Characteristics and description of the Casanova tomato

Just 20 years ago, people planted whatever seeds they could find in the store, and the selection was naturally limited. Today, breeders have developed so many new varieties that gardeners are simply overwhelmed when choosing seeds.

The selection is quite extensive, and of course, each variety has its own characteristics and care requirements. You can choose the most suitable variety based on the planting region, ripening time, yield, and disease resistance.

Description

The Casanova tomato is a high-yielding variety, added to the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2017. With proper care, one square meter can yield up to 12 kg of delicious fruit. The bushes are indeterminate and tall, reaching up to two meters. The stem is robust and moderately foliated. The fruits are borne in clusters, each containing 4-6 tomatoes.

Tomatoes have an unusual elongated shape, forked at the end. They reach 20 centimeters in length and weigh between 150 and 200 grams. When ripe, they are bright red. The skin is quite dense, and the flesh is sweet and meaty, possessing the distinctive flavor typical of tomatoes.

This variety is recommended for greenhouse cultivation throughout the country, except in the southern regions. The tomatoes are eaten fresh, but they can also be frozen and preserved for the winter. They are even suitable for whole-fruit canning, as the skin does not crack during heat treatment.

Advantages

•         Interesting shape of fruits.
•         Attractive presentation.
•         Excellent taste.
•         Excellent yield performance.
•         Universal application.

Flaws

•         Labor-intensive plant care, including garters, removal of side shoots and regular fertilizing.
•         In central Russia, planting is done in greenhouses.

Diseases and weather resistance

Casanova loves light and warmth, but the bushes don't cope well with poor weather conditions. If pests do infest, control them as follows:

•         "Bazudin" will save you from wireworms.
•         A drug called "Thunder" will help get rid of the mole cricket.
•         Slaked lime added to the soil under the roots will kill slugs.
•         Using a drug such as Karbofos, spider mites are removed.

Preparing for sowing and planting seeds

Sow seeds on average 60 days before transplanting to a permanent location. You'll need containers at least 10 centimeters deep; regular wooden boxes will do. Prepare the soil in advance by mixing equal parts turf soil and compost; for best results, add peat and sawdust. Next, prepare the seeds, choosing the larger ones first. Soak them for 20 minutes in a disinfectant solution made from 1 g of manganese and 200 ml of water, then rinse. The day before planting, place the seeds on a damp cotton cloth.

They are planted in well-moistened soil, at a depth of approximately one centimeter, with at least 2 cm between seeds. After planting, the container is covered (clear glass or film is an option) and placed in a warm place. When the first sprouts emerge from the soil surface, the cover is removed and the container is moved to a windowsill. The seedlings should be grown at a temperature of +20°C to +23°C. Water the young plants with a spray bottle using warm water, but do this sparingly, every 5-7 days.

When the seedlings have developed two true leaves, they are pricked out. It's best to use 500 ml containers to allow room for root development. When the third leaf appears, they can begin fertilizing; "Agricola No. 3" is suitable for the first application. The second and third applications are carried out two weeks apart; a complex fertilizer solution can be used for these applications. To prepare it, dilute 1 tablespoon in 5 liters of water; 100 ml is sufficient for one plant. Ten days before planting, it's recommended to begin hardening off the seedlings by taking them outdoors daily, increasing the time spent outdoors each time.

Planting in a greenhouse or in beds

Since the soil in the greenhouse warms up much faster, seedlings are planted in it earlier, around the beginning of May. Soil Prepare the soil in the fall, fertilizing it with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers (30 grams of each per square meter). In the spring, apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers at a rate of 15 grams per square meter.

The readiness of seedlings for transplantation can be determined by the following criteria:

•         The presence of one flower brush.
•         Height 27-30 centimeters.
•         Shortened internodes.

The holes are dug at a distance of 50 centimeters, their depth should be approximately the same as the cup with the seedlings. For 1 m2 You shouldn't plant more than 4 bushes, this can reduce the yield.

Since tomatoes are tall and require support, you can install stakes in each hole or create a trellis. The plants also require training, typically leaving two stems and removing side shoots weekly. The Casanova variety is demanding in terms of moisture; water the plants at least twice a week, remembering to loosen the soil afterward.

For best results, feed plants with organic fertilizers (compost, bird droppings, eggshells) or minerals. To stimulate flowering, use a boric acid solution at a rate of 1 g per 5 liters of water.

Harvesting

Brown, almost ripe tomatoes can be picked and placed in boxes for further ripening. They should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area. It's best to layer each layer of tomatoes using straw. The fruits transport well and are easy to store. Tomatoes should be harvested before frost, otherwise they will freeze and spoil.

Conclusion

"Casanova" is a fairly productive variety, but it requires proper care; without it, its yields decline. Its versatility is also a huge plus. Once grown, every gardener will definitely plant it again.

Reviews

Ivan, 39 years old

I've lived indoors my whole life, and from a young age I helped my parents tend their garden. So, I've had over 30 years of experience. Of course, there wasn't such a wide variety of varieties back then, but still. I try to choose high-yielding varieties for myself, and last year, one of the new ones in my garden was "Casanova." It requires a lot of care, but its fruits are worth it; they're sweet and delicious, and can be preserved and eaten fresh. The yield is excellent, even exceeding 12 kg per square meter.

Alexey, 60 years old

This year I planted several new varieties, and they all performed well. I especially liked 'Casanova'; it tasted amazing, and the yield was excellent. I cared for it as usual: watered, tilled, fertilized, and, of course, tied up and pruned. I was pleased and will plant more.