Characteristics and description of the tomato "Ded Ashlock"

Beef tomatoes are gradually becoming increasingly popular in Russia, and these varieties were primarily developed in the United States. One such variety is "Grandfather Ashlock," which can also be found in other catalogs under the original name "Grandfather Ashlock."

Characteristics

This is a mid-season variety, but closer to mid-late. The indeterminate bushes grow from 180 to 200 centimeters tall. The stems are robust, with large, potato-like leaves. The tomatoes are flat-round, large, weighing between 250 and 500 grams. They are a rich, reddish-pink color, slightly ribbed near the stem, and also feature a lighter spot that fades as they ripen. The flavor is excellent, with moderately juicy, sweet-and-sour flavor. The skin is not very thick but does not crack, and the flesh is meaty and multi-chambered. The yield is excellent.

Because these tomatoes are large-fruited, they are not suitable for whole-fruit canning, but are excellent for making juice, paste, and sauces. They can also be eaten fresh, adding a sophisticated flavor and aroma to any salad. This variety is grown throughout Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova; greenhouse planting is recommended in temperate climates. This variety has good immunity but is not resistant to late blight. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the plants with antifungal agents several times during the season. Transportability and shelf life are average; the fruits will not survive long-distance shipping.

Advantages

• Beautiful large fruits, attractive in appearance.
• Excellent taste.
• High yield.
• Long fruiting period.

Flaws

• Susceptibility to certain diseases.
• Cannot be preserved whole.
• Labor-intensive care.

Growing seedlings

To plant future seedlings, you'll need seeding containers and fertile soil for the seedlings, which can be purchased at gardening stores. This type of soil doesn't require any treatment before planting. However, if you decide to use homemade soil, it should be disinfected before planting. Copper sulfate or manganese can be used for this, as can commercially available disinfectants. It can also be disinfected by baking it in an oven at 100 degrees Celsius. Seeds only need to be treated if the manufacturer hasn't provided for this.

Once everything is prepared, make 1-centimeter-deep furrows in the soil. Place the tomato seeds in these furrows and cover them with soil. Water carefully to prevent the seeds from shifting. To speed up germination, cover the container with plastic wrap. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic wrap and move the container to a windowsill. During the growing season, the seedlings need to be fertilized a couple of times, the first time two weeks after transplanting, which is done when three leaves appear. The second time, 14 days later, is usually done with a liquid complex fertilizer. Water once a week, more frequently at first. Before transplanting, harden off the young plants. By this time, they should be approximately 20 centimeters tall and strong.

Growing and care

In temperate climates, few gardeners dare to plant tall varieties in the garden, as they know the promised harvest may not materialize. Planting the "Ded Ashlock" variety outdoors is recommended only in southern regions. A sunny location is essential, as the plants will wither without light. Crop rotation is also essential. Before planting, add a handful of ash to the holes to enrich the soil with nutrients. The plants require support; a trellis is much more convenient for this. It's best to train the plants into 1-2 stems, then remove new shoots weekly. To obtain large fruits, regulate the number of ovaries per cluster.

Like all tomatoes, 'Grandfather Ashlock' requires regular, generous watering. Afterward, the greenhouse must be ventilated to prevent excessive humidity, which can promote fungal diseases. Fertilize the plants at least three times per season, and loosen the soil. If the weather is cloudy during flowering, you can treat the plants with products such as "Ovary+."

Conclusion

"Ded Ashlock" is an excellent, productive variety with delicious fruit, but before planting, make sure you have enough time and effort to care for it. Without proper care, you won't get as much of a harvest, which will inevitably lead to disappointment.

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Reviews

Arseniy, 55 years old

I love tall varieties, despite the painstaking work required to grow them. Five years ago, I built a greenhouse specifically for them, where I grow a wide variety of tomatoes: pink, yellow, green, and even black. I first saw beef tomatoes at my neighbors' and was interested in growing them myself. They shared some seeds, so I didn't have to buy any. I call the variety "Grandfather Ashlock." The seedlings grew well, and before transplanting, I hardened them off for two weeks, as recommended. In May, I transferred them to the greenhouse, trained the plants into a single stem, and the yield is excellent. One tomato weighed 760 grams, the others were approximately 300-400.

Valentina is 66 years old.

I liked the variety. I sowed the seedlings in early March, and by early August we were eating delicious tomatoes. I used them to make tomato juice and borscht dressing; the flavor was vibrant, the color was rich, and I was delighted. They're also excellent in salads.