The Diplomat tomato is a hybrid. It is characterized by medium maturity and indeterminate bush development. The ripening process from the moment the shoots emerge takes approximately 108 to 115 days. Tomatoes are suitable for growing in greenhouses, with the exception of regions with warm climates.
Description of the variety
This high-yielding hybrid was developed by Russian breeders. It requires pinching and timely, careful staking of the developing fruit clusters. Ideally, the bushes should sprout from 1-2 stems. Each cluster produces 7-9 fruits.
The fruits themselves are round, with smooth, dense red skin, and an average weight of 110-120 g. Their fresh, balanced flavor harmoniously combines sweetness with a slight tartness. With proper growing practices and proper fertilization, you can expect a yield of 23-29 kg of tomatoes per square meter (3-4 plants).
Uses of fruits
Diplomat tomatoes are suitable for fresh consumption. They are successfully used in salads, as well as in casseroles, sauces, and healthy tomato juices. The thin yet firm skin prevents cracking even during prolonged cooking. This makes them ideal for canning for the winter, both whole and as a salad ingredient.
Advantages and disadvantages
In addition to the high yield and early ripening mentioned above, the tomato hybrid's list of advantages includes its natural resistance to fusarium and cladosporiosis. Furthermore, the fruits are distinguished by:
- long shelf life;
- easy to transport;
- the ability to grow in poorly lit, shady areas;
- suitable for growing for future sale.
The hybrid doesn't have any particular drawbacks. The only caveat is the need to purchase new seeds each year and protect the plants from possible cold drafts.
Growing rules
If growing tomatoes from seeds, they should be planted in prepared soil two months before transplanting them to their permanent location. Typically, this is 60-65 days. When planting tomatoes in a greenhouse or outdoors, maintain a plant density of no more than 3-4 plants per square meter.
Since the plant is indeterminate, pinching the tops in early July is recommended. This will ensure that the incoming nutrients are used for fruit development rather than further growth and foliage.
The second important point concerns timely pruning of bushes by removing side shoots and earthing up the bushes. The first earthing up is done 2-3 weeks after planting. This is when the root system has time to strengthen, and the formed mounds of soil retain moisture and protect the plants from fungal infections. A second earthing up is recommended at the beginning of flowering.
Recommendations for seedling care
A beautiful, large-scale tomato harvest depends primarily on the quality of the seedlings. Therefore, it's important to ensure you have clean, treated seedling containers, suitable soil, and proper storage conditions in place. The seedlings themselves can be grown in wooden boxes, plastic containers, or any other container. It's far more important that the soil used is healthy and well-fertilized, such as with well-rotted compost.
The soil may also contain sand or peat. The former loosens the soil and provides sufficient oxygen, while the peat strengthens the growing seedlings. Of the mineral components, phosphorus and potassium salts are very important.
To reduce soil acidity, sifted wood ash at a ratio of 1 part ash to 10 parts soil will help. Until the first sprouts appear, the container should be covered with glass or transparent protective film. This will prevent the soil from losing essential moisture. As soon as sprouts begin to emerge, all coverings are completely removed.
The optimal indoor temperature is at least 18–22°C. Watering should be moderate and only after the plants have partially dried out. The Diplomat tomato is quite tolerant of temperature fluctuations, but it is recommended to harden off the seedlings by moving them outdoors 2–2.5 weeks before planting. Initially, exposure should be limited to no more than 2–3 hours, then gradually increase to full sun.
The seedlings must be planted in loosened soil warmed to 16–18 degrees with a mineral fertilizer complex applied.
Reviews
Olga Vladimirovna, 39 years old
To reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial infections, you can place garlic or onion peels in the root hole. Spraying with a soda solution (250 g per 8-9 liters of water) or a two-day celandine infusion (at least 1 kg of chopped fresh herb per 10 liters of water) is also helpful. The first treatment is carried out two weeks after planting the tomatoes, and then repeated 10-12 days later. Such preventative spraying is extremely important when growing tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Ivan Sergeevich, 58 years old
If fungicides are used to control pests, it's important to ensure that all treatments are carried out at least two weeks before the planned harvest. It's best to spray early in the morning to allow the substance to be absorbed by the leaves rather than evaporate under the sun's rays.
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