Raspberry Potato Tomato: Variety Characteristics, Reviews, Photos

The "Potato Raspberry" tomato variety is the result of the hard work of Russian breeders. It is distributed by the online store "Siberian Garden." The variety was developed in 1999 and received state registration only a year later. Based on feedback from experienced gardeners, this tomato variety has become very popular.

Looking at the photo, it's clear that the leaves of this plant and the potato are identical in appearance. As a result, the breeders at the Siberian Garden named these tomatoes "Potato Raspberry."

Plant characteristics

The bush grows from 1 to 1.2 meters in height. Each plant produces rich green leaves. The fruits are large and fleshy, turning crimson when ripe. Each tomato weighs 600 to 800 grams. Each cluster of this plant produces 3 to 6 tomatoes, meaning a single bush can yield 4-6 kilograms. The fruits have a rich, sugary flavor.

These tomatoes are ideal for fresh consumption, juice, sauces, and winter preserves. The harvested crop has a short shelf life. Fruits of this variety are not suitable for long-distance transportation.

Germination of seeds

Seeds are sown two months before planting. The optimal temperature for germination is 23–25°C.

Stages of work:

• To soak the seeds, use a saline solution (dissolve 1 spoon of salt in 1 liter of water), all seeds that float to the surface should be removed;
• Before planting, 3-5 days before, you need to disinfect in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide for half an hour and dry;
• to reduce the growing season to 75 days, pre-soak the seeds in a growth stimulator solution or aloe juice;
• You can germinate the seeds before planting, as this will make it easier to care for the plant.

Growing seedlings

Tomatoes are planted in a sunny, well-heated location. When planting seedlings, typically 2-3 plants are spaced per square meter. This arrangement is considered optimal for high yields (up to 18 kg). This variety is considered mid-season, and it typically takes 100-105 days from planting to full ripening.

Stages of seedling care:

1. To form additional roots, the seedlings are transplanted into pots with soil 5 cm deeper than the previous containers.
2. Water with warm water in the evening, as the soil dries out.
3. From time to time the soil is loosened.
4. Weeds are removed as they grow.
5. Spray the plant frequently.
6. Fertilizers are applied 4-5 times per season, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers.

The bush is identificate and standard. Each plant requires several supports and tied branches. This is done to prevent the plant from breaking under the weight of the fruit and the force of the wind.

The 'Potato Raspberry' variety of tomatoes is grown in greenhouses and open ground in the south of the country.

Caring for the crop

The "Potato Raspberry" tomato variety requires watering twice a week. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to plant diseases and root rot. If the soil isn't moist enough, all the calcium from the fruit is transferred to the shoots. As a result, the bush grows larger, but tomatoes rarely produce any fruit.

Plants need to be thinned out regularly. To improve light penetration, remove lower leaves and support the fruit clusters with forks. You can also expose the plant to sunlight by staking the branches. Doing this will help the fruit ripen earlier.

To obtain a high yield of this variety, regular fertilization is carried out:

1. Add crushed eggshells and a small amount of Epsom salt when planting.
2. Fertilizers based on seaweed and fish emulsion.
3. Regular fertilization with compost is carried out.
4. To ensure better ripening of the fruit, spray with an iodine solution. Add 25–30 drops of iodine tincture to a bucket of water. This solution can be applied to an area of ​​1–2 square meters. This spraying also helps the plant develop protective properties against the spread of late blight.

Mulching

To ensure good plant development and fruit formation, mulching is essential. Mulching creates a protective layer of various types of mulch on the soil surface.

The advantages of using this technique in growing varietal tomatoes:

1. Allows you to reduce the amount of watering.
2. Improves the structure and physical characteristics of the soil.
3. Inhibits weed growth.
4. Protects against pests.
5. Promotes the development of beneficial soil microflora.
6. Prevents the development of certain types of diseases.
7. Increases crop yield.

There are two types of mulch:

• inorganic;
• organic.

The first type includes polyethylene and non-woven materials. The second type includes organic substances:

• crushed leaves;
• plucked weeds;
• bark;
• compost;
• straw;
• branches;
• sawdust;
• hay.

Hilling tomatoes

Many farmers debate the topic: "Is it necessary to hill up tomatoes?" You must decide for yourself what is best.

Advantages of hilling:

• the soil is well saturated with oxygen;
• the formation of additional roots improves, meaning the root system becomes stronger;
• In the furrows that are formed after applying this process, water accumulates after irrigation and is retained for a long time.

Susceptibility to diseases

Experienced gardeners report that fruit rot is a common disease of this species. All infected fruit should be removed, and nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be reduced. Treating the plants with "Hom" is recommended.

To combat mole crickets and slugs, which primarily infest the central part of the country, treatment with special products is an effective method. For subsequent protection of plants from pests, folk remedies are used. For example, scattering crushed nut shells or eggshells around plants creates a barrier to insects.

Like other hybrids, this variety is often susceptible to late blight. To preserve the harvest, preventative measures are necessary to protect the plant from this disease. For example, you can spray the bushes with a medicinal mixture. Mix 50 grams of grated laundry soap (liquid soap can be substituted) with the same amount of washing soda and add it to a 10-liter bucket of water.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive qualities of this type:

• the variety is safe for allergy sufferers;
• the fruits are quite large in size;
• the taste is excellent;
• used for eating both fresh and for winter preparations;
• I grow in open and closed ground;
• the variety is resistant to diseases;
• simultaneous ripening;
• big harvest.

Disadvantages were also noted:

• a large root system needs a lot of space;
• it is necessary to form bushes;
• It is possible to obtain large harvests in open ground in warm regions, while in cool climates they are grown in greenhouses;
• have a short shelf life;
• low transportability;
• require careful maintenance.

Harvesting and storage

This variety has a significant advantage over other tomato varieties: the fruits ripen at the same time. This allows for faster harvesting. After harvesting, tomatoes are recommended to be consumed fresh immediately to enjoy their full flavor. Unripe tomatoes can be picked if frost threatens. They will ripen on a windowsill.

Before storing, the fruit should be thoroughly washed and dried. Unfortunately, this variety does not store well.

Reviews from gardeners

Irina Kuzminichna, 71 years old. Saratov region:

"I've been growing this tomato variety for a long time and never cease to be delighted. The yield is always greater than expected. The taste is perfect. Many of my neighbors at my dacha have also started growing the 'Potato Raspberry' variety."

Vera Alekseevna, 52 years old. Stavropol region village Soldato-Alexandrovskoye:

"I tried planting this tomato variety from seedlings my daughter bought at the market. I never believed the ads, but it was a miracle. The fruits grew beautifully, fleshy, pink-crimson. Eating them in a salad is a real pleasure. I'll definitely be planting this variety again next season."

https://youtu.be/O3D1P75Z6ig

Considering all of the above, this variety is well suited for experienced gardeners! Those new to gardening might want to try another tomato variety that's easier to care for. However, if you're confident in your abilities, you can grow this capricious plant. It will, in turn, reward you with a bountiful harvest!