A gift for gardeners from northern regions with difficult climates - a stable and productive tomato "Snowdrop"

Residents of warm regions constantly boast about tomato crops grown in their garden plots. But are there many varieties that can take root and produce rich harvests in cold climates? After all, there is no doubt that northern residents also want to pamper themselves with products from their gardens.

Short and cold summers are a serious obstacle for many crops. But the Snowdrop tomato broke all the laws of nature and was able not only to adapt to the harshest climate, but also to bear fruit well in unfavorable conditions. Moreover, the yield and taste are at such a high level that the crop is grown even on an industrial scale.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The Snowdrop tomato was bred by Siberian breeders in 2000. In 2001 it was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. The name of the variety is not at all exaggerated; the crop was created for cultivation in regions with a difficult climate, even in the Far North. In the south, the culture takes root and grows more difficult, as it was created specifically for the harsh terrain.

Distinctive features

The plant type is semi-determinate, height 110-130 cm, the stem is strong, semi-standard, requires mandatory staking and shaping. It is not necessary to plant the crop due to the small number of side shoots. The foliage is moderate, the leaves are medium-sized, light green in color. The first fruit cluster is placed above the 7-8 leaf, the next ones every 1-2 leaves.Each cluster produces 5 fruits.

The species is early ripening, harvesting begins 80-90 days after emergence.

Productivity is high, from 1 sq. m, up to 20 kg of selected ripe vegetables are collected. Fruits equally well both in protected ground and in open beds. Ovaries are formed in any weather conditions.

Resistance to diseases is strong, practically not susceptible to fungal infections.

Fruit characteristics

Average weight 110-130 g, round shape, slightly flattened on top, bright red color. The taste is excellent, pleasant, sugary with barely noticeable sourness. The pulp is juicy, there are 3-4 seed chambers, there are a lot of seeds. The peel is strong enough to withstand long-distance transportation without losing its presentation.

The purpose of ripe vegetables is universal; they are perfect for fresh consumption, whole-fruit canning, marinades, pickles and the preparation of lecho, adjika, ketchup and juices.

The photo shows Snowdrop tomatoes.

How to grow seedlings

Since the variety is frost-resistant, the seeds are sown early. The seedlings are transplanted into the ground without fear of return frosts.

Reference! In northern areas, tomatoes are planted in heated greenhouses; in the Urals, they take root well under film, and in the central zone they grow without shelter.

Seed preparation

Proper preparation of seeds for planting involves disinfection of the seed and treatment with a growth stimulant.

Disinfection is carried out in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. After this, the seeds are thoroughly washed with running water and dried.

Growth stimulants improve germination. It is for this reason that grains are soaked in Zircon or Epin.In addition to specialized drugs, folk remedies are used as stimulants: aloe juice or potato juice.

Reference! Disinfection of seed material ensures healthy growth of seedlings.

Container and soil

Tomato soil needs nutritious and fertile soil. It is prepared from garden soil, peat and humus in equal quantities. A little superphosphate or wood ash is added to the resulting mixture. The soil is disinfected with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or steamed in the oven for 15 minutes at a temperature of 50°C. Then it is laid out in planting containers, filling them halfway.

You can plant in a common box or in separate plastic and peat containers. At the bottom of any container, small holes are made for drainage so that excess moisture flows into them.

Before filling containers with soil, place some small pebbles or sawdust on the bottom, which also serves as drainage. As the seedlings grow, the remaining soil is added to the containers, thereby providing the young plants with a constant supply of nutrients. This is especially necessary in northern regions where there is a lack of natural light.

Sowing

The seeds are buried 1 cm with a distance of 2.5-3 cm from each other. Sprinkle peat on top, lightly moisten with warm, settled water and cover with film. The covering material imitates greenhouse conditions, which improves seed germination. The containers are left in a warm room at a temperature of 23-25°C until germination.

Seedling care

With short daylight hours in cold regions, care should be taken to install additional lighting in advance. Daylight hours should be at least 14 hours; if there is not enough light, the seedlings will grow weakened.

When seedlings appear, the containers are moved to the windowsill. Water with moderately warm, settled water using a shallow watering can. After watering, the soil is carefully loosened with a wooden stick.

When 2 true leaves appear, the seedlings dive, planting them in separate containers. If after picking there is weak growth of the bushes, they are fed with liquid fertilizer for tomato seedlings.

Reference! Fertilizing must be combined with watering.

2 weeks before transplanting, seedlings begin to harden off so that they quickly become accustomed to outdoor conditions. They are taken out into the open air in the daytime for 1 hour. Gradually this interval is increased to 8-9 hours.

How to grow tomatoes

The seedlings are transplanted in early June, when the soil warms up to 15°C. At this point, the bushes have 7-8 true leaves and a well-formed root system.

Landing

A week before transplanting, the soil is dug up and humus or a full range of fertilizers are applied. In open ground, the beds are chosen in a sunny, unshaded place. The depth of the holes is no more than 20 cm. A little wood ash is placed at the bottom of each hole and filled with warm water.

For 1 sq. m place 3-4 plants. If planted more densely, the seedlings will interfere with each other’s ability to properly ventilate and receive sufficient light.

Further care for the Snowdrop tomato

After transplantation, young plants are sprayed with a superphosphate solution. This technique speeds up photosynthesis.

Watered tomato sparingly as the soil dries out. Excessive moisture accumulation will provoke the development of fungal diseases. It is necessary to constantly monitor the humidity level, especially when breeding in a greenhouse.It is here that humidity often exceeds the permissible norm, negatively affecting the development of plants. To reduce humidity levels, the greenhouse is regularly ventilated.

After watering, the soil is loosened and hilled up to improve the air permeability of the soil.

First feeding applied a week after transplantation. Fertilize with a full complex of minerals. Fertilize the second time during the formation of ovaries. During this period, you can feed with organic matter, for example, bird droppings in a ratio of 1:15.

At the beginning of ripening, plants are fed with phosphorus and potassium for faster fruiting. And during the fruiting period they are fed with nitrogenous substances.

Features of care and possible difficulties

Stepsons the culture does not require, which significantly facilitates the work of gardeners. But in order to achieve high yields, the stem will have to be formed. Form into three stems, removing all other shoots and lower leaves.

Tall growth requires mandatory garters, otherwise the stem will not support the weight of the fruit-bearing branches. Wooden stakes or metal rods are installed next to each bush. The stem is fixed almost immediately after planting in the ground, and the branches are fixed as they grow. Loose branches will begin to creep along the ground under the weight of the fruit.

Diseases and pests

In cold climates, the spread of fungal spores is most dangerous. Although the culture has strong immunity, preventive measures should not be neglected.

Prevention includes:

• moderate watering;
• timely feeding;
• systematic loosening;
• cultivation manganese;
• spraying plants with fungicides.

When plants are damaged by fungus, the preparations “Fitosporin” and “HOM” are used.

A thorough inspection of the seedlings will help you notice changes in time and take the necessary measures in a timely manner. At the initial stage of the disease, the crop is much easier to save.

Dangerous for tomato pests aphid. It is combated by treating the stem with a soap solution, which is prepared from 1 piece of laundry soap dissolved in a bucket of warm water.

Nuances for open ground and greenhouses

The main feature of the crop is its frost resistance, which allows it to be grown even in the Far North. But in hot and arid regions it is better not to plant Snowdrops; they are not at all adapted to hot conditions.

Tomato is unpretentious to the composition of the soil. The main thing is to provide it with proper nutrition during the seedling period.

But the most convincing characteristic of the crop is that the tomato can grow and develop with virtually no outside intervention. In this case, the quantitative indicator will be quite acceptable, as well as the taste.

The only caveat: at the initial stage, when breeding in closed structures, you need to take care of additional lighting, which you cannot do without on cloudy days. With a lack of light, seedlings will develop more slowly.

Harvesting and application

Experienced gardeners advise harvesting regularly, not allowing the fruits to overripe. In addition, an unloaded bush will speed up the ripening of the remaining tomatoes.

The purpose of ripe vegetables is universal. All kinds of fresh dishes and winter preparations are prepared from them, including whole-fruit canning. Tomatoes are also excellent for processing into tomato products. Delicious ketchups, sauces, lecho, adjika, juices are indispensable in winter.

Ripe tomatoes retain their presentation for a long time and can withstand long-term transportation. Therefore, entrepreneurs breed the variety on an industrial scale.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of culture speak for themselves:

• frost resistance;
• high fruiting rate;
• possibility of breeding in the Far North;
• strong immunity;
• simple agricultural technology;
• does not require pinching;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• long-term storage;
• long transportation;
• versatility in cooking;
• possibility of breeding on an industrial scale.

Conditional negative aspects include the need for gartering and shaping and intolerance to hot climates. But so many tomato crops have been created for the southern regions that such a factor is insignificant.

Farmer reviews

The characteristics and reviews of the tomato are the most favorable and reliable. Culture helps out residents of cold regions, delighting them with excellent ripe vegetables.

Irina, Novosibirsk: “I first saw it in the photo and decided to plant it myself. The seedlings turned out strong and healthy. And the care required a minimal amount of time and effort. The harvest was frankly pleasing - about three kilograms from each bush! The taste of the fruit is excellent, just what I like.”

Anna, Tver: “I thought for a long time about what to plant in my garden. I don’t have much free time, so I need an easy-to-maintain crop. I heard about this variety by chance. At first I doubted it for a long time, but still sowed the seeds. And I didn’t regret it at all. There were a lot of tomatoes, the twists turned out amazing. I didn’t tie it up, I just tied it up. The seedlings were not sick with anything. In a word, I’m satisfied.”

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the main advantage of the Snowdrop tomato is its ability to take root in harsh climates. But don’t forget about other advantages: strong immunity, high fruiting rates and, of course, the excellent taste of tomatoes. High demand in sales markets once again confirms the quality of this unique variety.