Characteristics and description of the Barbos tomato

The Barbos tomato is an early-ripening variety that can be grown both in greenhouses and open ground. Open ground cultivation is more suitable for warm southern regions, while in temperate climates, the protected confines of a greenhouse are recommended.

The demand for tomatoes among experienced gardeners is due to the possibility of obtaining tasty fruits with a bright orange color.

Characteristics of the variety

The full ripening period for fruit on the bushes lasts approximately 95 to 105 days from the emergence of the first seedlings. The bushes are indeterminate, requiring careful pinching of the growing tips. This typically occurs in early July, when the plant reaches 1.6 to 1.8 m or the ovaries of the future fruit begin to develop. An optimal harvest can be obtained by cultivating bushes with 1 to 2 stems. However, the plants must be carefully tied to additional support and side shoots must be pinched.

The bushes are distinguished by dense, dark green, medium-sized foliage. Each cluster produces 5-6 round, unribbed fruits. The resulting fruits have a distinctive tart flavor, making them particularly popular among culinary experts. The average fruit weight is approximately 100-120 g. With proper care, you can expect to harvest 7-8 kg of full-bodied, delicious tomatoes. The harvest can be used fresh in salads or as the main ingredient in juices, sauces, and canned goods for the winter.

Features of cultivation

It's recommended to sow the seeds 55 to 60 days before transplanting the seedlings to their permanent soil. This should allow enough time for the stems to strengthen and the root system to tolerate transplanting more easily and with less strain.

Loose, light soil with added organic fertilizer is suitable for growing seedlings. Watering should be done as soon as the topsoil dries. The first transplant should be done no earlier than when the stems have developed 2-3 full-fledged leaves. To disinfect the soil and protect the plants from possible blackleg or other fungal infections, pre-treat the soil with a boiling, bright pink solution of potassium permanganate.

During the process, the container with soil is additionally covered with film or glass. This ensures a more effective greenhouse effect. Seeds can be sown only after the soil has completely cooled. To prevent the development of new fungi and mold, it is crucial to avoid stagnant water in the soil.

Bushes should be transplanted into permanent soil after spring night frosts have passed. If planting outdoors, it is recommended to cover the plants with temporary protective film for the first 1-1.5 weeks. This will allow the roots to adapt to the new growing conditions more quickly and easily. The second important step in preparing seedlings for transplanting concerns their hardening off. This procedure is performed by placing the container outside for no more than 15-20 minutes at first, but gradually increase the exposure time over the course of a week. If the seedlings are exposed to the outside air for the entire day, the foliage may be damaged by sunburn.

When planting in a permanent location, choose an open, sunny spot free from drafts and virtually free from strong, gusty winds. Water the plants 2-3 times a week. Apply mineral or organic fertilizers no more than 3-4 times per season. This typically occurs when the plants are transplanted, when they begin to bloom, and when the tomatoes themselves are developing.

Important recommendations for soil preparation

For successful tomato cultivation, a mixture of equal parts regular garden soil, peat, manure, and coarse river sand is best. In any case, the soil should be loose to allow the roots to receive the necessary oxygen. Equally important is the soil pH, which should be neutral. Horsetail and plantain most often grow in highly acidic soils. This problem can be resolved by adding lime or sifted wood ash to the soil. For this purpose, approximately 15-20 kg of the substance is used per 100 square meters of plot. The work itself is best carried out during the autumn gardening period, and the soil should be dug over afterwards.

The best disease prevention option is to sow mustard or turnips in the fall. In the spring, the seedlings are mown down and the soil is dug again. Experienced gardeners have shown that this trick reduces the risk of disease by 2-3 times.

Pest control

The Barbos tomato variety is considered fairly resistant to most diseases, but as a preventative measure, the bushes can be sprayed twice with a soda solution or a two-day celandine infusion. For the first method, use 8-9 liters of water and 250-300 g of dry matter. For the second method, add at least 1-1.5 kg of freshly chopped celandine per 10 liters of water. The first spraying should be carried out no earlier than two weeks after planting the bushes in their permanent location. The second treatment is necessary after a week's break.

To combat insect pests, it is recommended to use fungicides or insecticides. Ensure your own safety before starting work, and spraying should be done no later than 2 to 2.5 weeks before the planned first harvest.

Reviews

Veronica Anatolyevna, 39 years old

To prevent diseases, it is recommended to use a whey solution. For this purpose, use 1 liter of whey per bucket of water. After spraying the bushes, a nearly invisible protective film forms on the leaves. Instead of whey, you can also use a two-day garlic infusion, prepared by using 250-300 grams of crushed fresh garlic and 10 liters of water.

Anatoly Ivanovich, 62 years old

Barbos tomato plants grow quite large and spreading, so it's recommended to plant them 50-60 cm apart, or no more than 3-4 plants per square meter. For additional root protection, you can add a small amount of onion or garlic peelings to the planting hole during planting.