Characteristics and description of the tomato "Druzhok"

Almost every modern avid gardener has relatives who can share their experiences growing certain varieties, and you'll often hear them say that today's produce isn't what it used to be. In some ways, this is true, but in others, it's not. Take the tomato variety "Druzhok," for example.

A couple of decades ago, it was one of the most popular, but over time, yields declined, and crops became susceptible to disease and pest attacks. Taking advantage of the variety's advantages, a hybrid was developed that retained all the positive qualities of its predecessor, but was more resilient to the vagaries of nature, hardened against diseases and pests, and boasted an even higher yield.

Main characteristics

The "Druzhok F1" tomato is considered versatile. Indeed, it can be grown both outdoors and indoors in a regular pot or wooden crate. However, these tomatoes produce their best results in greenhouses. This is because the hybrid thrives on stable temperatures. If the plant doesn't have to struggle to survive in variable environmental conditions, it will produce the maximum yield.

The first fruits can be tasted just 80 days after sowing the seeds. This early-ripening, low-maintenance variety thrives in all climates. It stores well and even withstands long-distance transport.

It has a marketable appearance, so it is often used for industrial purposes, but when it is grown commercially, it is in small quantities and, so far, only on small farms. This is due to the variety's relative youth.

Dwarf tomatoes are a determinate variety. The bush reaches a maximum height of 70-1.5 cm, but without proper training, it can reach just under half a meter. The fruits are rich red, juicy, and fleshy; according to gardeners, they "simply melt in your mouth." A single tomato can weigh between 100 and 250 grams. The more frequently you pick tomatoes from the bush, the larger the ripening ovaries will be.

The taste is good, pronounced, without sourness.

Druzhok is used fresh, canned whole, in various salads, frozen, etc.

The hybrid's undeniable advantages include resistance to diseases and pests, as well as tolerance to temperature fluctuations. The tomato will grow and produce a harvest in any conditions, but its yield depends on following the growing rules and recommendations.

Features of the variety

Druzhok tomatoes have strong stems, but it's still best to use supports to provide support for the plants.

It's worth noting that this variety doesn't suffer from direct sunlight. The dense foliage provides the tomatoes with reliable protection from ultraviolet rays, but at the same time doesn't completely shade them, allowing them to receive just the right amount of light for proper and full fruit development.

A single bush produces 3-4 clusters. Sometimes additional clusters form, but it's best to remove them to avoid wasting the plant's energy.

Ripening is uniform. Among the advantages of this variety are its attractive appearance, virtually uniform fruit shape and size, long shelf life, and ability to withstand transportation even over long distances.

Tomatoes of this variety are not only delicious but also very healthy. They contain large amounts of lycopene, which can prevent the development of cancer cells. They also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, help cleanse the liver, and restore the function of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

The Druzhok F1 tomato variety yields up to 16 kg of tomatoes per square meter, provided that proper agricultural practices are followed.

Agricultural technology

Soil composition is crucial for this tomato variety. If the soil is loamy, add a bucket of peat, sawdust, and humus per square meter. If, on the other hand, the soil is predominantly peat, add a bucket of humus, turf, sawdust, and half a bucket of coarse sand.

"Druzhok F1" seedlings are planted in the first half of April. After the first true leaf has formed, they can be transplanted into individual containers. Plants are transplanted to their permanent location at 30-35 days old. This usually occurs between mid-May and June, but only in a greenhouse. If the tomato is grown outdoors, the seeding of the seedlings should be delayed by two weeks to allow the air temperature to stabilize by the time of transplanting.

Before planting seedlings in the soil, it is disinfected using a hot solution of potassium permanganate (1 gram per 10 liters).

The seedlings are planted 40-50 cm apart in a single row. However, many find that a staggered pattern is more convenient, and not just for the gardener's future work. First and foremost, the tomatoes themselves will feel more comfortable this way.

Care instructions

To ensure that the Druzhok F1 produces a good harvest, it must be watered in a timely manner, waterlogging must be avoided, the soil must be loosened, weeds must be removed, and root feeding must be carried out regularly (this is done every two to three weeks, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers).

This tomato is superdeterminate, meaning it stops growing after the third or fourth inflorescence has formed. To properly shape the bush, the plant needs help. In greenhouse conditions, a single main stem is preferred. To achieve this, the growing tip is pinched after the third or fourth inflorescence, and each side shoot is pinched after the third or fourth cluster has formed. This allows all the energy to be directed to the main stem and not wasted on additional side shoots. The shoots should be removed until the bush reaches the very top of the greenhouse.

In open ground, it is recommended to form three stems. This is also accomplished by pinching out the growing points. For strong side stems, it is advisable to leave side shoots from the leaves under the first inflorescence. This will result in a bush about a meter tall with three stems of approximately equal height and strength, all of which should be tied to a secure support. Each stem will produce 3-4 inflorescences.

Secrets of a good harvest

This tomato variety produces an excellent harvest, but it can be significantly increased by following some recommendations:

• young seedlings need to be fed with special liquid fertilizers;
• When transplanting into the ground, it is advisable to treat the root system with special agents for better rooting;
• Don't rely on weak seedlings; careful selection of plants will ultimately help you achieve a much better result;
• It is optimal to use a drip irrigation system or apply water to each bush in measured doses;
• Mulching of bushes is done with freshly cut grass, straw or hay.

Diseases and pests

The Druzhok F1 tomato is resistant to diseases and pests. This hybrid was specifically bred to be less troublesome for its owner.

A distinctive feature of this species is the high content of alkaloids in the stem and leaves, which repel pests.

For additional prevention, it's a good idea to regularly inspect your plantings and protect them with folk remedies. You can spray the beds with an onion decoction or a strong solution of laundry soap.

Reviews

The tomato "Druzhok F1" belongs to the category of relatively young varieties, but it has already managed to gain sufficient popularity among gardeners.

Galina Nikolaevna, 59 years old

I planted this variety of tomatoes for the first time last year. The results were very pleasing, but I wasn't aware of such subtleties as shaping the stems. This time, I'll plan ahead for staking and will definitely pinch out the growing points as instructed. I used fresh tomatoes and canned whole ones. It's a shame you can't harvest your own seeds. I'll have to look for high-quality ones at the store.

Natalya Petrovna, 46 years old

I grew a tomato plant in a pot in a gazebo. I trained three stems. The plant is quite spreading and looks very decorative. I liked the taste of the tomatoes. We ate them in salads, and I also preserved salads for the winter. They hold their shape well and don't fall apart. I haven't tried freezing them, but I'll definitely try that this year.

The "Druzhok F1" tomato can provide fruit for a large family and can even be used for retail. Set aside a spot in your garden for planting. Believe me, you'll be delighted with the results, especially since you already know all the intricacies of growing it.