Characteristics and description of the tomato "Torch"

To ensure a consistent harvest, gardeners plant time-tested varieties. One such variety is the "Fakel" tomato. This easy-to-grow, compact, and productive tomato will help gardeners thrive in any weather conditions.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The "Fakel" variety is a longtime fixture in our gardens. It was developed back in 1078. It has proven itself in the central and southern regions. It is also successfully grown throughout the Russian Federation.

The "Fakel" tomato is a mid-season, determinate variety. Suitable for growing in greenhouses, under cover, and in open ground, it is compact, reaching up to 60 cm in height. It requires partial side-shooting.

Yield, weight, shape, color of the plant

The "Fakel" tomato is a prolific variety. The first inflorescence appears after the seventh permanent leaf. It forms clusters with 5-7 fruits. The "Fakel" tomato is mid-season. The fruits ripen 115 days after planting. The tomatoes are round, red, and weigh up to 100 grams. Up to 10 kg of yield can be harvested from one square meter.

Tomatoes are fleshy and juicy, with few seeds. They have excellent flavor and are ideal for pickling and canning.

Features of growing and caring for the variety

The "Fakel" variety is suitable for all growing methods. It thrives in open ground and will produce a good harvest in a greenhouse. Like all mid-season tomatoes, it is planted from seedlings. For better germination, soak the seeds in a growth stimulant or aloe vera juice. Sow the seeds in any substrate suitable for seedlings.

Once two permanent leaves appear, the seedlings are pricked out and moved to a cooler location. Young seedlings should be fed with mineral fertilizer. Harden off the seedlings before planting.

Tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse in mid-May, and in open ground after the danger of frost has passed. Seedlings are planted 40-60 cm apart. The "Fakel" variety is low-growing, but you can remove the lower leaves and the first fruit to promote rooting. Water the tomatoes moderately. Fertilize with a potassium-based fertilizer twice a month. Tomatoes do not require staking, but with proper care and watering, they produce a large number of fruits. To prevent the bush from breaking under the weight of the fruit, it is recommended to support it.

Resistance to diseases and adverse conditions

The 'Fakel' tomato is resistant to fusarium wilt and blossom-end rot, but regular preventative treatments against fungal diseases are recommended. Insect control products should be used.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The "Fakel" tomato is a time-tested variety. It's relatively easy to grow, with good yield and flavor.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• unpretentiousness;
• high yield;
• The versatility of the fruit: suitable for fresh consumption and pickling.

The disadvantages include:

• tendency to fungal diseases;
• poor shelf life of fruits.

Feedback from those who planted

"We've been planting 'Fakel' tomatoes for several years now. They're a real lifesaver for us. I'm confident this variety will produce a bountiful harvest no matter the weather. The plants are short, compact, and don't require much care. Watering should be moderate. However, regular fertilizing is a good idea, and the harvest won't be long in coming."

"My parents grew the 'Fakel' tomato variety. Everyone probably knows this variety. The fruits are medium-sized, red, and delicious. I can't wait for them to ripen. For me, these are the most delicious tomatoes. The 'Fakel' tomato is easy to grow, a great variety for weekend gardeners. You don't have to worry about anything happening to it. I've planted it and will plant it again."

I'll also leave my review of the 'Torch' tomato. I sowed it for seedlings in March, and the seeds sprouted evenly. I planted it in my garden at the end of May. The bushes are strong, compact, and thrive without staking. Following a friend's advice, I plucked the lower leaves after planting. The bushes turned out well-grown, sturdy, and rooted well. Last summer was quite hot, but that didn't stop them. The fruit set evenly, and some had to be tied up to prevent the bush from breaking off during ripening. There were plenty of tomatoes, enough for eating and pickling. They were excellent in canning—they didn't crack and held their shape. I liked the 'Torch' tomato. I'll definitely plant it again.