Among the varietal assortment, the main part of large-fruited tomatoes belongs to the middle and late ripening periods. However, you can still get an early harvest of real giants by selecting the seeds or seedlings of the Early King, and you will learn the description and characteristics of this variety from the article.
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Description and characteristics of tomato King early
Before the technical ripeness of the fruit takes only 85-90 days since the emergence of sprouts above the ground surface. The plant is a determinant type with a height of about 50-70 cm, the branches and the main stem are powerful, which provides the bush with resistance during the fruiting period. Heavy tomatoes in mature form reach a weight of 300 grams, and some specimens up to 400 grams. The shape of the tomatoes is rounded flat. In general, the bush looks aesthetically pleasing: on a short sturdy lash, clusters of bright red color are placed. On average, 4.8-5.2 kg are removed from one bush. From meaty pulp, sauces and ketchups that are ideal for taste are obtained, the King of the Early Ones is used for fresh consumption.
Belonging to the type of stem indicates the self-regulation of growth and branching. This simplifies the care of plants.
The early king does not require pollination by insects; the flower includes both male and female organs. But experienced gardeners still advise to shake the branches of bushes during heavy rainfall or low temperatures during the flowering period (once every 3-4 days).
Other kings among tomatoes
Among other large-fruited tomatoes, the following varieties are distinguished: King of Kings, King of Giants, King of Large. They differ from the Grade King early, first of all, by maturity (mid-season). And other parameters are hard to confuse:
- the height of the bush is much higher (1.6 m on average);
- fruit weight reaches 500-800 grams and above;
- the plant needs shrub formation and garter;
- Some varieties (for example, the King of large ones) are recommended for growing in a greenhouse or under a film cover.
In order not to confuse the variety King Early with other large-fruited tomatoes, you need to be guided when choosing seeds for a short growing season (85-90 days).
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- King big
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- King of giants
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- King of Kings
Advantages and disadvantages
In order to briefly characterize the tomatoes, you can get acquainted with the advantages of the variety:
- a short growing season gives the opportunity to remove the fruit from the garden as early as June (or even since May with greenhouse cultivation);
- excellent taste does not limit the way vegetables are used;
- simple agrotechnology;
- strong plant immunity, ability to resist infections and viruses;
- due to the dense skin, the fruit maintains its presentation for a long time, which is valuable for transporting the crop;
- high yield.
The disadvantages include the need for regular preventive measures against diseases and pests, as well as the systematic introduction of feedings necessary for an intensively developing culture. On poor soil nutrients to collect a good harvest does not work.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Preparation of tanks with ground
Plastic containers, cassette containers, wooden boxes are used as tare. They must have drainage holes on the bottom so that the water does not stagnate in the ground when watering.
Fill the container with a light soil mixture, which includes:
- fertile soil;
- sand;
- peat;
- humus (compost).
You can also use a universal substrate. The soil used must be heated in the oven or sprinkled with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.
Landing
The seeding of the early King is planned for the month of March (from the 15th).If the seedlings are subsequently planted in a greenhouse, then the dates are postponed to the second half of February. Purchased seeds from an unverified seller should be disinfected. To do this, they are immersed for 10 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Seeding is done in a moist soil. On top of the seeds are slightly sprinkled with earth (0.8 mm). On top of the container is laid out glass or film. In this form, the container is placed in a warm room for germination (at least 18 °). On the 5th-8th day shoots will appear, the capacities are rearranged to well-lit places where there are no drafts. After another 5 days, they begin to moisten the soil by spraying, without touching the green part of the sprouts. After the formation of 2 leaves seedlings dive.
Transplantation of tomatoes in open ground
In the open ground, seedlings of the early King Planned to be planted in May (in the greenhouse, the term is shifted to the month of April). In this case, seedlings must reach the age of 60-65 days.
The planting pattern is used standard for plants of the determinant type. The interval between the bushes in a row is 50-70 cm, the aisle is 0.7-1 m. If someone finds this option too wasteful,then the location of the holes can be planned at a distance of 45-55 cm with a 60 cm row spacing, but such a scheme will require more careful care: you must more often stepon-bed, as well as apply fertilizer.
Grade care after transplanting
Watering
After the formation of inflorescences regularity increases to 2-3 times a week. Irrigation water is used at room temperature. Shrubs are best watered at the root in the evening.
Top dressing
Intensive growth of tomatoes requires regular supplements, at least 1 time in 10 days. The first procedure is carried out 2 weeks after planting the seedlings (infusion of mullein or bird droppings). Repeated feeding include the use of both organic and mineral substances. Most often, nitrophosphate is chosen as food (60 grams per bucket of water).
Loosening and weeding
10 days after planting, the first weeding is carried out, which is repeated at least twice over the growing season. At the same time it is loosening. In order to slow the growth of weeds and reduce the number of weeds, it is recommended to mulch the beds. This layer will help prevent drying out of the soil.
Shrub formation
Determinant cultures do not stepchild more often, but this rule does not apply to the early King. Emerging shoots of future branches need to be regulated, otherwise a spreading plant will not pull a heavy crop. And the fruits will not be large. As the first brushes mature, the lowermost leaves break off partially. If poor development of the bush is noticed, it is necessary to normalize the ovaries, removing excess flowers.
When caring for tomatoes, do not repeat the mistakes of other gardeners. Among the frequently repeated:
- non-observance of the interval between the holes during planting (thickened beds are more likely to invade pests and create a favorable environment for the development of fungi);
- violation of the irrigation regime (cracking of fruits is formed, yellowness appears on the leaves);
- uneven color of fruits with greenish and pale spots (lack of potassium in the soil);
- intensive development of tops and poor ovary formation (oversupply of nitrogen fertilizers).
Diseases and their prevention
The early king has a strong immunity, but to protect against diseases and pests, it is necessary to observe the regime of daylight, watering, the introduction of fertilizing. Also, do not forget about prophylactic treatments that increase plant resistance to the development of fungus.
With increased soil moisture and air, the plant is exposed to various fungal and bacterial diseases: late blight, gray and white rot, root rot, etc. When identifying the first signs, the culture should be processed using the following preparations:
- Profit Gold;
- Bordeaux mixture;
- Abiga-Pik;
- Fitoverm and other means.
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- Fitoverm
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- Profit Gold
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- Bordeaux mixture
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- Actellic
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- Abigapik
The most dangerous for tomatoes are: whitefly, spider mite and slugs. As a preventive measure, beds are sprinkled with wood ash, sprayed with infusions of wormwood or onion peel extract. However, such methods need to be changed when detecting parasites or their metabolic products. Among the most popular:
- Aktara;
- Actellic;
- Fitoderm;
- Iskra-Bio et al.
To grow a large-fruited tomato on your plot is quite realistic if you follow all the rules of agricultural engineering. A huge role in agrotechnology is played by preventive measures preventing plant damage by diseases and pests.