Tomato Pinocchio
Content:
Cherry tomatoes are a variety of tomatoes that have become more and more popular in recent years. They can be of different types - standard or indeterminate, complex or simple (if we are talking about the structure of the brushes), different colors and completely different shapes. At the same time, the taste of cherry tomatoes is distinguished by a very sweet taste, which sometimes gives off fruity notes. They can decorate various dishes, they can add cherry to salads or other dishes. You can also dry them, as they contain a large number of dry items. Cherry tomatoes also look great inside pickles. But most of all, cherry tomatoes are liked by young children, who can eat these small tomatoes fresh from the bushes. In this article, we will dwell in more detail on an unusual variety, and his name is Pinocchio tomato, which today is gaining more and more popularity among many gardeners.
Tomato Pinocchio: variety description and characteristics
Tomato Pinocchio: photo of the variety
The Pinocchio tomato variety entered the State Register around 1997. It was recommended to grow in various countries, and many regions of Russia were no exception.
Initially, the Pinocchio tomato was intended for gardeners to grow in open field conditions. But on the other hand, gardeners were able to quickly understand that the plant is so neat and compact that it is quite suitable for growing it on a balcony or windowsill.
And they were absolutely right. Pinocchio's tomatoes did really well indoors. In an apartment, it does not lack lighting or maintenance.
Tomato Pinocchio: photo of the variety
The state register designates the Pinocchio tomato variety as a mid-season variety. But some growers argue that this is more of an early variety that bears fruit fairly soon after the very first shoots appear.
The Pinocchio tomato belongs to the standard type. He does not need additional pinning. And the bush is also distinguished by its strength, so you don't even need to pinch it. The bushes themselves are stunted. The maximum they reach is no more than thirty centimeters.
At the same time, with regard to the yield of the Pinocchio tomato, it is low. Usually, up to one and a half kilograms of fruit can be collected from a bush. But in reality this figure is even less. A large harvest can be obtained only under conditions if a compacted planting of the variety is carried out. Since the bushes, as we found out, are quite compact, they do not take up too much space on the site.
When the bush begins to bear fruit, it is literally hung with small brightly colored tomatoes. Therefore, the bush looks very attractive, decorative.
As a rule, Pinocchio tomatoes finish their growth. Therefore, gardeners can often plant Pinocchio with other varieties of tomatoes. It gives a harvest quickly enough, and at the same time does not interfere at all with the growth and development of other tomato varieties.
There are a lot of fruits per bush. Usually, one bunch contains from eight to ten tomatoes. The weight of one tomato can vary from 20 to 30 grams. The fruits themselves are round, bright red in color.
Pinocchio tomatoes are generally quite versatile. They can be used fresh, as well as marinated perfectly, added to the workpieces. They do not lose their taste. Can be transported over long distances. At the same time, they retain their external characteristics.
The fruits ripen very quickly, so such a dangerous disease as late blight does not have time to form on them. Tomatoes can be safely grown outdoors, but gardeners still buy seeds in order to grow Pinocchio tomatoes on balconies or their own windowsills.
The harvest is very tasty. Tomatoes are sweet, they also have fruity notes in the taste. But in order to get such tasty fruits, it is necessary to give the plant enough care - to water it and feed it.
Tomato Pinocchio: growing on the balcony and caring for the variety
Pinocchio tomatoes: photo of the variety
Like all plants, Pinocchio's tomato needs care. Only by observing the rules of agricultural technology, you can get a decent harvest.
Landing dates
The timing of when a gardener should plant Pinocchio tomato seeds for seedlings varies depending on where the tomatoes will then grow - outdoors or on balconies. If the seedlings will be planted in open ground, then the seeds are usually planted in the finished ground in late March or early April.
If, in the future, the seedlings of the Pinocchio tomato will grow in room conditions, then you can plant the seeds a little earlier. Since plants in pots can always be moved into the room if the temperature drops sharply, or a sharp cold snap sets in. In order to get ready-made seedlings by the beginning of winter, Pinocchio tomatoes can also be planted in general in the fall, they also take root and adapt perfectly.
Preparing and sowing seeds of Pinocchio tomato
Initially, the seeds of a Pinocchio tomato should be etched with a solution of potassium permanganate. Then the seeds are selected - only those that are more viable should be selected. They should be sown immediately after the soaking process is complete.
The soil for disembarkation is prepared in advance. In equal parts, mix humus, sod land (leafy soil may also work) and purchased peat soil. You can also add some wood ash to the soil.
It is best to sow seeds in separate pots. Each contains no more than two seeds. If both plants sprout as a result, then it is worth leaving only the one that is the strongest and most viable. The second sprout is cut right at the soil level, and it stops its growth.
Growing tomato seedlings Pinocchio
Pinocchio tomatoes: variety photo
In order for the Pinocchio tomato seedlings to grow successfully, it is necessary to place the plantings at the most optimal temperature - no more than 22 degrees. In this case, the plant needs sufficient lighting. And also in the fact that the gardener provides him with timely watering.
Pinocchio tomatoes respond well to settled water, which must be at room temperature. Watering is best done when the topsoil is completely dry and needs to be slightly loosened.
As for feeding Pinocchio tomatoes, it must be carried out with the help of complex mineral fertilizers. However, they should also contain some trace elements. About every 21-25 days, it is necessary to transplant seedlings in containers that will be larger than before.
The root system must be carefully guarded, since the roots of tomatoes are very delicate and need additional care. In this case, it is better to gently shake off the lump, but not to make sudden movements, otherwise the roots may break.
Planting Pinnochio tomatoes and further care for them
As for planting Pinocchio tomatoes, it is imperative to do this only in warm soil, which has time to warm up. The temperature should be at least +15 degrees.
Pinocchio tomatoes need to be watered weekly and also fed approximately every 10-14 days. The soil is loosened immediately after watering, well ventilated so that stagnant processes do not occur.
Pinocchio tomatoes should be watered with exceptionally warm water at room temperature. And this must be done about two to three hours before the sun went down. Watering is carried out only at the root, since excess moisture should not form on the leaves. If this happens, the leaves can get dangerous burns and the foliar system as a whole will suffer.
Pinocchio tomatoes: variety photo
If the gardener has decided to grow Pinocchio tomatoes on the balcony, then a balcony or loggia is perfect for this, or well-lit and ventilated window sills. It is best to place the plant in the southern part, in the southeast or southwest.
The fact is that if the container with tomatoes is on the northern part, then it will not receive sufficient lighting. And this will lead to the fact that the plant will get sick.
The soil in which the tomato grows must be fertile enough. The fact is that the plant as a whole will grow in an enclosed space, which will cause some stress. For this reason, tomatoes need the most fertile soil so that it does not experience additional stress due to the enclosed space. Also prepare this soil in the same way as in preparation for growing seedlings.
Experienced gardeners agree that the variety as a whole will need a small pot that holds about two liters of soil. But those who grow the variety on a balcony or loggia say that it is best to take a five-liter pot, in which additional holes are made so that excess water drains from there.
So it will be possible to additionally protect the root system of the plant from waterlogging. Since tomatoes are planted in an enclosed space, they are entirely dependent on the very care of the gardener. Otherwise, tomatoes will simply not grow and produce the desired yield.
It should also be remembered that the complete drying out of the earthen coma can lead to the plant slowing down its growth or completely refusing to grow.
Tomato Pinocchio: growing on a windowsill
Growing a Pinocchio tomato on a windowsill is almost identical to growing on a balcony. Soil preparation is carried out in the same mode. The air temperature should be comfortable, then the tomatoes will take root perfectly, the seeds will germinate quickly enough.
In order for the plants to fully develop on the windowsill, it is also necessary to organize a day of light for at least 12 hours. Then the plant will be saturated with a sufficient amount of nutrients and components, which will play an important role for it, and development will be accelerated and prosperous.
Fertilizers should also be applied as scheduled. We need both organic substances and a potassium mixture, since potassium has an excellent effect on plant growth and rooting.
Tomato Pinocchio: reviews of gardeners about the variety
Tomato Pinocchio: photo of the variety
Alexey Petrovich, Tyumen region: “I have been growing the Pinocchio tomato variety for the first year, and I was pleased with it. With the right care measures, Pinocchio tomatoes are really delicious. Although the yield of Pinocchio's tomato is not as big as we would like, the taste compensates for everything. "
Tatiana Alekseevna, Sverdlovsk region: “My sister advised me to buy the Pinocchio tomatoes. The fruits can be used for making salads, pastas, or simply eaten fresh. My children really liked the little Pinocchio tomatoes, as they are very sweet and tasty, you can eat them right from the garden. "
Gardeners speak positively of Pinocchio tomatoes, emphasizing that they are well stored. They can withstand transportation over long distances, while not losing their external qualities and taste, while still remaining very useful tomatoes.