Tomato "Grandfather's Rooster Feather": characteristics and description of the variety

One of the oldest tomato varieties is "Grandfather's Rooster Feather," which is over a hundred years old. It is grown not only in the former Soviet Union but also in America. The unusually shaped fruits attract everyone's attention; lovers of unusual tomatoes should definitely try it.

Characteristic

The indeterminate, tall bushes reach 180 centimeters. This mid-season variety is suitable for harvesting tomatoes as early as July if sown in March. The stems are quite slender, and the tomatoes are borne in clusters of approximately six tomatoes. Each tomato weighs between 150 and 350 grams. The fruits are elongated, heart-shaped, and bright crimson. The flesh is firm and dense, with few seeds, and the skin is medium-thick. Those who have grown this variety note the excellent taste of the tomatoes.

These tomatoes can be eaten fresh, but they're also suitable for any kind of preservation: juices, sauces, pastes, various salads, and pickling. This variety has excellent shelf life; tomatoes picked in September can be stored until the New Year. "Grandfather's Rooster Feather" can be grown both in a greenhouse and in a garden bed; the variety produces a very high yield.

Advantages

• Excellent taste and aroma.
• Versatility of application.
• Attractive presentation.
• Productivity.
• Long-term storage.
• Possibility of transportation.

Flaws

• Labor-intensive care.
• Susceptibility to late blight.

Growing seedlings

Tomatoes thrive on warmth and light; low temperatures can kill them. Fertile, loose, and moisture-retentive soil with a pH of approximately 4.5 is ideal for tomatoes. The optimal temperature for germination is considered to be 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). After the sprouts emerge, the temperature is reduced to 16-18 degrees Celsius (61-64 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 10-12 degrees Celsius (50-53 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Maintain this temperature for a week, then increase to 20-23 degrees Celsius (73-73 degrees Fahrenheit). Initially, water daily with warm, settled water; once the sprouts emerge, you can switch to weekly watering.

After 2-3 leaves appear, the plants should be transplanted into a separate container with a minimum capacity of 500 ml to allow room for root development. Two weeks after transplanting, you can feed the young seedlings with liquid mineral fertilizer; this will certainly benefit them. You can loosen the soil with a plastic fork; this will help oxygenate the soil. All seedlings need to harden off; this is done by placing them outdoors for 10-15 minutes at first, increasing the time spent outdoors each day.

Transplantation and care

The seedlings are transplanted to their permanent location when they are two months old, placing no more than four plants per square meter. It's best to plant them where legumes, cucumbers, or greens grew last season. Fertilize the soil in the fall or early spring with organic matter, such as well-rotted manure.

Choose a sunny location for tomatoes, protected from drafts. Plant the holes 50 centimeters apart, leaving a meter between rows. "Grandfather's Rooster Feather" is a tall variety and requires staking. Stakeholders or a trellis can be used during planting. It is recommended to train the plants into single or double stems, which significantly increases yield. Also, remove side shoots throughout the summer, preferably weekly.

Plant care involves regular watering, loosening the soil, and promptly removing weeds, which feed on nutrients in the soil and can carry diseases. Of course, don't forget about preventative measures to help prevent diseases and pests.

Harvesting and storage

This variety keeps well for a long time. For storage, pick the tomatoes when they're still brown and store them in boxes, layering them with sawdust. The optimal storage temperature is 12-13 degrees Celsius (55-55 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep tomatoes out of direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Many gardeners grow this ancient variety, and everyone raves about the taste and quality of its fruits. Caring for tomatoes certainly requires time and effort, but it's worth it. By following all the recommendations, you can ensure you have exceptional tomatoes not only throughout the growing season but well into winter.

Reviews

Antonina, 49 years old

The Dedushkino Rooster Feather tomato is one of the best varieties I've grown. Everything about it is wonderful: the taste, the aroma, and the yield. The only thing is that the bushes in the garden were affected by late blight; for some reason, I forgot to treat the plants in time, but they remained unharmed in the greenhouse. The yield in the garden is also lower, even though I live in a warm region. Next year, I'll correct this mistake and plant this variety exclusively in the greenhouse.

Matvey, 67 years old

I've tried many varieties in my life, but for some reason I'd never heard of "Grandfather's Rooster Feather." It's a shame I wasted so much time cultivating some less-than-successful tomatoes. They have amazing flavor, both fresh and pickled. The tomato juice they produce is also excellent, thick and rich. I'll definitely be growing them in the future.