Tomato "Pink Claire" - the best solution for the southern regions

Pink Claire F1 tomatoes are a hybrid specially created for cultivation in regions with hot climates in open ground. Resistance to drought, viral diseases, high yield and excellent taste allow it to remain at the peak of popularity.

In this article we will talk about the features of growing and caring for a hybrid.

Description and characteristics of the tomato variety

Pink Claire tomatoes were bred by the Israeli company Hazera Genetics Ltd. The hybrid was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2012.

The bushes are indeterminate (tall), branched, with a powerful root system. The hybrid is suitable for cultivation in open ground in the southern regions of the country, greenhouse conditions in the middle zone.

Pictured are Pink Claire tomatoes.

The table shows the distinctive features of tomato.

Growing regions

Israeli breeders developed the hybrid based on the climatic characteristics of the country, so Pink Claire behaves best in hot and dry climates. Ideal regions for cultivation within Russia are considered to be the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, and Astrakhan Region.

In the middle zone, the crop is grown only in greenhouse conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the Pink Claire F1 hybrid include:

• high content of nicotinic acid, B vitamins;
• high productivity;
• resistance to viral diseases;
• pleasant taste and aroma;
• possibility of transportation over long distances;
• versatility of use;
• drought resistance;
• the fruits do not decrease in size throughout the entire fruiting period (until the end of October);
• Possibility of cultivation on any type of soil.

Among the disadvantages are:

• necessity stepsons, bush formation and garters;
• the plant requires timely application of fertilizer;
• susceptibility to bacterial infections.

Reference. First generation hybrids (F1) quickly degenerate and are not recommended for cultivation in subsequent years. Therefore, farmers should renew their seed every year.

How to grow

Pink Claire is easy to care for, but in order to get a rich harvest, experienced farmers recommend adhering to the rules of sowing, growing seedlings and planting in the ground.

Preparing and sowing seeds

Hybrid seeds do not require a disinfection procedure, but actions aimed at stimulating growth will not be superfluous. The seed material is soaked in Epin-Extra, Zircon, and Immunocytophyte products for 12 hours. Some gardeners prefer natural remedies - aloe and potato juice, infusion of onion peels and ash, honey. This will help shorten the growing season by 2-3 days and increase germination.

Sowing begins in the third ten days of February - the first ten days of March. Any container is suitable for planting seeds: plastic pots, containers, cups, juice or milk tetra packs. The depth of the container should be at least 5 cm, with holes for water to pass through.

The ideal soil for seedlings is a mixture of black soil with peat and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. Before laying in containers, the soil is loosened and complex fertilizers are applied.

To sow, seeds are buried 2 cm into the soil, watered generously with warm water, and plastic wrap is placed on top.

As soon as the shoots appear, the film is removed and the seedlings are taken out to a windowsill with good lighting, or placed under a phytolamp. The optimal temperature is +20…+25 °C. Water moderately as the soil dries out.

Picking is carried out in large seedling boxes after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves. At the same time, complex fertilizing is applied.

Rules for planting in the ground

Planting seedlings in open soil begins in the third decade of May. A few days before this, they fertilize with mullein and chicken droppings.

The holes are filled with hot water, wait for it to cool and the seedlings are planted. Plants are placed at a distance of 60 cm from each other, since the bushes grow sprawling and require space. Tomatoes do well in soil where zucchini, beans, peas, onions, and garlic previously grew.

The row spacing is 70 cm, the type of arrangement of seedlings is checkerboard. Planting density – 3 bushes per 1 m².

The lower leaves and side shoots are removed. The bushes are tied to supports and formed into two stems.

Bush care and watering

Activities for caring for Pink Claire tomatoes include weeding, watering, fertilizing and prevention of bacterial diseases of nightshade crops.

Weeding is carried out once a week before watering. Weeds draw moisture and nutrients from the soil, so weeding is mandatory.

The bushes are watered no more than 2-3 times a week in the evening so that the leaves do not get burned. In rainy weather, watering is stopped and resumed when the heat sets in.

Moderation glaze – the main condition for obtaining tasty tomatoes. Excess moisture leads to loss of taste. The pulp becomes too watery and tasteless.

Top dressing

Fertilizers are applied regularly, with an interval of 14 days:

1. For the first time, take chicken manure diluted in 10 liters of water. Ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and potassium chloride are also suitable.
2. Second feeding carried out using 1 liter of mullein infusion mixed with 25 g of superphosphate and two teaspoons of ash.
3. The composition of the third fertilizer includes wood ash (3 tbsp), superphosphate (25 g) and manganese sulfate (0.5 g).
4. Removal of side shoots is carried out once every 10-14 days.

Reference. If the tomatoes grow poorly and there are practically no ovaries, increase the amount of fertilizing. If the plant grows green mass, but does not form ovaries, stop fertilizing.

Preventive measures

Rules to help protect tomatoes from attacks by insect pests and bacteria:

1. An excess of nitrogen in the soil provokes the development of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, it is important not to overdo it with fertilization.
2. Weeds provide a breeding ground for bacteria, aphids, Colorado potato beetles, whiteflies and slugs. Timely weeding will help avoid the problem.
3. The preparations “Zubr” and “Confidor” successfully destroy the Colorado potato beetle and aphids.
4. Insecticides in aerosols or treatment with decoctions of chamomile, celandine, and yarrow will help get rid of insects.
5. Before planting seedlings, the soil is treated with copper sulfate or potassium permanganate.
6. Periodic treatment with Fitosporin or a light pink solution of potassium permanganate reduces the risk of infection with phytosporosis.

Reviews

Experienced gardeners and novice gardeners speak positively about Pink Claire tomatoes.

Anna, Yeisk: «I’ve been growing the hybrid for three years in a row and I’m happy with everything. The bushes are large and branched. The fruits are medium in size, the pulp is sweet and aromatic. Tomatoes are suitable for pickling, pickling and preparing fresh seasonal salads.”

Vladimir, Dzhankoy: “I’ve been eyeing the Pink Claire seeds for a long time and last year I decided to plant them. I did everything strictly according to the instructions, applied fertilizers and watered on time. The result was a rich harvest. The tomatoes are tasty, juicy and sweet.”

Evgeniy, Krasnodar: “I have been growing Pink Claire tomatoes since the seeds appeared on the market. Every year I try something new, but I don’t change this hybrid. Fruiting is abundant, until the onset of frost. The tomatoes ripen at the same time, are almost the same size and are stored for a long time.”

Conclusion

Hybrid Pink Clear F1 has absorbed the best qualities of tomatoes and is practically free of disadvantages. Proper sowing, growing seedlings, planting in the ground and caring for bushes helps to get a rich harvest.

Difficulties may arise for inexperienced gardeners, because plants need regular feeding and moderate watering. But experience comes only with practice.