Mid-season, high-yielding and unusual in shape "Casanova" tomato: reviews of farmers and advice on growing
The Casanova tomato is winning the hearts of gardeners across the country. Not only does it grow amazingly beautiful, but the taste of the vegetable is sweet and juicy. It is difficult to imagine that previously all tomatoes were considered poisonous. Today, various dishes are prepared from tomatoes, including the Casanova variety. Consider how to grow a good harvest of Casanova tomatoes on your site.
The content of the article
Description of the variety
The variety is indeterminate and high-yielding. Casanova is recommended to grow in the greenhouse, especially in central Russia. The vegetable is sown in March, the first fruits ripen in early July. Summer residents harvest the best harvest when a bush is formed into 2 stems.
Distinctive features
Tomato bushes are not limited in growth, so the plant needs to be tied up. On average, the height of one bush is about 2 m. They grow branched, with dense foliage. The root system is developing powerful. The best predecessors are pumpkin or legumes. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes after potatoes or peppers.
Characteristics of tomatoes, productivity
The shape of the tomato is elongated, outwardly resembles a small banana or zucchini. The average length is about 20 cm. The peel is glossy, moderately dense, so tomatoes are stored for a long time. One fruit weighs about 180-200 g. Up to 5 tomatoes are tied on a hand.
Casanova has a deep red color, classic aroma. There are practically no seeds. Casanova has a sweet taste, not watery. The commercial qualities are maintained even after long-distance transportation. From 1 sq. m harvested about 12 kg of ripe tomatoes.
How to grow seedlings
The variety is planted mainly in seedlings. So it is easier for seedlings to take root in the ground. Seedlings are planted about 50-60 days before planting in the ground.
Seed preparation
Experienced gardeners advise purchase seeds from the store, so the likelihood of contamination of the crop with infections is much less... It is recommended to purchase seed only from trusted sellers, avoiding accidental purchases.
To begin with, the seeds are disinfected. The easiest way is to spread the seeds out in the sun for a week. The sun's rays will warm the seeds well and destroy dangerous bacteria on their surface.
Then seed germinate. To do this, place them in a damp gauze bag and put them in a warm place. Germination shows the percentage of seed germination, helps them develop a strong immunity to diseases and insects.
Capacity and soil
Any clean and dry small container is suitable for seedlings. If there is no special container, plastic cups, for example, will do. The most successful option is peat pots. They are available, made from environmentally friendly materials, and have excellent moisture retention. When transplanting, seedlings can be planted directly in pots.
It is better to buy soil for seedlings at a gardening store. The finished formulations are pre-disinfected and safe, enriched with vitamins and correspond to the required acidity level.
The most popular seedling mix is the Universal soil. It is sold in packages of 500 g or 1 kg.
Sowing
It is better to start the sowing procedure in the morning. Pour soil into the container and make small pits about 1-2 cm deep in it.Place a seed in each hole and cover it with earth on top. Do not forget to water the ground with warm, settled water after sowing.
Growing and care
Grow your seedlings in the warmest and lightest place in your home, such as a windowsill. The optimum temperature is at least 22 degrees. Sprouts love a lot of light. If it is not enough, arrange additional illumination with fluorescent lamps. Avoid drafts as plants can get sick.
Important! Never pour cold tap water on Casanova. This is a direct threat to the health and growth of the bushes.
Water the seedlings every 7-9 days. Be extremely careful, do not overmoisten the soil. It is better to use a regular pipette for watering - with its help, moisture will fall directly under the root, bypassing the still not matured shoots.
After 1-2 weeks, the seedlings are fertilized. Alternate between mineral and organic feeding... Tomatoes are very fond of ammonium nitrate, saline solution, liquid bird droppings, nettle infusion. Also, it will not be superfluous to use growth stimulants, for example, "Fitosporin +". The drug saturates the sprouts with macro- and microelements, provides a rich harvest in the future.
How to grow tomatoes
Tomatoes are planted in early July. Casanova is picky about the composition of the soil, so give the tomato a spacious and nutritious plot of land. Be sure to disinfect the ground before planting. A solution of potassium permanganate is suitable for this. Water the beds with it, thereby protecting the bushes from insect pests.
Landing
The optimal distance between the Casanova bushes should be at least 50 cm. The plant is powerful, the bushes should not interfere with each other. After planting, a wooden peg should be installed near each bush. It is necessary for the future garter of the plant to the support. Otherwise, the stems and brushes may break under the weight of the ripe tomatoes.
Important! If several varieties of tomatoes grow on the site at once, place a sign near each with the name of the tomato and the date of planting to take into account all the nuances of care.
Care
Caring for the Casanova variety consists in observing the following agricultural rules:
- Loosen the beds every week. This technique helps the plant get more oxygen. Loosening is especially important before watering and fertilizing.
- Weed removal. They live in tomato beds and live off vegetables. Remove weeds every 10 days. If the summer was rainy and foggy, then more often.
- Regular watering. When watering bushes, try to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves. High humidity increases the risk of developing fungal diseases. The optimum water temperature should be at least 18 degrees. On average, one bush takes about 0.5 liters of water.
- Fertilization. Tomatoes love nitrogen-containing substances, so use urea or saltpeter as top dressing. This is especially true during flowering and fruiting. Observe the exact dosage - an excess of nitrogen is harmful to tomatoes.
- If Casanova grows in a greenhouse, do not forget to ventilate the structure. To do this, simply open doors or vents.
Features of cultivation and possible difficulties
Casanova variety needs the obligatory formation of a bush... Most often, Casanova is formed into 1-2 stems, the lateral ones are removed. About 7-10 brushes are left on the main stem, and the top is pinched to stop the growth of the bush. With this formation, the development of tomatoes is accelerated by 1-2 weeks. The risk of plant disease is also reduced as the stem and leaves are lifted off the ground.
Another important stage in the formation is the removal of stepchildren. This is especially important for the northern regions. Vegetables need to have time to ripen in a short time, and for this the load on the bush should not be very large. A large number of stepchildren and leaves leads to excessive planting density.
Diseases and pests
Casanova is resistant to many diseases, but sometimes due to external factors or inaccuracies in care, they appear. First of all, be wary phytophthora. This is the most common fungus that is almost impossible to get rid of. It appears as brown and brown spots on the leaves. If the disease is not treated, the bushes will dry up and die. Fungal spores can be stored in soil, seeds, remnants of old plants, which is why it is so important to disinfect the soil.
"Relative" of phytophthora - septoria - also affects stems and leaves. Small white blotches on the leaf plate help to recognize septoria. In order to prevent the appearance of fungi, treat the tomato beds with soapy water. It creates a protective barrier on the sheet surface.
Of insects should be wary of whitefly, bear, spider mite and aphids... Pests eat either plant roots, stems or fruits. To prevent this, even at the planting stage, treat the bushes with Bordeaux liquid.
The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse
When growing Casanova in a greenhouse, it is better to treat not only the earth with potassium permanganate before planting, but also hard surfaces inside the structure. Also watch the watering regime. If summers are hot and rainy, cut them down. Pay attention to the appearance of the bushes, at the first signs of illness, take action immediately.
When planting a crop in open ground, avoid the presence of groundwater near it. It is also better if the vegetables grow in a calm place. Ideal neighbors for tomatoes are legumes, garlic, onions, herbs. If the summer is cold and rainy, cover the tomatoes with plastic wrap. As soon as the weather returns to normal, remove the film.
Harvesting and application of the crop
Collect Casanova as it ripens. Pick the tomatoes carefully, without harming other fruits and stems. The good thing about this variety is that tomatoes can ripen on their own after being removed.
The fruiting period is long, so you can enjoy fresh vegetables for a long time.
Tomato is used in cooking: they prepare soups, side dishes or salads. Vegetables contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals, they are indispensable for proper and dietary nutrition.
Housewives also use Casanova in preparations for the winter. Pickled and canned tomatoes do not lose their beneficial properties after processing.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Like other varieties, Casanova has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are:
- original appearance;
- great taste;
- the ability to grow in different climatic conditions;
- versatility in application;
- immunity to disease;
- utility.
Of the shortcomings, gardeners emphasize the need to form a bush and exactingness on the composition of the soil.
Farmers reviews
There is no unequivocal opinion among gardeners about the Casanova variety. Some consider it very attractive and tasty, while others point out some disadvantages.
Alena, Penza: “I am a big fan of unusual tomatoes. In addition to the original appearance, I appreciate the Casanova variety for its excellent taste. I make snacks and salads from vegetables, and I also prepare tomato juice. "
Elena, Tyumen: “I heard about the Casanova variety quite recently. I planted it on my site, and it turned out that it is an unpretentious and beautiful variety. The bushes are tall, but neat. Tied up to pegs, it did not cause problems. I put the grade firm "5".
Maxim, Moscow: “I'm a big fan of indeterminate varieties, but Casanova was not very impressed with me. Clusters were poorly formed, tomatoes were tied slowly. They taste no different from most common varieties. "
Conclusion
Scientists have proven that tomato has excellent mood-enhancing properties because it contains serotonin. Therefore, many vegetable growers grow a variety of tomatoes in their garden.
The Casanova variety is unpretentious in care, resistant to diseases and pleases with a good harvest.