Late-ripening table carrot hybrid Bolero f1: description and cultivation features
Carrots are a popular agricultural crop that has been grown in Russia for a long time. Even in the old days, our ancestors called it the “queen of vegetables” for its benefits and nutritional value.
Breeders are constantly improving the properties and performance of this crop. Of the total, I would like to highlight the Bolero F1 carrots. Why this hybrid is in demand among Russian gardeners, what features it has, and how to grow it, read our article.
Description of the carrot hybrid Bolero F1
Bolero F1 is one of the best fruit plants that are excellent for industrial and private cultivation. The hybrid is distinguished by unique morphological characteristics, and their combination makes the culture very popular in the modern market.
Origin and development
The F1 bolero is the result of the painstaking work of French breeders from the Vilmorin company. The most productive varieties of the manufacturer obtained over the past decades were taken as a basis.
Carrots tolerate short-term frosts, rain and drought well. If we compare the hybrid with the Tuchon or Baltimore varieties, the advantage will clearly be on the side of Bolero.
Chemical composition, trace elements and vitamins, beneficial properties
Carrots contain carotene in the amount of 12-15 mg per 100 g of product, dry matter - up to 12% of the total weight, sugar - 8% of the total weight.
Microelements:
- calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, chromium;
- vitamins E, C, K, H, B, A;
- essential oils.
The nutritional value:
- proteins - 1.3 g;
- fats - 0.2 g;
- carbohydrates - 6.6 g;
- water 89 g;
- dietary fiber - 2.2 g;
- ash - 1.2 g;
- starch - 0.2 g;
- organic acids - 0.3 g.
The beneficial properties of carrots are as follows:
- increases immunity, helps resist viruses and infections;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
- restores intestinal microflora, eliminates dysbacteriosis;
- removes toxins and reactive substances from the body;
- has a beneficial effect on male potency;
- normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- reduces the risk of developing cancer;
- removes stones from the kidneys and gall bladder.
Attention! Carrots are not recommended for people who are allergic to this product, as well as those suffering from stomach and duodenal ulcers, inflammation in the small intestine, pancreatitis.
Ripening period
Bolero F1 is a late-ripening, highly productive variety that belongs to the table carrots of the Nantes type. The growing season from seed sowing to fruiting lasts 115-130 days.
Productivity
The variety boasts high productivity. So, in temperate climates, the hybrid produces from 5 to 6 kg per 1 sq. m of nutritious root vegetables.
Disease resistance
Bolero F1 is a very resistant hybrid to infections and diseases. There is increased immunity to cercospora blight, powdery mildew, and Alternaria blight.
Important! Gardeners must remember that such characteristics are achieved only with proper cultivation and care. If you do not take into account the advice and recommendations of experienced farmers, the expected results will not be achieved.
Characteristics, description of appearance, taste
According to external characteristics and geometric parameters, the root crop is classified as the Berlicum-Nantes variety. The shape of the fruit resembles a neat cylinder. Its length varies between 15-20 cm, and its weight is 100-200 g. The tip has a regular rounded shape.
Due to the high carotene content, carrots have a rich orange color. Excellent taste qualities are perfectly manifested both when eating the root vegetable fresh and after boiling, frying, canning and stewing. The pulp pleases a person with incredible juiciness and sweetness.
For which regions is it best suited?
The variety prefers regions with a moderately cold continental climate. The crop is recommended to be grown in the Central regions of Russia, on the territory of Ukraine and Belarus.
The main advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid
Hybrid Bolero F1 can rightfully be proud of its advantages. These include:
- high productivity;
- resistance to major cruciferous diseases;
- resistance to drought, heat and cold;
- suitability for long-term storage;
- guarantee of germination of planting material;
- excellent product characteristics and excellent harvest quality;
- versatility of application.
Like any other crop, Bolero carrots have some disadvantages. Namely, the unsuitability of seed material for germination at home and winter sowing.
What is the difference from others
Bolero F1 is noticeably distinguished by its neat shape of root crops, ease of care, and high yield. It is for these features that vegetable growers fell in love with the hybrid.
Features of planting and growing
Each variety and hybrid has its own unique agrotechnical characteristics, which must be taken into account when growing. Bolero F1 carrots require sowing no earlier than mid-May. This way the soil will warm up enough and be saturated with moisture.
Preparing for landing
Experienced farmers recommend mandatory preparation of planting material before sowing. It is recommended to disinfect the seeds so that the sprouts become protected from bacterial and fungal infections.
The seeds are soaked in one of the solutions to choose from:
- 1% potassium permanganate - exposure time from 10 to 20 minutes;
- 70% alcohol - about 10 minutes;
- 3% hydrogen peroxide - 8-10 hours.
After this, the seeds require activation. It is enough to soak the planting material in clean warm water at room temperature. The procedure time is 10-12 hours.
Reference. To achieve maximum germination, it is recommended to place the seeds in a biostimulator solution. For example, the drugs Epin and sodium humate showed good results. Be sure to carefully read the instructions before use.
Soil requirements
The main condition for the successful cultivation of Bolero F1 is the presence of nutritious, loose soil. Therefore, it is important to take care of its creation in the fall. It is enough to add humus to the soil in the amount of 0.5 buckets per 1 square meter. m.
In the spring, carefully dig up the area and form low beds. The best soil for planting carrots is sandy loam. If the soil is heavy, then add sand, peat or processed sawdust.
Attention! Experienced farmers have found that manure in the soil affects the bitter taste and roughness of root crops.
Predecessors
The best predecessors are tomatoes, onions, lettuce, potatoes and cucumbers. After cucumbers, you can sow carrots after 2 years.
Dates, scheme and rules of planting
The most important rules for landing Bolero F1:
- Sow seeds in rows. The distance between them should be 15 cm, between seeds in the same row - 3-4 cm, and the planting depth - 1-2 cm.
- After completing the planting work, water the ridge generously and cover it with agrofibre.
Important! It is recommended to sow in the middle or end of May. By this time, the soil will warm up well, get rid of groundwater, and be enriched with nutrients.
Features of cultivation
Growing Bolero F1 carrots is not difficult. The main thing is to observe the seeding rate, take into account the nuances of care, and protect the sprouts from diseases and pests.
The optimal seeding rate is 0.5 g per 1 square meter. m. We will consider the remaining points further.
Nuances of care
Regular care of carrots is the key to a rich and tasty harvest. Activities include watering, weeding, fertilizing, pest and disease control.
Watering mode
Carrots require regular watering. Here are some recommendations:
- until mid-July, water the plants 1-2 times a week in the evening;
- then reduce the frequency of moistening by 2 times.
Important! Water the soil so that it is saturated with moisture to a depth of 30 cm. This is the only way you will achieve high-quality nutrition of the root system. The result is dense and tasty root vegetables.
Thinning and weed control
Timely thinning is an effective way to increase the yield and marketable quality of root crops. Densified plantings will force plants to fight among themselves for living space. When the shoots form 2-3 true leaves, it is important to perform the first thinning (keep the distance between shoots at 3 cm). Then repeat the procedure after 20-25 days (distance between plants - 7 cm).
During events, consider important nuances:
- perform work early in the morning or late in the evening;
- Water the beds thoroughly before removing the sprouts.
Do not forget about weeding and loosening the soil to a depth of 10 cm. These procedures significantly reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases.
Top dressing
During the entire growing season, the root crop needs 2 feedings. The first fertilizer is applied 20 days after sowing the seeds, and the second - after 60 days.
The best feeding option is a complex mixture. The recipe is as follows: dilute 2 cups of wood ash, 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. l. nitrophoska, 20 g of potassium nitrate, 20 g of urea, 15 g of superphosphate. Apply the solution at the root in an amount of 5 liters per 1 square meter. m.
Attention! It is not recommended to fertilize plantings with manure or humus. Otherwise, the carrot pulp will be bitter.
Disease and pest control
Bolero F1 is resistant to major types of diseases. But with improper care, diseases and pests become more active.
- Diseases. Phoma, white rot, gray rot, rhizoctonia, alternaria, bacteriosis, cercospora, brown spot. Fomoz, bacteriosis and cercospora are not treatable. Affected plants are dug up and destroyed. Other types of infections are eliminated at an early stage with the help of fungicides - Blue Board, Alyette, Copper Oxide, Rovral, HOM.
- Pests. Carrot fly, psyllid, umbrella moth, slugs, wireworm, aphid, cutworm. For the fight, drugs are used - “Aktellik”, “Shar Pei”, “Tziper”, “Decis Pro”.
Important! Use medications strictly according to instructions. An incorrect dosage of the chemical will destroy not only carrots, but also other garden crops.
Harvest and storage
After long and painstaking work, the time comes to collect carrots. Here it is important to wait for the root crops to fully ripen. Unripe fruits have a low shelf life, quickly rot and are affected by various fungi.
How and when to collect
Carrot harvest occurs in mid-September. By this time it will acquire a rich color, taste and excellent density.Root crops are collected by hand only in dry and sunny weather.
Storage features and shelf life of the hybrid
Place the collected fruits in a dry, dark, windless place on natural litter. Dry lightly for 3 hours. Remove the tops and place in wooden boxes. The room temperature should be between +1°C and +10°C.
Bolero F1 during long-term storage perfectly retains its taste and presentation. Root vegetables can be stored until next spring, or even until summer.
What difficulties may there be when growing
The hybrid in question is easy to grow in any region of Russia. Difficulties may arise for beginning gardeners. They consist in the seed sowing rate. If plantings are thickened, the farmer may lose most of the harvest (a huge number of sprouts will have to be destroyed).
Advice from experienced gardeners
Experienced farmers recommend:
- be sure to disinfect planting material;
- follow the planting pattern;
- take care of crops.
Simple measures will allow you to enjoy juicy carrots throughout the winter.
Read also:
How to properly cook pickled eggplants stuffed with carrots and garlic.
How to properly prepare pickled cucumbers and carrots for the winter.
Reviews from summer residents
The hybrid satisfies the requirements of both beginners in gardening and experienced farmers.
Natalya, Dubna: «I have been growing the Bolero variety for several years. I really like carrots - they are long, sweet and juicy. I don't always manage to take care of the plantings on time. However, this does not in any way affect the quality of the crop. I recommend to all.".
Anatoly, Krasnoarmeysk: “My family loves fresh carrots.But over the past 2 years it has been constantly destroyed by the carrot fly. And in one store I was advised to take the Bolero F1 hybrid. The result amazed me - throughout the entire summer I did not see a single pest on the plants. The most interesting thing remains the fact that I have never seen such a rich harvest. My rating is 5 out of 5.”
Conclusion
Bolero F1 carrot is a prominent representative of the French selection. The hybrid is easy to care for, has a 98% germination rate, and is resistant to diseases and adverse weather conditions. To grow this variety, no farmer experience required. The main thing is to follow the advice and recommendations, and the crop will definitely delight you with a rich and tasty harvest.