, otherwise the plants may suffer.
Landing in the ground
Before planting plants in the ground, prepare the soil, and spray the seedlings with a weak solution of boric acid. The concentration should be as follows: 1 gram of the product per 1 liter of water. This will make it easier to grow, reduce stress on the bush and not lose the first color.
The soil in which cranberries are planted in sugar must be loamy and fertile. The soil can be protected from infections and pests with peat humic fertilizers.
Tomatoes should be planted in the holes, observing an interval of 40 - 45 centimeters. Leave at least 60 cm between the rows, preferably in a checkerboard pattern.
If the seedlings are of high quality, they will not cause any inconvenience: they will not stretch and deform. During the period of abundant fruiting, even with a large amount of harvest, the plant does not need a garter. The earthy clod that it forms will be strong and dense.
Care features
Tomatoes of any variety have high care requirements. First of all, this concerns irrigation, which is carried out with extremely warm water. The preferred time for watering is in the morning. Before the buds appear, moisture should be weekly; during the flowering period, water is more generous.
Immunity is good. Defeat with dangerous diseases occurs extremely rarely, Cranberries in sugar and phytophthora with fusarium are not terrible. The biggest attack that can lie in wait for a tomato, — mosaic disease. There are currently no means for the treatment of this viral disease, so much attention must be paid to prevention.
In order to prevent the development of fungal diseases, it is necessary to spray tomatoes with a weak fungicidal solution 2 - 3 times a season. Well-known copper sulfate and Bordeaux liquid are well suited for these purposes. You can use modern preparations that facilitate the cultivation of tomatoes.
If signs of mosaic disease appear, the bush should be removed from the garden as soon as possible and burned. The disease is spread by insects; a microscopic crack on the leaves or trunks of plants is enough for infection. For a long time, the virus retains the ability to live, therefore, after removing diseased plants, the soil must be disinfected.
Tomato variety Cranberry in sugar is a great option for lovers of exquisite decorativeness and excellent taste. Light acidity, delicate round sweet fruits make the variety indispensable for decorating dishes, giving food delicate flavors. It is easy to grow such a tomato.