Characteristics and description of the "Dark Chocolate" tomato

Tomatoes

This variety is ideal for cherry tomato lovers. These miniature tomatoes will not only delight you with their flavor and yield, but will also decorate your plot or greenhouse with their unusual chocolate-colored fruits.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The Dark Chocolate variety is a cherry tomato. It is suitable for growing in protected soils. It is a non-hybrid, indeterminate, mid-season tomato. It takes 110-120 days from germination to harvest. The bushes are vigorous, vine-like, and reach a height of 2 meters or more. They require shaping, staking, and pinching.

The fruits are formed in clusters of 10-12. They are small, weighing 20-35 grams. The fruit is round. The color is dark brown with a purple tint and a green border near the stalk. Inside, the fruit contains two chambers containing a few seeds. The surface is smooth, firm, and glossy. The flesh is dense and juicy. The flavor is very sweet, almost without tartness, with light fruity notes. The aroma is distinct. The clusters ripen uniformly.

Note! The plant's growing season lasts throughout the season. Vines can climb the walls and ceiling of the greenhouse. This should be taken into account when choosing a support structure.

The variety's yield depends on growing conditions. Under favorable conditions, a single plant can yield over 5 kilograms. When grown outdoors, yields drop to 3 kg per plant, while when grown in heated greenhouses, yields increase.

This variety is primarily intended for fresh consumption, but is also suitable for whole-fruit canning.

Features and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages of this variety include its excellent yield, superb taste, and fruit appearance. It is suitable for short-term storage and transportation. The fruits can ripen after being picked without losing their flavor. It is easy to grow and produces a consistent harvest. It can be grown in all regions of Russia. The variety is resistant to many nightshade diseases.

Interesting! The Dark Chocolate tomato variety contains anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system, vision, and the body's ability to resist viral, infectious, and inflammatory diseases. It also gives the fruit its unique chocolate color.

The variety's drawbacks include its tall stature and its need for pinching, shaping, and staking. It also doesn't tolerate high humidity well.

Planting seedlings

Seedlings are sown from early to mid-March in central Russia. The seeds must be disinfected before sowing. Use light, fertile soil. Fill the seedling containers with it and moisten. The seeds are planted 1.5-2 cm deep in the soil. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in a warm place. The optimal temperature for seed germination is 19-20 degrees Celsius (66-68 degrees Fahrenheit). After the first shoots appear, remove the plastic wrap and move the seedlings to a bright, warm location or under artificial lighting.

When the seedlings reach the stage of 1-2 true leaves, they are pricked out. After pricking out, they are fertilized with a complete mineral fertilizer complex. Water the seedlings as the topsoil dries.

Planting and caring for the variety

Plants are transplanted to their permanent locations when they have at least 7-8 true leaves. The soil in the greenhouse is disinfected, fertilized, and thoroughly loosened. Holes are dug at least 25 cm deep. Three to four plants are planted per square meter. A long trellis is immediately placed in the hole, to which the plants will be attached. A large spoonful of wood or grass ash is sprinkled on the bottom of the hole. The plant is then placed in the hole and covered with soil.

Staking is done when the plant begins to set fruit. It's best to form the bush into two trunks. This will distribute the weight of the plant. Remove any excess side shoots with pruning shears, leaving stumps 2-3 cm long.

Important! The plant should be tied with soft twine to avoid damaging the trunk. The tie should be placed under the fruit clusters. This will help support them and reduce the strain on the plant.

Water daily after transplanting. Once the seedlings have established themselves, water as the top layer of soil dries. Resume watering during periods of abundant fruiting.

It's also a good idea to ventilate the room daily. If the weather is too hot, keep the door and vents open during the day. If the nighttime temperature differs significantly from the daytime temperature by more than 7 degrees, close the door and all vents overnight.

The variety is very responsive to fertilizer. While it can thrive without it, to improve fruiting and yield, it's worth applying at least three fertilizer applications. The first one should be done a week after transplanting to its permanent location. The second one should be applied during the fruit ripening period. The third one should be applied after the first harvest.

Don't forget to loosen the soil around and between plants. Remove weeds promptly.

Reviews from those who planted the variety

Gardeners, summer residents, and farmers agree that this variety is excellent. Despite its small size, it's very productive and delicious, and children adore it. Farmers especially appreciate its ability to ripen in a single cluster, without losing its appearance or flavor. It also tolerates long-distance transportation well.

Gardeners value this variety for its long fruiting period and generous harvest.