Bright early tomato with large fruits - the “King of the Market” tomato and the secrets of growing it from experienced gardeners
Every passionate summer resident and professional farmer knows that correctly bred and proven hybrids are always a winning option.
Shoots of such plants appear evenly and in large numbers, which ensures increased productivity. They benefit more effectively from the conditions they find themselves in, be it climate, soil type or humidity. Hybrids are much more resistant to diseases and pests and are self-pollinating - two more valuable advantages if you grow your vegetables in greenhouses. And the hybrid varieties look much prettier than their “pure” counterparts. However, they must be chosen wisely.
In this article we will give a full description of one of the most interesting tomato hybrids of Russian origin with the enticing name King of the Market. Is this variety really as good as it is called?
Tomato King of the Market - full review of the variety
The King of the Market variety was developed by Russian breeders in the early 2000s. Initially, it was developed for the needs of industrial production, so first of all, the tomato gained popularity in the large market. However, soon its positive qualities were noted by ordinary farmers.
It appealed to many professional gardeners and summer residents, causing them a large number of positive reviews, and the originator - an incentive to select new hybrids specifically for owners of small gardens.
Since the introduction of the first Market King, this series has expanded significantly and now has 13 officially registered representatives. Although the new varieties differ from their ancestor, in general all tomatoes of this variety have similar properties.
Distinctive features
Most varieties of the variety are classified as hybrids for open ground - 9 out of 13 tomatoes of the King of the Market variety determinant.
The exception is four indeterminate varieties: Pink Market King #8, Giant King #9, Pickling King #11 and Honey King #12. They are suitable for planting both in open ground and in greenhouses.
Photos of varieties of the King of the Market variety:
In determinate tomatoes of this type, the bush is low-growing and slightly stretches upward. The growth stage quickly ends with a flower cluster. Such a bush grows to a maximum of 100 cm. Indets reach up to 1.5 m in height.
In both subspecies, during growth the bush forms two stems. They grow strong and thick, but, nevertheless, they still need to be tied up due to the abundance and heaviness of the fruit.
According to professional breeders, tomatoes of the King of the Market F1 variety have the following advantages:
- grow well in arid climates;
- tolerate sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity without problems;
- resistance to the main complex of tomato diseases and cracking;
- rarely become an object of interest for pests;
- uniform and abundant harvest on all bushes;
- suitable for consumption both fresh and processed;
- Thanks to their thick skin, they tolerate transportation and storage well.
Among the disadvantages, gardeners from non-southern regions point out their increased heat-loving nature - such tomatoes germinate more slowly and set trusses in the middle zone, but it is not recommended to grow them in the northern regions.
Many summer residents also find a downside in the fact that the “kings” cannot be preserved whole due to their large fruits. However, they are gladly used for drying, barrel or tub pickling.
Fruit characteristics and yield
Almost all fruits of the King of the Market variety are visually similar. In appearance, all representatives of this variety are perfectly even and smooth. The taste of the fruit, starting with Market King No. 4, was improved, so later hybrids are distinguished by a sweet taste and aroma, as well as juicy and elastic pulp.
When ripe, tomatoes acquire a bright red color and have a round, slightly elongated shape. Tomatoes of other colors were specially bred in the series - Pink Market King No. 8 and Orange Market King No. 13. Obvious differences in shape are observed in the King of the Market No. 2 and in the King of Salting No. 11 - they have a cylindrical shape, similar to cream.
As for the weight of fruits, on average it varies from 180 to 300 g. The varieties King of the Market No. 7 and King Giant No. 9 stand out from the general picture with fruit weights of 400-600 and 400-1000 g, respectively.
The yield of the Market Kings is average among other hybrids - from 9 to 13 kg per 1 m². The average fruit yield per bush is extremely high – 92%.
Photos of unusual varieties of the King of the Market variety:
How to grow seedlings
Tomatoes of this variety are mainly grown in seedlings, unless they are used exclusively for further processing.
Seed preparation
In order not to be upset by empty pots and not to leave free space in the beds, check and select the seeds in advance. The easiest way to do this is to immerse them in a saline solution (1 teaspoon per glass), stir for 1-2 minutes and leave for another 10. Remove the seeds that float to the surface of the water, rinse the rest and dry well in the open air .
Container and soil
Both classic containers and modern small home greenhouses, as well as environmentally friendly peat pots, which are more convenient for further replanting in the ground, are perfect for seedlings. The soil must be slightly loose and well fertilized. As a top dressing, choose regular mineral fertilizers.
Sowing
Plant the seeds to a depth of 2-3 cm by the end of March or beginning of April. Late planting may result in that the tomatoes will not have time to ripen, especially if you chose a mid-season or mid-late variety.
Growing and care
Apply the first bait two weeks after planting; for a successful result, repeat the procedure up to 2-3 times. Loosen and water the soil generously, but do not overdo it. You can also additionally lay mulch on the seedlings in the form of newspapers or used paper, turning it over periodically to avoid debate.
How to grow King of the Market tomatoes
Due to the excellent characteristics and properties of the King of the Market hybrid, anyone, even a novice gardener, can grow it if he follows simple rules for planting and care.
Landing in the ground
It is best to plant seedlings in the ground towards the end of spring - beginning of summer, when the soil no longer freezes at night. From 3 to 5 plants are planted per square meter.It is better to find out the planting interval from the recommendations on the seed packaging of the King of the Market variety you have chosen. Usually it is 40 by 50-70 cm.
Care
Hybrids of this variety do not like excessive watering, but you should not overdry the soil even in temperate climate zones. Weed and loosen the soil as necessary, remove excess shoots and tie up the stems.
In addition, the variety readily responds to complex feeding. With this care, bushes are formed more neatly and give a generous harvest. The taste is also noticeably improved.
Features of cultivation and possible difficulties
To form beautiful tomato bushes of this wonderful variety, immediately after the first flowers appear on the first formed tomato cluster and the formation of two stepsons, break off the least powerful of them with your hands. Plant the plant every 10-12 days in warm sunny weather in the morning or afternoon.
If you don’t have enough bushes, you can grow tomatoes with two stems. Then just leave the stepson above the first brush, then tie it up separately and grow it further, carefully monitoring the condition of the bush.
Features of the formation of determinate type tomato bushes:
Diseases and pests
Please note that the normal color of ripening fruits is light green without stripes or spots. If yours is different, check your plants for diseases or pests. Typical diseases for the King of the Market are Alternaria and bacterial spot. For prevention, feed the bushes with fertilizers containing copper and nitrogen.
No matter how good this tomato variety is, pests will still want to flock to the fragrant smell of the fruit. Mole crickets, slugs or Colorado potato beetles are often spotted near the Market King.
Purchase the necessary medications for the Colorado potato beetle and mole crickets in advance in case they suddenly appear. At the first sign of slugs, spray the plants with a solution containing black pepper or mustard (1 tbsp per 1 m²). If you notice a mole cricket, you need to thoroughly weed the ground before spraying.
The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse
Growing tomatoes outdoors is much more dangerous in terms of the likelihood of pests. Therefore, do not forget to inspect them and the soil surrounding the plants often.
When growing in greenhouses, adhere to the correct microclimate and remember that this variety is not accustomed to excessive watering and high humidity. Also leave enough free space for the Market Kings in a well-lit area of the greenhouse - this will make the bushes more spreading and able to produce more fruit.
Important! Do not leave the greenhouse closed in summer in bright sun or heat - tomatoes must be ventilated constantly. Doors in greenhouse close only in rainy weather or when the air temperature is below 12 degrees.
Harvesting and application
Early and mid-ripening varieties of King of the Market tomatoes are harvested as early as July-August, depending on the growing region and the type of tomato. Productivity is maintained until autumn frosts.
Market King tomatoes starting from No. 5 are best suited for fresh consumption in salads. They produce delicious tomato juice, in which both sweetness and sourness are evenly felt. Tomatoes are also dried, salted and pickled in barrels.
Important! As with other hybrids, it is better not to use seeds from already grown King of the Market tomatoes for planting. Their yield and other beneficial properties will drop noticeably.
Other varieties with similar names
There are several varieties on the market with similar names, with which the Market King is often confused if they are not familiar enough with it. However, other types of tomatoes are in no way similar to the “true” King.
For example, the Koroleva market variety was developed and tested in cold Siberian conditions. The average bush of this hybrid is twice as tall as the King of the Market. Its yield reaches 18 kg per 1 m², and the fruits themselves are large, flattened and weigh up to 900 g. This is an excellent replacement for the King of the Market for the northern regions of the country.
Other “royal” tomatoes are the King of Siberia, orange in color, oblong in shape with a fruit weight of up to 700 g. Unlike the King of the Market, they are resistant to Alternaria.
Photo of tomato varieties Golden King, Queen of the Market and King of Siberia:
Farmer reviews
The King of the Market tomato variety still collects exclusively positive reviews from summer residents, owners of their own personal plots and professional farmers. Many note its high yield, but in the middle zone it is recommended to additionally fertilize and treat it against late blight.
Here are some of the reviews:
Alexander Smirnov, Sochi: “I live in sunny Sochi, I’ve known about these tomatoes for a long time. I usually plant 2-3 species from this series. I prefer Market King #5 for juice, Pickle King for twists, and Pink Market King for salads. The king of pickles is sour, the rest are sweeter. The tomatoes do not crack, are beautiful and without blemishes. Sometimes when I have nowhere to put them and my daughter comes, I give them to her in boxes. Or I sell it on the market. They are among the first to sell out, there is great demand.”
Olga Vershinina, Penza: “Giant King No. 9 has become my favorite variety of large-fruited tomatoes.It has amazing yield, about 1.5-2 times better than the varieties that I sowed before. I have been planting them for the second year in ordinary plastic pots. I keep it under a phytolamp, water it once a week and feed it - the sprouts sprout very well. Then in the second week of June I transplant them to the beds. I plant in a square-cluster method, so I don’t have to water it often. They still grow and produce a lot of delicious tomatoes. Wonderful variety! "
Tatiana Savenko, Kirov: “I have two greenhouses, every year I look for new delicious varieties of tomatoes. I really like to eat them fresh. That year I chose the Orange King of the Market. These tomatoes are tasty, dense, super-yielding, and most importantly - hardy and do not get sick! This summer I’ll try to plant it in open ground, I think the result will be just as good.”
Vladimir Grachev, Magnitogorsk: “Our summer is not particularly warm, the average temperature is about 20. I planted the Honey King tomato in the greenhouse, the seedlings were vigorous, almost all the seeds appeared to have sprouted. At first the bushes grew slowly, but then they became stronger. The taste was truly honey, so sweet. I used all the juice for spinning - I made tomatoes in my own juice. I would rather tighten these tomatoes, but they turn out to be very large, they don’t even fit in a three-liter container.”
Conclusion
The King of the Market series of hybrid tomato varieties is diverse, produces a stable and rich harvest, and does not require special cultivation skills or specific care. This hybrid reveals its best sides in warm climates, but can also grow in the middle zone without losing its relevance. Every farmer will be able to choose a suitable variety of this amazing crop for his garden.