Characteristics and description of the tomato "Ashkelon"

First-generation F1 hybrids are increasingly available in seed stores. The Ashkelon tomato is an example of a hybrid in which breeders have combined the best qualities of several tomato varieties.

Let's consider the individual characteristics of vegetable crops.

Description and characteristics of the tomato "Ashkelon"

This tomato is cultivated throughout Russia. It is suitable for both open and closed-grown cultivation. This indeterminate hybrid is mid-early, with fruits ripening 100-105 days after germination. In the central and northern regions, it should be grown in greenhouses.

The plant should be trained into a single stem. The bushes are well-foliated and grow to a height of 1.5-1.8 m. The fruits are round. A characteristic feature of the "Ashkelon" variety is its dark cherry color with a black tint. The flesh is dense and burgundy. The average fruit weight is 200-204 grams. The skin is firm and smooth.

The fruits are not prone to cracking and withstand long-distance transportation well. They are versatile in use. They are perfect for fresh salads, processing them into tomato juice, drying, and more.

Productivity and disease resistance

If all the proper growing conditions are met, one square meter of tomatoes can yield up to 20 kilograms. Up to four plants can be planted per square meter.

Tomato "Ashkelon" shows good resistance to diseases:

• leaf curling;
• mosaics;
• Fusarium leaf wilt;
• verticillium wilt.

The plant also tolerates drought and slight temperature drops well.

Growing and caring for the plant

• The seeds are planted in March so that the finished seedlings can be planted in a greenhouse in May, or in a garden bed in June.
• Before planting, seeds should be disinfected to increase their resistance to bacteria that may be present in the soil. A solution based on potassium permanganate can be used for disinfection. To prepare a 1% solution, you will need 1 gram of potassium permanganate and 100 ml of water. Soak the seeds for 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry. Seeds can be treated with specialized disinfectants such as Fitosporin or Kornevin.

• Before planting, water the seedlings thoroughly to ensure easy transplanting into individual holes. You can add mineral fertilizer to the soil at a rate of 30 grams per square meter, or wood ash (1 cup per hole). Plant the seedlings at a slight angle.
• After repotting, the plant needs time to adapt and establish roots, so you won't see rapid growth in the first week. Once the tomato has established roots, you should place a support nearby to which you can tie the plant as it grows. During the active growth phase, don't forget to prune the side shoots.
• Watering should be infrequent. It's best to water every five to seven days. If the summer is very hot, monitor the soil for any signs of drying out and increase the frequency of watering.
• Garden beds need to be weeded and loosened. Prevent weeds from growing, as they attract various insects that can carry viruses.

Advantages and disadvantages of tomatoes

The Ashkelon tomato has the following advantageous properties:

• resistant to a number of diseases;
• tolerates drought and cold weather conditions well;
• productivity – high;
• the fruits do not crack;
• The fruits are stored for a long time and can be transported over long distances.

The main disadvantage is that tomato seeds cannot be collected, since they do not retain the genetic makeup they received from their parents.

Reviews

Maxim Anatolyevich, 45 years old.

I started growing various hybrid varieties a long time ago. I like them because they produce higher yields and don't get sick as often. The "Ashkelon" variety caught my eye because of the color of its fruit. I've never grown such beautiful tomatoes in my garden before. Ripe tomatoes are a deep cherry color; some even looked black from a distance. The flavor is pleasant, but unremarkable—a tomato is just another tomato. The skin is thick, which allows them to keep for a long time. The fruits aren't particularly juicy. I can't find any flaws; I liked everything about them.

 

Anastasia Gennadievna, 38 years old.

I started growing tomatoes and other vegetables not long ago, just three years ago, when we moved from the city to a village. I've had my share of mistakes, but by the third year, I've learned how to plant everything correctly. My husband bought the "Ashkelon" tomato at a seed store, and we grew it in a greenhouse. We got a good harvest; not only are the fruits large, but they also produce a lot of them per plant. We ate them fresh and made sun-dried tomatoes.