Description of the tomato variety Minister, its characteristics and yield
The Tomato Minister ranks high in the State Register of Varietal Crops. He is considered one of the best representatives for cultivation in open ground and under film shelters in Russia.
Characteristic
These tomatoes have an attractive appearance. Fruits are of the same size, rounded and slightly ribbed. Vines near bushes are about 60 cm long. This is a determinant variety.
The foliage is dark green. As a rule, the formation of the first ovary occurs above the 7-8 leaves, and the next ones are located every 2 leaves. Although there are few lateral shoots of this tomato, they have to be pinned periodically.
The beginning of ripening of tomatoes planted in open beds falls on 112-115 days, and in a greenhouse this time is reduced by several days. Each brush forms up to 5–6 tomatoes. Their average weight is up to 200 g. Ripening begins 60–65 days after planting in the ground.
When ripe, tomatoes acquire a red-orange color. The dense skin makes them easy to transport. The shelf life of fresh tomatoes is 2 weeks. They have a juicy pulp, good taste and aroma. From 1 m2 it is possible to collect about 9 kg of tomatoes Minister. The positive side of the variety is considered disease resistance.
Tomato variety Minister is intended for fresh use, and can also be used for the preparation of canned food, sauces and pasta.
This description would not be complete without specifying the peculiarity of the Minister variety, which is that an increase in the taste of tomatoes can be achieved by fermentation during storage at room temperature without access to light. To do this, they are laid out in small boxes and left for 7-10 days.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many gardeners constantly plant the minister's tomatoes on their plots. Pros of the variety:
- good productivity;
- excellent presentation of fruits;
- ability to resist disease;
- universal use of fruits;
- unpretentiousness to growing conditions;
- the possibility of obtaining a harvest both in greenhouse conditions and in open beds.
Although the reviews about these tomatoes are mostly positive, they also have a drawback - in areas with a cold climate in the northern regions, growing them outdoors is impractical.
The highest yields of these tomatoes are obtained by gardeners in the North Caucasus, southern Ukraine and Krasnodar Territory.
Growing rules
These tomatoes are medium early. Planting in beds is carried out by seedlings at the age of 45–55 days. The plant should have 7-8 true leaves. It is preferable to use light soils with sufficient nutrients.Humus, wood ash and river sand are added to heavy soil.
The seedlings that are planted should be strong, without too long stems. To prevent the plant from stretching, additional lighting is carried out with lamps. Daylight hours should be 10-12 hours a day. For maximum yield, leave 1–2 stems per adult plant. Stepsons must be cut off in time.
Top dressing is carried out several times per season. Watering is carried out at the root, and after the topsoil dries up, it must be loosened.
To prevent diseases and fungal infections, the soil around the bushes is mulched. For the same purpose, before the formation of ovaries, plants are sprayed with chemicals. From folk remedies, you can use copper sulfate, wood ash or soapy water.
To protect the tomato bushes from the appearance of late blight, the greenhouse must be ventilated, and the plants are planted at such a distance that the bushes have free access to air and light.
Reviews
Victor, 44 years old, Bratsk: “Having planted the Minister tomato in my greenhouse, I was satisfied with this variety. Fruiting began early, after 2 months, and continued until autumn. Brown tomatoes ripened on a shelf in the pantry. Next year, I will also definitely plant tomatoes of this variety. I recommend everyone to grow this variety on their plots. "
