Content:
Nowadays, it is already difficult to surprise someone with exotic vegetables, on the counters of markets and shops there is an abundance of fruits of agricultural activity that are ordinary in appearance and peculiar. But still, many are accustomed to the fruits of tomatoes of the usual color in the garden or vegetable garden. However, there are a number of dark fruit varieties, one of which is called the Black Prince. This is a very popular and demanded type of tomato. Why gardeners like them so much, what are their characteristics, is agricultural technology complicated - this article will highlight all these points.
Variety history
The variety is by no means a novelty among the wide variety of tomatoes. He came to us from China, as a result of crossing wild and red tomatoes. It was allowed to grow on the territory of Russia at the very beginning of the 21st century. The tomato is recommended for planting in moderate climatic conditions.
Description of the variety
It will take 3-4 months from the moment of germination and you can start harvesting the Black Prince. It has a decently high bush size, its stems must be tied up, as well as the brushes, otherwise they break under the weight of the fruits, the weight of each of which under good conditions can be about 500 g.
These tomatoes are great in salads, tomato juices, all kinds of ketchups and lecho, as well as sauces for the winter. They have a bright, rich taste. The variety has an exotic look due to the color that it received from the coloring agent - anthocyanin, so it will be unusually beautiful on the table when sliced.
The Black Prince tomato is an indeterminate plant and has no end point for its growth. Therefore, it must be pinched so that the nutrients go, first of all, for the development of the fruits. Usually the bush grows up to one and a half meters, less often up to 2 m.
In contrast, if you look at the description of the Prince Bai tomato and the peculiarities of its cultivation, you can see that this variety reaches only 60-80 cm in height and is suitable for planting under film or in pots, has small fruits - only 10 g. Black Prince grows better outdoors. Tomato Yellow Prince differs from Prince Black, respectively, in the color of the fruit.
Tomatoes have a bristly stem, persistent, with 6-8 clusters. The root system develops well, it can grow by more than 50 cm.For this reason, the distance between plantings is left at 60 cm.
Black Prince tomatoes are a medium late variety, harvested at the very end of July. The fruiting process is extended, it is possible to pluck tomatoes from the bush for a long time, up to the first frost.
Tomatoes are round and regular, in some cases they can be pointed at the tip. They are fleshy and smell good.
They are not quite suitable for storage for a long time, as well as for transportation. When processed, their black color leaves, and they become the usual red hue.
Agrotechnics
Seeds of domestic producers adapted to weather conditions in Russia are more recommended for sowing. Seed material of foreign production attracts by the appearance of the seeds, but later some problems may arise due to its inability to the climate.
There are 2 types of seeds on the shelves:
- Those that are already disinfected and coated with the necessary nutrients;
- Ordinary seeds that you need to prepare for planting yourself.
Seeds are prepared for planting according to the following algorithm:
- Several strips about 20 cm long are cut from a regular bandage.You can use gauze, 10-15 cm wide;
- One piece of bandage or gauze is placed on the bottom of the plate and some of the seeds are placed on it. After that, cover with another one, put the seeds and put the cloth again, and so on. It turns out a kind of sandwich, the main thing is that the seeds do not fall on each other;
- Manganese is diluted to a weak consistency, to a pale pink color, and poured into a plate so as to completely cover the seeds. Potassium permanganate is drained after 20 minutes, and the seeds in the fabric are washed under water;
- Then the seeds are poured with a growth stimulant, which is not necessary and is done by choice, they act according to the attached instructions.
How to prepare the soil
Black Prince tomatoes do not like soil with high acidity. If peppers, tomatoes or eggplants grew in the place where they are supposed to be planted, it is better to fertilize the land with limestone.
Seedling growth and planting
Seeds are planted in a container with pre-heated soil, to a depth of 2 cm, the same distance is left between the shoots. Cover for faster and better development with glass or polyethylene. The cover is removed when they see that the seeds have sprouted.
The seedlings are ready for planting after about 50-70 days, their height should be up to 35 cm. The overgrown bush may then not take root in the garden. When disembarking, they are guided by suitable weather conditions.
This variety grows well both in the greenhouse and in the open field. In the latter case, you need to monitor watering, since in the strong sun the leaves of the plant can dry out.
After planting, there should be abundant watering, it is very desirable immediately with a special bait. After that, mulching is carried out with dry foliage or sawdust.
Description of some of the intricacies of care:
- The plant needs to be tied up because it has rather large fruits and can break;
- Watering the Black Prince at the very root quite often or constructing a drip irrigation system;
- With frequent loosening of the soil, the tomatoes will be more fleshy.
Diseases of the variety
Prevention, such as disinfection of seed, helps with many diseases. With the help of a solution of copper sulfate, they prevent the development of late blight, ash helps against brown spot, spraying with potassium permanganate prevents tobacco mosaic.
Advantages and disadvantages
The variety is considered to be good in many ways:
- Good productivity;
- Unpretentious when growing;
- Excellent taste and interesting appearance;
- Large fruits;
- Easy care.
The disadvantages include:
- They lie poorly during storage;
- It doesn't matter if they are transported.
The fruits of the Black Prince tomatoes will please all family members. Growing them is not too difficult, the result is worth it.