Atlantic F1 Pepper: Variety Characteristics and Description, Reviews (Photos)

Pepper

In a review compiled annually for vegetable growers constantly seeking varietal diversity, as well as for those who grow vegetables on an industrial scale, the "Atlantic" F1 pepper is among the best early hybrids. Its characteristics and yield, photos of the large, thick-walled variety, and reviews from those who have already grown this early variety—all these factors support its inclusion in the top list.

For two years, the variety's description has consistently attracted new buyers, and the demand and saleability of its seed potential have served as the basis for its inclusion in the top positions of the ratings.

High resistance to pests, huge fruit size (from 350 to 450 g), tall bush and excellent taste have generated great interest in Atlantic, despite the abundance of other varieties of salad pepper.

The Atlantic F1 pepper is listed in the registry as an undeniable success for breeders: the variety's characteristics and description contain two words: "universal" (relating to the type of cultivation and use) and two words: "very" (referring to the very large fruits and very thick walls of the pepper). The photos included in the description are impressive in their size and vibrant colors, the reviews are consistently positive, and the average yield is stated at 9 kg per square meter, but that's not the limit.

With careful care, domestic gardeners have harvested up to 12 kg per square meter. The seed producer is the agrofirm Elkom Seeds, and the hybrid itself was developed by Dutch breeders.

Description of the variety and useful characteristics

The fruits of the Atlantic F1 variety are described in various ways. They are said to resemble a prism with three elongated, barrel-shaped, and cylindrical faces. In fact, this early, large-fruited hybrid has a classic bell pepper shape, distinguishing itself from similar varieties in its size and flavor.

When cut, the pepper measures up to 12 cm in diameter, with a very thin skin and flesh 10-11 mm thick. It grows up to 17-20 cm in length and averages 350-450 grams in weight. Under good growing conditions and careful watering, gardeners have been able to grow fruits weighing around half a kilogram. The hybrid bushes grow over a meter tall and are distinguished by sturdy stems and leaves of a rich bottle green hue.

Despite bell peppers' inherent heat-loving nature, domestic gardeners successfully grow them in the central and northwestern regions of the country using seedlings, and in warmer areas, planting them in open ground. Their universal planting ability means they can be grown equally successfully in greenhouses, under plastic, and in open ground.

Fact: Citrus fruits and black currants contain less vitamin C than the hybrid bell pepper variety Atlantic F1.

One of the keys to the hybrid variety's success is its flavor. Consumers report its unique, fresh, and vibrant flavor, while retaining all the distinctive flavor characteristics of salad peppers. It is preferred for fresh consumption due to its composition, which studies have shown contains significant amounts of vitamins B, PP, and C, as well as a wide range of micronutrients. Its mineral and vitamin complex makes it useful in treating certain ailments and can be included in diets for exhaustion, nervous disorders, vitamin deficiency, anemia, and insomnia.

Atlantic F1 retains most of its valuable qualities, but during heat treatment, while preserving its distinctive flavor, this valuable salad pepper variety loses some of its beneficial properties. Its juicy and sweet flesh makes it especially valuable for canned vegetables, which include sweet peppers.

Interesting: Cosmetologists prefer this variety for making skin care products and nourishing mixtures for hair and nails.

At technical maturity, the variety is a radical green color, which can turn red with proper storage and transportation.

Specifics of planting seedlings

High-quality seeds are supplied by the Dutch agricultural firm Uralskiy Dachnik. In the Urals, peppers are preferred for planting as seedlings, as they are heat-loving and can die at temperatures as low as 0 degrees Celsius.

Growing this Dutch hybrid requires high-quality seedlings. Failure to properly prepare the planting material in temperate climates can result in dwarfed bushes producing small fruit. This early, thick-walled hybrid is planted in 6x6 or 7x7 planting boxes, or in peat pots.

Both methods are equivalent, but when transplanting into soil, peat carried with the plant will help preserve the delicate root system. The optimal temperature for growing seedlings is 20-230°C, but for successful germination, the temperature must be at least 250°C. Never lower the temperature below these limits, as it has been observed that seedlings stop growing at 150°C.

Advice: Plants can be planted 2 at a time in one pot, since peppers are characterized by cross-pollination.

The planting soil is prepared from sawdust treated with urea (or sand), humus, peat, garden soil, and compost. A small amount of complex fertilizer is added; the seeds should not be planted more than 2 cm deep. During seedling growth, they will need to be fed again at 12-14 days of age.

In temperate climates and southern regions, the planting period is early February. In harsher climates, transplanting seedlings is done no earlier than late February, and more often in early March. This timing is due to the plant's heat-loving nature, which can easily die at freezing temperatures. Fertilize the planting beds in the fall to ensure the plants receive all the nutrients they need for growth. To fertilize pepper beds, add compost, humus, and complex mineral fertilizers to the soil. Pricking out the seedlings is also necessary, as are watering, fertilizing, and hardening them off for a week before planting.

Please note: Seeds purchased from a reputable supplier do not require additional disinfection because they have already been processed.

A small amount of fertilizer can be added to the soil in the spring, but be extremely careful with nitrogen. Excess nitrogen in a complex fertilizer causes peppers to develop stems and leaves, but produce very few flowers or ovaries. Once the seedlings have more than seven leaves, they are ready for planting outdoors. If the weather isn't favorable, it's best to hold off a bit and use a lunar gardening calendar to determine the optimal planting time. Planting should also be done according to certain guidelines.

Basic requirements for planting the Atlantic F1 hybrid in open ground

To achieve a substantial harvest (which is quite possible if you follow proper care guidelines), it's important to keep a few things in mind. When choosing a site for peppers, follow these guidelines:

before planting, beans, pumpkins, tomatoes and potatoes should not grow on it;
there should be no hot peppers nearby (cross-pollination does not exclude pollination by insects, and instead of sweet peppers, this process can easily produce hot ones);
bell peppers do not tolerate either direct sunlight throughout the day or permanent shade;
the plant is very sensitive to wind and drafts, and this circumstance must also be taken into account;
planting of finished seedlings in open ground is carried out no earlier than 60 days after planting the seeds;
Before planting peppers, the seedlings need to be hardened off by taking the pots outside and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors;
During the first week, Atlantic needs to be covered with plastic film at night to prevent the plant from freezing;
Pepper requires frequent, but not abundant watering; drip watering is optimal;
it is necessary to loosen the soil at the roots, or mulch to retain moisture;
If you apply fertilizers containing calcium and nitrogen during the flowering period, fruit set and flowering will become more intense.

Important! Atlantic is a tall plant, so it must be tied or placed on a trellis. Excess leaves should also be removed; this stimulates fruit growth and more flowers. However, leaf trimming should only be done after the ripe fruits have been picked. Paired plants require only one support post to which they are tied.

Advantages of the variety

The Atlantic F1 bell pepper variety has undeniable advantages that make it a favorite on the seed market before the start of the gardening season:

a large-fruited hybrid that, with proper care, can be grown to almost half a kilogram;
grows on strong, tall (up to 105 cm) bushes, the stems of which become woody as they grow;
suitable for growing in greenhouses, under film and in open ground;
is resistant to almost all types of pests and diseases;
technical maturity is reached in 90-100 days;
has a unique, distinct, sweet-fresh taste;
Suitable for freezing, cooking, fresh eating and canning;
contains a lot of useful substances and can be used in diet therapy;
has earned praise from those who have already grown it.

For reference: Peppers can be harvested at technical maturity and transported over long distances due to their ability to retain their marketable appearance.

This is one of the most successful large-fruited hybrids, classified as mid-early varieties, with very tasty fruits and is regularly included in the list of the best varieties.