Characteristics and description of the Donatello tomato

The Donatello tomato is a hybrid. It is listed in the State Register of the Russian Federation for cultivation in open fields or under special plastic films made from private farmland.

Translated into English, the tomatoes are read and called "Donatello." The hybrid was developed by French breeders.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The Donatello tomato is an indeterminate, early-ripening, large-fruited variety. Ripening times range from 55 to 60 days from planting.

Tomato plants have medium vigor and a fairly robust root system. They are flexible and easy to grow, with the potential to grow 8 or 10 clusters. The leaves are regular, with slightly corrugated edges. They are dark green.

Tomatoes can reach a weight of approximately 220 to 250 grams. The fruits are round and richly dark pink in color, with no green spots. They remain consistent in both shape and size throughout the growing season.

The yield is high. Gardeners can harvest approximately 10 kilograms of vegetables per square meter.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Donatello tomato is very shelf-stable and transportable, but it also boasts many other advantages. Among them:

1. Stable fruit set under the most unfavorable weather conditions.
2. High resistance to diseases and pests.
3. Beautiful external presentation – up to 95%.
4. Excellent taste of fruits.

Also, experienced breeders have noticed that tomatoes are completely resistant to cracking or microcrack formation.

The only drawback to this variety is the need to thoroughly cultivate the soil before planting the seeds in their permanent location. Mineral fertilizers high in potassium and phosphorus are suitable for this purpose. These nutrients are known to protect potatoes from infections and pests.

Growing and care

The Donatello tomato is easy to care for, but to ensure a superb harvest, it's important to understand a few nuances. Sowing seedlings should begin in the second ten days of March. Monitor air humidity—it shouldn't exceed 65 percent. Seedlings should germinate at temperatures no higher than 18-19 degrees Celsius. Experienced breeders recommend providing additional light for seedlings.

Plant the sprouts in their permanent locations in the same places you've already planted them. This is recommended between May 10th and May 25th, after the last frost has passed. Plant the sprouts according to the following pattern: 60 x 70 centimeters. Don't forget to fertilize the soil with special mineral complexes. Many gardeners recommend using double superphosphate.

You'll also need to mulch. This process takes a bit of time, but it's necessary. First, you need to prepare the grass, straw, and add black non-woven material. Second, don't forget to add humus, as this variety doesn't like waterlogged soil. Apply mineral fertilizer strictly according to the instructions on the manufacturer's packaging. Don't overdo it—follow the instructions to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Feedback from those who planted

Vladimir, 45: "I'm a farmer who loves pink Donatello tomatoes. I recommend all gardeners use only complex fertilizers. I personally add the required amount of fertilizer to each hole when planting seedlings, as directed on the manufacturer's packaging. I do this once, and then I apply additional green manure. I also make my own infusions at home from pulled weeds, to which I also add grass clippings. The solution is ideal, the soil is doing great, and it's evident in the harvest."

Sergey, 42: "I grow the Donatello variety for myself and my family. I'm very happy with the pink tomatoes. Although the tomatoes are disease-resistant, one year the plants did get infected. Since I know many gardeners, I consulted with them and purchased a special infectious disease treatment called Fitosporin. I treat my tomato plants with it in June. I also use it whenever I'm struck by disease. It's very important to make sure it's fresh before purchasing. The expiration date and manufacturing date are listed right on the packaging. Fitosporin must be fresh."

How to store tomatoes

To keep tomatoes looking fresh for as long as possible, pick them when they're still fully green and then store them in wooden crates in a single layer. If you're short on crates, you can take a risk and store the tomatoes in two layers. If you picked your tomatoes fresh and pink, store them in the refrigerator. They'll keep in excellent condition for a little over a week.