Characteristics and description of the tomato "Duckling"

This variety received its interesting name because it prefers plenty of moisture. This tomato is characterized by its low bushes and juicy fruits. The variety was developed by Russian breeders. These tomatoes have medicinal properties. This variety has found its way into baby food.

The value of the fruits is that they contain a large amount of beta-carotene, and this substance is of great benefit to our body.

Characteristics of tomato

The bushes have a standard, low-growing form. Plant height ranges from 55 to 70 cm. However, when grown in a plastic greenhouse, some specimens can reach up to 1 m. The leaves on the bushes are sparse and richly green. The plant does not require staking or pinching.

This variety is also undemanding to temperature conditions and can grow even in regions with fairly cold climates.

Suitable for growing in greenhouses and open beds, the variety is resistant to late blight and other diseases that affect tomatoes. This is due to the tomato's high immunity. Highly fertile soil should be chosen for growing the Utenok variety.

Fruit characteristics

Tomatoes of this variety are oval-shaped with a small beak at the edge. From a distance, they resemble a heart. The average fruit weight is 60-85 g. They are suitable for both fresh consumption and whole pickling. The fruits transport well, even over long distances, without losing their appearance. They also store well.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety:

• Compact bush. Thanks to this feature, Utenok doesn't take up too much space, yet still produces excellent yields;
• friendly ripening of fruits;
• Tomatoes are used for medicinal purposes;
• has excellent immunity, making it resistant to diseases that affect tomatoes;
• Apart from abundant and frequent watering, it is undemanding in terms of care, so even beginners can grow healthy tomatoes.

The only drawback that can be noted is that the plant does not produce a very high yield per bush.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

Sow seeds for seedlings in early April. First, prepare the soil. You can add fertilizer to the soil from your garden. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1.5-2 cm. Then cover the container with plastic wrap and leave it there until the first shoots appear.

After this, the boxes are moved to the brightest windowsill, or additional lighting is provided using lamps.

Also, don't overwater the seedlings. Even if the top layer of soil is dry, it may still be quite moist inside the container.

Even if the sun is shining brightly, avoid over-watering the soil. This is because the sun will set in the evening, leaving the young seedlings exposed to cold and moisture overnight.

It's important to remember that watering should be moderate. The first watering of seedlings should be done approximately seven days later.

Don't forget about drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

When the first true leaves appear on the plants, they should be pricked out. The tomatoes should be transplanted into a larger container, preferably a separate one. This will help the plants grow stronger and gain strength.

Fertilizing seedlings

The first feeding should be done 2-3 weeks after the first shoots appear, and then every seven days. The feeding schedule should be tailored to your individual needs, depending on the quality of the soil.

If you care for the seedlings correctly, then by the end of the second week, you will have a strong, stocky, bright green plant.

Plants are planted in open beds in mid-June. Caring for the Duckling involves timely, generous watering, loosening the soil, and clearing the bed of weeds and pests. The plant is resistant to all diseases, but despite this, the soil should be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Utenok is an early-ripening variety; its first harvest is collected 101 days after the sprouts appear.

Possible problems

Despite all its positive characteristics, growing this variety can present some challenges. This is because every gardener has their own planting method, as well as different soil composition in each plot.

One such problem can be flower and ovary drop. When grown in a greenhouse, this can be caused by insufficient ventilation.

To eliminate this cause, you should open the doors and vents in the greenhouse immediately after watering.

To summarize, this variety has proven itself to be excellent and has become very popular among gardeners. Children love the fruits, and thanks to their yellow color, they look wonderful in a jar during the winter.

Reviews

Irina, 43 years old

All I can say about this variety is that it's wonderful. It's proven itself in garden plots. My children really liked the tomatoes. I also liked the way they looked in the jar.

Olga, 61 years old

I first encountered the Duckling in 2009. I planted it in an open bed under jars. I also covered the seedlings with plastic film. I removed both the film and the jars for the day. Then, in mid-May, it snowed unexpectedly. So I didn't remove the plastic film. But a gust of wind blew open my greenhouse, and some of the bushes froze. Despite this, they produced side shoots and delighted me with their fruiting. Overall, I liked the Duckling.

Victoria, 46 years old

I've been growing this variety for several years now. The plant thrives in the garden. The fruits store well and are delicious.