Characteristics and description of the Bononia tomato

The Bononia variety was developed by experienced breeders in Bulgaria. It incorporates the best qualities of tomatoes. Its compact habit makes it ideal for growing in small spaces.

Description

It's considered a mid-early variety, with the first fruits fully ripening in approximately 115-125 days from sowing the seeds. Tomatoes can be grown throughout Russia, and in southern latitudes, they can be grown in open-air beds. In temperate climates and Siberia, greenhouse cultivation is necessary to achieve the stated yield.

The plant is semi-determinate; after 8-12 clusters have formed, it slows down, reaching a height of approximately 1.5 meters. The stems are strong, with moderate foliage. The leaves are large, rough to the touch, and richly dark green. A cluster typically produces 4-6 fruits, but in greenhouse conditions, up to 10 tomatoes can be produced. The highest yields are achieved by training the plants with 2-3 stems. On average, 8 kg of tomatoes are harvested per square meter.

The fruits are large, round, and fairly firm, weighing between 150 and 200 grams. The skin is thick, glossy, and smooth. When ripe, the tomatoes are light green, turning a rich, dark red as they mature. The watermelon-like flesh is high in sugars, rich in juice, and contains seeds.

The uses of this variety of tomatoes are very diverse: the fruits are simply excellent in fresh salads, suitable for making juices, ketchups, dressings, and are also suitable for pickling.

Advantages

• Resistance to high air temperatures.
• Extended fruiting.
• Pleasant tomato flavor.
• Productivity.
• Beautiful appearance of fruits.
• Innate resistance to various types of diseases.
• Possibility of transportation.
• Compact placement of plants.

Flaws

• Demanding in terms of fertilizing, garters and bush formation.

Diseases and pests

This variety is resistant to many diseases. However, if grown in a greenhouse and humidity is not controlled, they may be susceptible to blossom-end rot and blackleg. At the first sign of disease, the plants should be treated with calcium nitrate. Products such as Tattu, Alyet, Infinito, and Ridomil Gold, available at gardening stores, can help combat fungal diseases and pests.

Growing seedlings

Tomatoes are traditionally grown from seedlings, typically sown in March. To protect future seedlings from potential viral, fungal, or infectious diseases, disinfect the seeds with specialized preparations and growth stimulants before planting. To reduce germination time, wrap the seeds in a damp cloth a few days before sowing. Sow the seeds in pre-prepared boxes or peat containers filled with loose, fertile soil.

For seeds to germinate, the room must be very warm; a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is recommended. When sprouts appear on the soil surface, reduce the temperature by 3-4 degrees. Then, move the container with the seedlings to the brightest spot. Insufficient light may cause the seedlings to "stretch." Subsequently, provide the young plants with regular watering, fertilize the soil, and monitor the humidity and temperature.

Pricking out occurs when 2-3 leaves appear. Transplanting should be done with extreme caution, as the fragile root system is easily damaged. When the seedlings reach a height of 15 centimeters, they should be spaced so that each plant receives sufficient light. If the stems begin to become overly dense, reduce the nighttime temperature.

Planting in the ground

The plants are transferred to the greenhouse in early May, and the bushes are planted in the garden bed once the temperature stabilizes and the threat of night frosts has passed, usually in early June. Keep in mind that each seedling should have at least 7-9 leaves by this time. Holes are dug approximately 50 centimeters apart to prevent the bushes from shading each other, and the soil is moistened before planting. If the seedlings are overgrown, they are planted at an angle.

Tomatoes are a very heat-loving crop, with favorable temperatures for proper growth and development ranging from 22-27 degrees Celsius. Cool weather and shade will negatively impact fruit development.

The bushes must be formed into 2-3 stems, and new shoots should be removed regularly. To prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the fruit, they are tied to a pre-installed support. The plants should be watered at least twice every seven days, more often in hot weather. However, overwatering tomatoes is also not recommended, as high humidity promotes the development of fungal diseases, especially for plants grown in a greenhouse. The soil should be loosened periodically, after watering. Weeds should be removed as they grow.

The Bononia variety is very demanding in terms of fertilization. Initially, it should be fed with fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen, which are beneficial for the growth and development of the plants. A second fertilization is performed during flowering and fruit set, using organic matter. During the ripening period, a solution of bird droppings or potassium fertilizers can be used.

Conclusion

This variety is ideal for growing in central and southern Russia. It's easy to care for, but requires fertile soil rich in micronutrients. With a little effort and favorable conditions for fruit growth, you can enjoy delicious fruits as early as late July.

Reviews

Michael

I'm pleased with the variety; it has excellent immunity and has never been attacked by pests during my cultivation. I planted it in a greenhouse and noticed that if the plants don't get enough moisture, the leaves begin to wilt. The tomatoes are attractive, and they're perfect for whole-fruit canning, as they're all roughly the same size. I started harvesting in early August; by the way, Bononia can be stored for quite a long time.

Marina

I really liked the Bulgarian variety "Bononia." I hadn't seen it for sale before, but by a lucky chance, a neighbor shared some seeds with me. The seedlings grew without a problem, but unfortunately, two of the plants died after transplanting. The yield was good, with five to eight ovaries forming on each cluster. We ate the tomatoes fresh and canned them whole for the winter. I'm glad the skin didn't crack during cooking, as sometimes happens.