A mid-season variety with a pleasant taste and powerful bushes - the “Capia pink” tomato

Many gardeners want to grow pink tomatoes on their plot. Some argue that such vegetables are more fortified, others prefer the aesthetic appearance, and others grow them because they are allergic to red tomatoes. Pink-fruited varieties are no less popular than red ones.

Of course, many gardeners have already decided on the crop that has become their favorite. For those who are still looking, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the Capia rosea tomato. The unique color, taste and external characteristics of this variety have already captivated many vegetable growers and continue to attract new fans.

Characteristics and description of the variety

Thanks to the work of Russian breeders, the Kapiya pink tomato variety was born, which in 1997 was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. More than 20 years have passed since then, but tomatoes are still in high demand among gardeners.

Distinctive features

Determinant type, but the height can reach 2 m or more. The bush is powerful and densely leafy, the leaves are elongated and dark green. In regions with a short and cool summer season, the crop is grown in greenhouse conditions; in the southern zone, the tomato takes root well in open ground.

The height of the main stem indicates that the plant must be staked, otherwise, despite its power, the bush will not support the weight of the fruit-bearing branches.

Due to the numerous lateral shoots, the plants are regularly planted, thereby eliminating the density of the plantings.

The ripening period is average: 110–115 days pass from the emergence of seedlings to the start of fruiting.

Productivity is high: 1 seedling bears up to 4 kg of fruit when no more than 3 plants are placed per 1 m2.

The variety is distinguished by its stable immunity to the main tomato diseases, such as tobacco mosaic, fusarium and verticillium.

Fruit characteristics

The average weight of tomatoes is 140–160 g, the shape is cylindrical, elongated. The appearance resembles a large drop of water. The color is deep pink, the taste is sweet with a subtle sourness. The pulp is dense, juicy, the peel is strong and not prone to cracking, so ripe vegetables can be successfully frozen. It is believed that when frozen, tomatoes retain the greatest amount of vitamins.

The use of vegetables is universal: they are excellent for preparing fresh dishes and for canning for the winter. Tomatoes are also processed into juices, pastes, adjika and lecho.

Durable skin allows ripe vegetables to maintain their presentation for a long time and transport them over any distance.

The photo shows Kapija rosea tomatoes.

How to grow seedlings

2 months before planting in the ground, sowing of seeds begins. Proper preparation for this will not only increase the germination rate, but also strengthen the immune system.

Seed preparation

First, empty copies are separated from full ones. To do this, prepare a saline solution by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and place the grains in it for 10 minutes. Those that float to the surface are disposed of, as they will not sprout.

Then the seeds are disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. Disinfection of planting material protects plants from fungal damage for a long time.After disinfection, the seeds are washed with running water.

Germination on damp gauze increases the germination rate. The fabric is slightly moistened with warm, settled water and the seeds are laid out on it. Afterwards they are removed to a warm and dark place with a temperature of +28°C. After 2-3 days, small sprouts will appear. This indicates that the seeds are ready to be planted in the ground.

Reference! Since the culture does not belong to a hybrid, the seed fund retains its parental properties in subsequent generations.

Container and soil

The planting container is treated with a solution manganese dark in color and at the bottom of each container make small drainage holes necessary for the outflow of moisture. When fluid stagnates, the risk of fungal infections increases.

You can plant in a common wooden box or in separate containers. It is easiest to transport seedlings in plastic cups to summer cottages, and when grown in peat pots they will require minimal care.

Reference! Peat pots in the walls contain many nutrients that seedlings receive during growth and development.

The soil is prepared from garden soil, peat, humus and river sand in equal proportions. The resulting mixture, like the planting containers, is disinfected with a strong solution of manganese.

Sowing

Seeds are planted to a depth of 1.5 cm with a distance of 3 cm from each other. Using a spray bottle, lightly moisten with warm, settled water and cover with film. This creates a greenhouse effect for faster germination of seed material. The containers are left in a room with a temperature of +24 °C.

Reference! If the seeds are planted on the surface, they will germinate along with the shell, which will slow down further growth.

Seedling care

When seedlings appear, the containers are placed on the windowsill. Plants need light for 13 hours. If there is a shortage of it, the seedlings will stretch out and weaken. To prevent this, install additional lighting in the form of fluorescent lamps.

Water as the top soil layer dries out with warm, settled water from a shallow watering can. Afterwards the soil is slightly loosened.

To ensure that the sprouts are even, without tilting, they are turned to the light in different directions.

When 2 true leaves appear, the seedlings are picked and planted in separate containers. Afterwards, there is an increased growth of lateral roots, which contributes to further intensive development of plants.

Before planting in the ground, the seedlings are hardened off so that they quickly get used to the new conditions. This is done outdoors at an average temperature of +17 °C. First, the containers are left outside for 1 hour, gradually increasing the time to 10 hours.

How to grow tomatoes

After 2 months, after the soil has warmed up, the seedlings are sent into the ground. The beds are chosen in a sunny, unshaded place without drafts. If there is insufficient lighting, you will not get a rich harvest.

Landing

The holes are prepared in advance with a distance of 50–60 cm from each other. The seedlings are buried to the first leaves, the soil is compacted and watered with warm, settled water. After this, the young bushes are left to get used to the new place without watering or feeding.

Further care

As soon as the young seedlings take root, establish a regular watering at least 2 times a week. Use only warm, settled water, since overcooling can cause the root system to rot. In addition, cold water has a negative effect on developing ovaries.Large barrels exposed to the sun are suitable for heating.

Drip irrigation is installed in greenhouses. With such an irrigation system, the root system is always fed only with warm water, and the humidity level does not exceed the norm.

After watering, the soil must be loosened, ensuring air permeability of the soil. Weeds are removed with roots. Weeds extract a lot of useful substances from the ground and serve as a breeding ground for infections.

Reference! Mulching The beds help retain moisture longer and serve as a preventive measure in the fight against pests. Straw is most often used as mulch.

For fertilizing, a full complex of minerals or organic matter is used. Mullein infusion, bird droppings and weed infusion are suitable for tomatoes. The crop also responds well to the addition of wood ash.

During flowering, a full complex of minerals with a predominant content of phosphorus is added, and at the time of fruiting, potassium salts are added so that the fruits ripen faster.

Important! Organic compounds are used only in low concentration: 1:15. Highly concentrated solutions can cause burns to the root system.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

According to gardeners, seedlings achieve the highest yield when plants are formed into 2 stems. One stepson is left above the first flower brush, all the rest are removed. If this is not done, the bush will waste nutrients on the growth of unnecessary branches, and the fruits will form small and dull in color.

They plant the crop early in the morning so that the cut areas have time to heal by the evening. To prevent germs from getting into the wounds, they are treated with a weak solution of manganese.

To form an even and powerful trunk, a wooden or metal support is installed next to each seedling, to which the stem is tied almost immediately after transplanting. As they grow, fruitful branches are also fixed to the support so that they do not break under their own weight.

For fixation, in addition to vertical supports, a trellis is used. To do this, install metal rods on two opposite sides of the beds and stretch a wire horizontally between them. The stem and branches of the bush are fixed to it with soft tapes. This method of gartering is considered less traumatic.

Diseases and pests

The culture has such strong immunity against viral and fungal diseases that it does not even require regular preventive measures. This does not mean at all that you need to forget about loosening, mulching, hilling and regular watering. When carrying out all these mandatory actions, it is not necessary to additionally spray with antifungal agents.

When transplanting, experienced gardeners treat the seedlings with a weak solution of manganese so that they do not get sick while all their efforts are focused on adapting to new conditions.

The whitefly butterfly is the most dangerous pest for the Pink Capia. Harm is caused not only by adults, but also by their larvae. To combat insects, plants are sprayed with an infusion of onion peels, sharp-smelling herbs (marigolds, calendula) are planted next to the tomatoes and pheromone traps are installed. When there is a large concentration of the pest, the insecticides “Confidor” or “Aktara” are used.

Reference! Pheromone traps can be purchased at any specialty store.

Breeding in greenhouses and open ground

Planting in a checkerboard pattern is convenient not only in the greenhouse, but also in open beds. Plants do not shade each other and are well ventilated, which reduces the risk of infections.

It is recommended to ventilate closed structures every day so that the temperature and humidity do not increase. With standard indicators, infections will not develop. Fresh air destroys the usual habitat of greenhouse pests: for example, spider mites.

When growing tall, the top of the plant is pinched, and the seedlings spend nutrients on the developing ovaries, and not on further growth.

When propagated in greenhouse conditions, drip irrigation is used. Place a plastic bottle without a bottom in the root zone and fill it with water. The fact is that the crop only needs warm water, due to which the humidity and temperature in the greenhouse will constantly increase. This can trigger the development of a fungal infection that will quickly spread to all plants.

If potatoes or peppers are planted next to a tomato plant, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive maintenance on all plants. These crops belong to the same family and suffer from the same diseases. Potato diseases can spread to tomatoes, and vice versa. Therefore, in such a neighborhood, regular preventive measures are mandatory.

Harvesting and application

The ripening of the fruits is uniform; they are cut in whole bunches. Ripe vegetables do not overload the bush, as they are distributed evenly. Tomatoes have good keeping quality and can withstand long-term transportation. Therefore, the variety is popular among farmers.

The use of vegetables is universal. All kinds of fresh dishes and winter preparations are obtained from them.Tomatoes do not crack during heat treatment, therefore they are suitable for conservation. Fruits have nutritional value when frozen, as they retain most of the vitamins.

Also, delicious juices are obtained from ripe vegetables, not only canned, but also freshly squeezed. For a more saturated color, pink tomatoes are mixed with red ones.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include the unusual shape of the fruit, which is clearly visible in the photographs. In addition to appearance, the variety has other advantages:

• opportunity to settle down in all regions;
• the ability to form ovaries in any conditions;
• ease of care;
• high productivity;
• immunity to diseases;
• excellent taste;
• long-term storage;
• long-distance transportation.

Disadvantages include regular pinching, mandatory gartering and bush formation.

Farmer reviews

Most reviews about the tomato are positive, which indicates its easy care and high-quality products. Here are some opinions:

Evgenia, Ryazan: “I planted a tomato for the first time, I paid little attention to it, but the seedlings did not suffer from any disease and gave an excellent harvest. The result surprised me so much that I wanted to grow it in the future. The fruits on the bush were even and medium in size. I was especially pleased with the taste. It is original and significantly different from other tomatoes.”

Elena, Saratov: “My seedlings reached 2 m in open ground. The plants have formed powerful and spreading. I didn’t wear my stepson often, I paid most attention to the garter. The vegetables ripened quickly and were very tasty. But they turned out to be even tastier when frozen. Once thawed they are soft and sweet. I’ll definitely plant more for freezing.”

Conclusion

To choose the optimal crop for growing, gardeners focus on the main indicators - difficulty in care and yield. The tomato Kapiya pink is characterized by ease of care and produces up to 4 kg of fruit from 1 bush.

The variety is characterized by increased resistance to diseases, which is especially valued especially in the southern regions. Juicy and healthy tomatoes are suitable for summer dishes and winter preparations, they are rich in vitamins and are hypoallergenic.