Purple Strawberry Tomato: Photo and description of the variety, its yield

Tomatoes

The Purple Strawberry tomato variety is a rare sight in Russian gardens. But those who have grown this tomato even once will forever be enamored with it.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The Purple Strawberry tomato is a distinct strain from its cousin, the Non-Purple Strawberry.

This is a mid-season variety. From germination to harvest, it takes 110-125 days. In the middle and northern latitudes of Russia, it is recommended to grow it as a greenhouse plant. In the southern regions, it can be grown both outdoors and indoors.

The bushes are tall and require support, shaping, and pinching. The bush type is indeterminate. Height: 180-200 cm. Leaves are large, dark green, and common.

The fruits are round-heart-shaped. The surface is glossy and coarsely ribbed. Ripe tomatoes are pinkish-purple in color. Inside, the fruits contain 5-6 chambers containing a small number of seeds. The flesh is dense, meaty, and juicy. The tomatoes have an excellent flavor, with a sweet aftertaste. The aroma is rich and aromatic. The fruits weigh 300-500 grams.

Tomatoes are versatile. They're perfect for fresh salads, sauces, juices, and pastes. They're also suitable for short-term storage and transportation.

This variety has a high yield. A single plant can yield up to 8 kilograms of tomatoes, provided proper cultivation practices are followed.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages include:

large-fruited;
productivity;
good taste and appearance;
transportability;
versatility of purpose;
Possibility of cultivation in all regions of Russia;
resistance of the variety to the main diseases of nightshades;
resistance of fruits to cracking;
resistance of the variety to unfavorable environmental conditions, cyclical yield;
long-term fruiting.

Note: This variety produces its fruit gradually, meaning while the lower fruits are ripening, the upper ones are just beginning to form.

The disadvantages of this variety are that it requires tying, shaping and pinching.

Planting seedlings

Seeds for seedlings are sown 60-65 days before planting in their permanent location. In central Russia, this is late February to early March.

The soil for seedlings is light, water- and air-permeable, and nutritious. Containers are filled with it and moistened. The seeds are planted 2 cm deep in the moist soil. The top of the container is covered with plastic and placed in a warm place for germination. The optimal temperature for seed germination is 19-22 degrees Celsius. After the first shoots appear, the plastic is removed, and the seedlings are moved to a warm, bright windowsill or under artificial lighting.

At the stage of 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into separate cups or into a larger container.

Important! Pricking out when the plant has 2-3 true leaves is safest. At this stage, the root system is not yet extensively branched and is less susceptible to damage during transplantation.

After transplanting, feed the seedlings with a full range of fertilizers. Watering should be regular, as the plants are still too small to store enough moisture for a prolonged drought. Overwatering the soil can also lead to seedling death.

Before planting seedlings in their permanent location, they need to be hardened off in the fresh air. Begin hardening them off in partial shade, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight. This procedure will protect the seedlings from sunburn and strengthen their immune system.

Agricultural technology of the variety

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the danger of further frost has passed. Choose a sunny, draft-free location. Prepare the soil in advance. Fertilize, remove weeds, and dig.

Leave the soil for a few days to settle. Then dig holes and immediately insert a stake to secure the plant. Place a large spoonful of wood or grass ash at the bottom of the hole. Place the seedlings on top and cover with soil. Water thoroughly.

At first, water the plants regularly, as the topsoil aerates. Once the seedlings have established themselves, watering is reduced to three times a week. If the weather is humid, do not water the plants outdoors, and water them once a week in a greenhouse. Watering is resumed during active flowering and fruit formation. Use warm, well-settled water. Cold water from a hose can slow down the plant's growth cycle, and the fruit will take a long time to ripen.

Purple Strawberry tomatoes should be fertilized 3-4 times per season. The first feeding should be done a week after planting the seedlings in their permanent location. The second feeding should be done 10 days later with phosphorus-containing and potassium fertilizers. The third feeding should be done during flowering and fruit set with a complete mineral complex. The fourth feeding should be done during fruit ripening with phosphorus-containing and potassium fertilizers.

The bush should be trained into two trunks. This will distribute the fruit load across the entire plant. Any remaining side shoots should be removed regularly, otherwise the yield will decline.

Reviews from those who planted the variety

Although the Purple Strawberry tomato is new and few have yet grown it, it has already won the hearts of gardeners, summer residents, and farmers. It is prized for its easy transportability, versatile use, excellent flavor, and exotic fruit color.