Characteristics and description of the tomato "Burlak Minusinsky"

The legendary Minusinsk tomatoes are the pride of Siberia, renowned for their large size and superb flavor. Although the Russian Federation's Register of Breeding Achievements does not list these tomatoes, they are extremely popular among vegetable growers.

One of such favorites of folk selection is the early-ripening, high-yielding variety "Burlak Minusinsky".

Description of the variety

Of all the Minusinsk tomatoes, "Burlak Minusinsky" is the only one with an early ripening period. Bred and tested in the Krasnoyarsk Krai, where the average July temperature is only 13°C, this variety is suitable for any region of the country. Since this tomato is indeterminate, it is recommended to grow it in greenhouses. Of course, this does not apply to the southern regions, where it can bear fruit for a fairly long period without shelter.

This variety is characterized by unlimited growth, with tomatoes often exceeding 2 meters in height. The vines have a powerful root system that extends deep into the soil. The bushes have medium foliage, with narrow, dark green, potato-like leaf blades. Side shoots are produced actively throughout the growing season.

The fruits are beautifully flattened and rounded, with ribbed shoulders near the stem. When fully ripe, the tomatoes are an appetizing raspberry color with no green spot at the base. These beauties ripen to a fairly large size, weighing between three hundred and six hundred grams. The fruits of this variety are renowned for their exquisite flavor and fleshy, tender, and sweet-tasting pulp. The balanced balance of sugars and acids creates an unforgettable flavor, while the thin, dense skin prevents them from cracking. These tomatoes are ideal for fresh consumption, juices, and pastes.

With proper cultivation practices, this variety yields approximately 5 kg per bush. Experienced gardeners report the best yields when the plant is grown in two stems.

Agricultural technology

How to calculate the sowing time for seeds

The sowing date for this variety's seeds should be planned so that by the time the tomatoes are planted in their permanent location, they are 60-65 days old. It's important to remember that germination also takes time, typically 5-7 days.

To determine the time from which to count down the sowing time, it is important to take into account the characteristics of your region and future planting conditions (heated or unheated greenhouse, open ground).

It's important to remember that tomatoes are a southern, heat-loving crop. Despite the variety's hardiness, freezing temperatures will kill the plants. In warm southern regions of Russia, the best time to transplant into a greenhouse is April 15th to May 1st. In temperate climates, the optimal time for transplanting is between May 1st and 15th. However, the main guideline for any part of Russia is the air temperature: it should not fall below 15°C during the day or below 10°C at night.

How to care for seedlings

The appearance of the first green loops on the soil surface means that germination has been successful, and it's time to create a microclimate suitable for further normal growth. Place the seedling containers in the brightest spot indoors or provide artificial light with phytolamps. The air temperature is now optimal for seed germination but not for comfortable human habitation. Reduce the temperature to 15-16°C as soon as possible after germination. Under these conditions, young plants will continue to grow for another 2-3 weeks. Otherwise, the seedlings will become thin, long stems with an underdeveloped root system. Lower temperatures, on the contrary, promote the growth of the underground part of the plant, i.e., the roots, rather than the above-ground part. At the same time, the first pair of leaves forms without delay, and the seedling remains strong and stocky.

After 2-3 weeks, when the seedlings have grown, strengthened, and have 2-3 true leaves, they are pricked out. After transplanting the tomatoes into individual containers, the temperature regime is adjusted again. Now, for normal growth until they are transplanted to their permanent location, the plants require an air temperature of 18-20°C.

Further care consists of moderate watering with warm water and fertilizing as needed. You can determine whether the plants are receiving sufficient nutrients by the seedlings' appearance.

• So, if the leaves are turning pale and the veins are clearly visible, it means there's an iron deficiency. In this case, spray the bushes with a solution of ferrous sulfate.
• If, despite regular watering and good lighting, plants appear stunted and the leaves begin to turn yellow, this indicates a nitrogen deficiency in the soil. In this case, spray the leaves of the seedlings with a urea solution.
• Darkening of leaves and a purple tint on their undersides are a sure sign of phosphorus deficiency. In this case, root fertilization with superphosphate will help.
• Seedling fragility and signs of leaf curl indicate a magnesium deficiency. It's time to feed the seedlings with a magnesium sulfate solution.

How to plant in the ground correctly

This variety's characteristics do not allow for dense planting. For best results, strictly follow the recommended planting pattern and plant no more than four seedlings per square meter for single-stemmed varieties, and no more than three for double-stemmed varieties. Planting more closely is not recommended due to the plant's extensive root system, as this reduces the feeding surface area of ​​each seedling, resulting in lower yields.

How to care for tomatoes after transplanting

The main features of caring for the tomato "Burlak Minusinsky" after transplantation are:

• Pinching and shaping

Pinching out side shoots is a mandatory and labor-intensive procedure. It must be performed in a greenhouse throughout the growing season, preventing side shoots from becoming too large. The bush is formed by removing side shoots. Plants of this variety are trained to form one or two main trunks. Failure to follow these recommendations disrupts gas exchange and moisture balance, and leads to a lack of light and oxygen.

• Tying up

This procedure is no less essential for plants. Tall tomatoes require support. This can be tall, sturdy stakes, wooden trellises, or agricultural netting. Stake the plants immediately after transplanting and continue throughout the season as they grow. The materials used for this should be strong but soft to avoid damaging plant parts, and they must be disinfected or new.

• Lightening

Lightening involves regulating the vegetative growth of tomato plants. The lower leaves of the seedlings are removed first. The time to do this will be indicated by the appearance of the plants; the leaves will begin to turn yellow and wilt. Throughout the growing season, leaves should be removed from under each fruit cluster after fruit has set. This reduces stress on the plant and improves ventilation and light access.

• Watering

Plants of this variety have deep main roots and many roots located near the surface. Therefore, watering should be infrequent but generous. It's important to ensure that the water stream doesn't wash away the soil around the plant's trunk. Water temperature should not fall below 22°C.

• Mulching

You can mulch the soil under your bushes immediately after transplanting them into a greenhouse or the ground. Straw, grass clippings, newspapers, and cardboard are all suitable mulches. This agricultural technique prevents the topsoil from drying out and weed growth.

• Topping

Pinching the top of the stem is done a month before the onset of stable cold weather. Three to four leaves are left above the last fruit cluster. This procedure allows all the already set fruit to ripen.

Harvesting tomatoes

Fruit in a greenhouse is reliably protected from sudden temperature fluctuations and cold dews, so there's no urgent need to harvest the entire crop at the milky stage for further ripening at home. This can be done gradually to stimulate the formation of new ovaries. As autumn approaches, already-set fruit can be left to ripen on the vine, as long as the air temperature does not drop below 8°C.

Picking tomatoes at the beginning of the fruiting season is sufficient once every five days; during the peak season, every two to three days, preferably in the morning. If you do pick the tomatoes for ripening at home, place them in baskets or boxes lined with natural fabric. To speed up ripening, add a couple of ripe tomatoes to the unripe ones. They will release ethylene and significantly reduce the ripening time.

Diseases and pests

This tomato variety lacks resistance to late blight, the main disease of nightshades. Therefore, to prevent the spread of this fungus, regular preventative treatments are necessary. Products containing copper or sulfur are effective in this regard.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive features of the variety include:

• early ripening;
• long fruiting period (under good conditions until late autumn);
• tall bushes (allows full use of greenhouse space);
• large-fruited;
• excellent taste;
• interesting shape of tomatoes;
• good yield;

The following disadvantages can be highlighted:

• ribbed fruits;
• Long-term fruiting is only possible in greenhouse conditions;
• requires pinching and tying throughout the season;
• afraid of late blight.

The "Burlak Minusinsky" tomato isn't exactly an easy-to-grow variety. Producing a good harvest requires specific growing conditions and proper care. But the exquisite taste of the fruit more than compensates for all of this. Therefore, gardeners, sparing neither time nor effort, continue to plant this variety in their plots every year.

Reviews

Ekaterina Vasilievna, Chelyabinsk region

I got the seeds straight from Minusinsk. I was lucky enough to get them through several hands, from a woman I knew. I had two precious bushes growing in my greenhouse; the plants were very tall and vigorous. I raised both the same way, with two stems. These tomatoes are a joy to care for, especially when you see them on the bush. Each cluster holds 2-3 fruits, two very large, the third significantly smaller. The taste is simply delicious, the flesh like watermelon. Naturally, I collected the seeds and will certainly plant more.

Olga, Nizhny Novgorod region

What a wonderful variety! I'm thrilled! Of course, it produces a lot of side shoots and needs to be tied up, as they say, conscientiously, but the result is… gorgeous! In July, we were already eating sugary tomatoes from the greenhouse. One tomato and the whole family is full and happy. This is the first variety I've grown that's both early and large-fruited, and also delicious, not watery, as is often the case.

Anna, Buturlinovka, Voronezh Region

We got a good harvest even without a greenhouse. Of course, I didn't let the plants grow too tall; I pinched them early, just in case, wanting the first two or three bunches to ripen right on the vine. I succeeded. The first ones weighed 400 grams, then a little smaller. The taste was certainly pleasing, and the tomatoes have such unusual "ribs." I'll be planting more myself and recommend everyone try it, especially those with good greenhouses.