Characteristics and description of the tomato "Delta Diver"

As winter approaches, gardeners begin to wonder which tomato varieties to choose for the coming season. One variety that will catch their eye is "Delta Diver Red," which boasts unusual, excellent-tasting fruits.

Full specifications and growing tips are provided below.

Description

"Delta Diver Red" belongs to the Dwarf Tomato series, developed in the United States by Blaine Horton. The original name is "Delta Diver Red." Unfortunately, this variety is rare and quite difficult to find commercially. It ripens mid-season, and the semi-determinate plants grow to a height of approximately 120 centimeters. The stems are quite robust, and the leaves are wide and green.

The fruits are flattened and round, some slightly corrugated near the stem, and weigh between 80 and 300 grams. The tomatoes have a beautiful raspberry-red color with green stripes. When cut, the flesh is multi-chambered, green with red spots and stripes. The skin is dense, and the flesh is watermelon-like, sweet, and fruity.

These tomatoes are suitable for fresh consumption and for making juices and sauces. The yield is excellent. The variety is resistant to many common diseases. They can be grown in greenhouses and garden beds throughout Russia and Ukraine, except for the northern regions. However, climate conditions must be taken into account.

Advantages

• Excellent taste.
• Beautiful presentation.
• Disease resistance.
• The bushes are compact in size.

Flaws

• Difficulties in purchasing seeds.

Growing seedlings

Seeds are sown around mid-March, and should be purchased only from reputable suppliers. Before planting, they are disinfected in a potassium permanganate solution, then rinsed several times with clean water and dried. They are then germinated by covering them with a damp cotton cloth and placing them in a warm place for several days. The appearance of sprouts signals that they are ready for planting.

By this time, the soil should be ready for planting. Store-bought soil is best, as it already contains all the necessary nutrients and requires no preparation. You'll also need a seedling container, lined with a drainage layer at the bottom and topped with soil.

Before sowing, moisten the soil, then make holes no more than 1 centimeter deep for the seeds. Once the seeds are planted, cover the container with glass or film and store it away from direct sunlight. Water every three days. Once the sprouts emerge from the soil, remove the cover and move the container to a sunny location. The temperature in the room where the plants are kept should be 16-18 degrees Celsius at night and 20-23 degrees Celsius during the day. High temperatures and insufficient light can cause the seedlings to stretch and become unsuitable for cultivation.

Tomatoes are transplanted into separate containers when 2-3 leaves appear. Hardening off begins approximately 10 days before transplanting into the ground.

Diseases and pests

The supplier claims the variety has excellent immunity, but pests can seriously hinder a bountiful harvest. Tomatoes are primarily attacked by insects such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Special pest control products such as "Zubr," "Confidor," or "Proteus" can help combat these.

Transferring to a permanent location and caring for plants

Plant established seedlings in the beds; they should be at least 20 centimeters tall. Two-month-old plants typically reach this height. No more than four plants should be placed per square meter, as this will interfere with their growth and development. Sufficient light is essential for tomatoes, so avoid planting them in the shade.

Before planting, water the holes and then add a little wood ash. Remove the seedlings from their containers very carefully to avoid damaging the root system. Water the tomatoes with warm water at the roots, preferably early in the morning or after sunset. Because the fruits are quite heavy, the plants need to be supported by stakes installed during planting. Loosen the space between the rows and remove weeds as needed. Tomatoes require nutrients, but the soil has a limited supply, so fertilize them several times a season, using both organic and mineral fertilizers.

Conclusion

'Delta Diver Red' is still difficult to find in our country, as it was bred relatively recently, but all of its characteristics indicate that it will undoubtedly become popular among gardeners.

Reviews

Mark is 60 years old

An interesting and unusual variety; my niece sent me the seeds. The yield the first year was average, but the fruits were very tasty, so I decided to plant them again next season. I took extra care of the plants, and they seemed to sense it and rewarded me generously. My grandchildren love this variety and eat it with relish.

Valentina, 29 years old

I planted a variety of tomatoes this year, and I liked the "Delta Diver Red" for its appearance and taste, but the yield didn't live up to the promise. Although I agree that the variety is worth its weight in gold. We only ate the tomatoes fresh; there were none left for canning. I'll plant more; perhaps they weren't properly fertilized or watered, and I'll try to correct that next year.