Characteristics and description of the tomato "Klusha"

Tomatoes

Every summer resident, gardener, and farmer dreams of a bountiful tomato harvest with minimal effort. And this is possible with a tomato variety like Klusha.

Description of the variety and characteristics

Klusha is a mid-early tomato variety. It takes 90-95 days from germination to harvest. This variety is suitable for outdoor cultivation, but its compact size makes it suitable for growing on balconies, loggias, and windowsills. The bushes are standard, determinate, vigorous, and low, reaching 50 cm in height. They are heavily foliated and do not require pinching. Ovaries form in clusters of 5-8. A single bush can produce 2-3 clusters of fruit.

Important! Due to the compact size of the bush and the numerous ovaries in the cluster, it's still worth tying the bush to a small support. Otherwise, the bushes will break off under the weight of the harvest.

The fruits are round-flattened and bright red, weighing up to 150 grams. The surface is gently ribbed and glossy. The flesh is dense, juicy, and meaty. The interior of the tomato is divided into a few chambers containing a small number of seeds. The flavor is sweet, with a subtle tartness. The aroma is distinct.

The variety's yield depends on the planting location. In open ground and on balconies, it's slightly lower—1.5-1.8 kg per plant. In plastic shelters, it's higher—2-2.2 kg per plant.

This variety is versatile. Its compact fruit size makes it ideal for canning and delicious in fresh salads.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages of this variety are its small size and compactness. It also produces a very good yield. It doesn't require pinching. It is resistant to many tomato diseases. It can be grown in all regions of Russia. It is versatile in use. It has excellent taste and appearance. It is transportable and suitable for short-term storage. It is very easy to grow and care for.

No flaws were found in this variety, except for the large number of leaves.

Timing of planting seedlings

Seeds are sown for seedlings 50-60 days before planting in a permanent location. In central Russia, this is the first half of March.

Choose light and fertile soil for seedlings. A mixture of turf, sand, and humus works best. The seeds are planted 2 cm deep in moist soil. Cover with plastic wrap and store in a warm place. The optimal temperature for germination is 20-22 degrees Celsius. Once the first shoots appear, remove the plastic wrap and move the seedlings to a sunny windowsill or under artificial lighting.

Note! The peculiarity of the Klusha variety is that it does not stretch out or outgrow when grown as seedlings.

When the seedlings reach the 2-3 true leaf stage, transplant them. After transplanting, feed them with a complete mineral fertilizer. This will help them cope with stress more quickly.

Planting and caring for the variety

Plants are transplanted into open ground after the threat of further frost has passed. Seedlings with 7-8 true leaves are planted in closed or temporary shelters.

Choose a sunny, draft-free planting site. Prepare the soil in advance. Remove weeds, apply fertilizer, and dig.

For the seedlings, prepare 25 cm deep holes. They are spaced 20 cm apart, and the rows are spaced 15-17 cm apart. Place one large spoonful of grass or wood ash at the bottom of the hole. Then, place the tomato plant in the ash and cover with soil. Mulch the area around the plant with straw, wood chips, or chopped grass. This will help the seedlings establish themselves more quickly, preventing them from overheating during the day and cooling off at night. It will also serve as a cushion for the future harvest.

Watering is done daily at first. If mulching was used, water as the topsoil becomes aerated. Once the seedlings have established themselves, watering is reduced to twice a week. Watering resumes during fruit set, and during ripening, it is reduced again to once or twice a week.

The variety is very responsive to fertilizer. It's recommended to apply it 4-5 times per season. The first application is made after planting in its permanent location. The second application is made 20-25 days after the first. The third application is made during bud formation and flowering. The fourth application is made during fruit formation. The fifth application is made after the first harvest.

Note! When transplanting the variety to its permanent location, be sure to apply phosphorus-containing fertilizer. Since the Klusha variety is low-growing, it shouldn't be planted too deeply. Therefore, it's important to develop its root system well by adding phosphorus-containing fertilizers.

Reviews from gardeners and summer residents

Farmers and gardeners say this variety looks beautiful in their gardens. Despite its small stature, it impresses with its yield and fruit quality. Even four tomato plants can provide a family with fresh fruit for the entire season. It is quite drought-resistant. Homemakers also note this variety as excellent for canning. The skins do not crack at high temperatures, and the fruit remains intact in jars.