A bright early tomato with large fruits - the "King of the Market" tomato and the secrets of its cultivation from experienced gardeners
Every enthusiastic summer resident and professional farmer knows that correctly bred and proven hybrids are always a winning option.
Seedlings of such plants appear evenly and in large quantities, which provides increased productivity. They benefit more effectively from the conditions in which they find themselves, be it climate, soil type or humidity. Hybrids are much more resistant to disease and pests and are self-pollinated - two more valuable benefits if you grow your vegetables in greenhouses. And hybrid varieties look much nicer than their "pure" counterparts. However, they must be chosen wisely.
In this article, we will give a full description of one of the most interesting tomato hybrids of Russian origin with the enticing name King of the Market. Is this strain really as good as it was called?
The content of the article
Tomato King of the Market - a complete review of the variety
The King of the Market variety was developed by Russian breeders in the early 2000s. Initially, it was developed for the needs of industrial production, therefore, first of all, the tomato gained popularity in the large market. However, soon his positive qualities were noted by ordinary farmers.
He fell in love with many professional gardeners and summer residents, causing them a large number of positive reviews, and the originator - an incentive for the selection of new hybrids specifically for owners of small gardens.
Since the launch of the first King of the Market, this series has expanded significantly and now has 13 officially registered representatives. Although the new varieties differ from their progenitor, in general all tomatoes of this variety have similar properties.
Distinctive features
Most varieties of the variety are classified as hybrids for open ground - 9 out of 13 tomatoes of the King of the Market variety determinant.
The exception is four indeterminate varieties: Pink King of the market # 8, King-Giant # 9, King of Salting # 11 and King of Honey # 12. They are suitable for planting both in the open field and in greenhouses.
Photos of varieties of the King of the market:
In determinant tomatoes of this type, the bush is undersized and slightly stretches upward. The growth stage is quickly completed with a flower brush. Such a bush grows up to a maximum of 100 cm. The Indians, however, reach up to 1.5 m in height.
In both subspecies, the bush forms two stems during the growth process. They grow strong and thick, but, nevertheless, they still need to be tied up due to the abundance and severity of the fruit.
According to professional breeders, tomatoes of the King of the F1 market have the following advantages:
- grow well in arid climates;
- tolerate sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity without problems;
- resistance to the main complex of tomato diseases and cracking;
- rarely become the object of interest of pests;
- uniform and abundant harvest on all bushes;
- suitable for consumption both fresh and processed;
- thanks to the dense skin, they are well tolerated during transportation and storage.
Of the shortcomings, gardeners from outside the southern regions emit increased heat-lovingness - such tomatoes sprout more slowly and tie brushes in the middle lane, but it is not recommended to grow them in the northern regions.
Many summer residents find a minus in the fact that the "kings" cannot be preserved as a whole due to their large fruits... However, they are gladly used for drying, barrel or tub salting.
Fruit characteristics and yield
Almost all fruits of the Market King are visually similar. In appearance, all representatives of this variety are perfectly flat and smooth. The palatability of the fruit, starting with the King of the market No. 4, has been improved, so later hybrids are distinguished by a sweet taste and aroma, as well as a juicy and firm pulp.
When ripe, tomatoes acquire a bright red color, have a rounded, slightly elongated shape. Tomatoes of other colors were specially bred in the series - the Pink King of the market # 8 and the Orange King of the market # 13. Obvious differences in shape are observed between the King of the Market No. 2 and the King of Salting No. 11 - they have it cylindrical, similar to cream.
As for the mass of fruits, on average, it varies from 180 to 300 g. The varieties King of the Market No. 7 and King Gigant No. 9 stand out from the general picture with the mass of fruits 400-600 and 400-1000 g, respectively.
The yield of the Kings of the Market among other hybrids is average - from 9 to 13 kg per 1 m². The average fruit yield per bush is extremely high - 92%.
Photos of unusual varieties of the King of the Market variety:
How to grow seedlings
Tomatoes of this variety are mainly grown in seedlings, if we are not talking about using them exclusively with further processing.
Seed preparation
In order not to be upset by empty pots and not leave free space in the beds, check and select the seeds in advance. The easiest way to do this is to immerse them in a saline solution (1 teaspoon per glass), stir for 1-2 minutes and leave for another 10. Remove the seeds that have floated to the surface of the water, and rinse the rest and dry well in the open air. ...
Capacity and soil
For seedlings, both classic containers and modern small home greenhouses are perfect, as well as eco-friendly peat pots, which are more convenient for further transplanting into the ground. The soil must be slightly loose and well fertilized. Choose conventional mineral fertilizers as top dressing.
Sowing
Plant the seeds to a depth of 2-3 cm by the end of March or the beginning of April. Late boarding may result in that the tomatoes will not have time to ripen, especially if you have chosen a mid-season or mid-late type.
Growing and care
Apply the first groundbait two weeks after planting, for a successful result, repeat the procedure up to 2-3 times. Loosen and water the soil abundantly, but don't overdo it. You can also additionally lay mulch on the seedlings in the form of newspapers or used paper, periodically turning it over to avoid discussion.
How to grow tomato varieties King of the market
Due to the excellent characteristics and properties of the hybrid, the King of the Market can grow it by anyone, even a novice gardener, if he adheres to simple rules for planting and caring.
Landing in the ground
It is better to plant seedlings in the ground by the end of spring - early summer, when the soil will no longer freeze at night. One square meter is planted from 3 to 5 plants. The planting interval is best known from the recommendations on the seed packaging of the King of the Market variety of your choice. Usually it is 40 by 50-70 cm.
Care
Hybrids of this variety do not like abundant watering, but it is not worth overdrying the soil even in temperate climatic zones. Weed and loosen the soil as needed, remove excess stepchildren and tie up the stems.
In addition, the variety readily responds to complex feeding. With this care, the bushes are formed more accurate and give a generous harvest. The taste is also noticeably improved.
Features of cultivation and possible difficulties
To form beautiful bushes of tomatoes of this beautiful variety, immediately after the first flowers appear on the first formed tomato cluster and the formation of two stepsons, break off the least powerful of them with your hands. Sprinkle the plant every 10-12 days in warm sunny weather in the morning or afternoon.
If you don't have enough bushes, you can also grow two-stemmed tomatoes. Then just leave the stepson over the first brush, then tie him up separately and grow further, carefully monitoring the condition of the bush.
Features of the formation of tomato bushes of determinant type:
Diseases and pests
Please note that the normal color of ripening fruits is light green without stripes or spots. If yours is different, check the plants for diseases or pests... Typical diseases for the King of the Market are Alternaria and Bacterial Spot. For prevention, feed the bushes with fertilizers containing copper and nitrogen.
No matter how good this tomato variety is, the pests will still want to gather for the fragrant smell of the fruit. Near the King of the market, a bear, slugs or Colorado beetles are often seen.
Purchase in advance the necessary preparations for the Colorado potato beetle and bear in case of their sudden appearance. At the first signs of slugs, spray the plants with a solution of black pepper or mustard (1 tablespoon per 1 m²). If you notice a bear, you need to thoroughly weed the ground before spraying.
The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse
Growing tomatoes outdoors is much more dangerous in terms of the likelihood of pests. Therefore, do not forget to inspect them and the soil surrounding the plants often.
When growing in greenhouses, maintain the correct microclimate and remember that this strain is not accustomed to excessive watering and high humidity. Also leave plenty of space for the Kings of the Market in a well-lit area of the greenhouse - this will make the bushes more spreading and can bear more fruit.
Important!Do not leave the greenhouse closed in summer in bright sun or heat - tomatoes should be ventilated constantly. Doors in greenhouse they are closed only in rainy weather or when the air temperature is below 12 degrees.
Harvesting and application of the crop
Early and mid-ripening varieties of King of the Market tomatoes are harvested in July-August, depending on the region of cultivation and the type of tomato. Productivity is maintained until autumn frosts.
Tomatoes King of the Market from # 5 are best suited for fresh consumption in salads. They make delicious tomato juice, in which both sweetness and sourness are evenly felt. Tomatoes are also dried, salted and pickled in barrels.
Important!As with other hybrids, it is better not to use seeds from already grown tomatoes of the King of the Market variety for planting. Their yield and other beneficial properties will drop markedly.
Other varieties with similar names
There are several varieties on the market with similar names, with which the King of the Market is often confused if not familiar enough with him. However, other types of tomatoes are in no way similar to the "true" King.
For example, the Korolev market variety was developed and tested in cold Siberian conditions. The average bush of this hybrid is twice as tall as the Market King. Its yield reaches 18 kg per 1 m², and the fruits themselves are large, flattened and weigh up to 900 g. This is an excellent replacement for the King of the Market for the northern regions of the country.
Other "royal" tomatoes - the King of Siberia are orange, oblong in shape with a fruit weight of up to 700 g. Unlike the King of the market, they are resistant to Alternaria.
Photo of tomato varieties Golden King, Market Queen and King of Siberia:
Farmers reviews
Tomato variety The King of the Market still collects extremely positive reviews from summer residents, owners of their own personal plot and professional farmers.Many note its high yield, but in the middle lane it is advised to additionally fertilize and process from late blight.
Here are some of the reviews:
Alexander Smirnov, Sochi: “I live in sunny Sochi, I have known about these tomatoes for a long time. I usually plant 2-3 species from this series. I prefer Market King # 5 for juice, Salting King for twists and Rose Market King for salads. The king of salting with sourness, the rest are sweeter. Tomatoes do not crack, are beautiful and without stains. Sometimes when there is nowhere to put them, and my daughter arrives, I give them to her in boxes. Or I sell it on the market. They are among the first to buy up, the demand is great. "
Olga Vershinina, Penza: “Giant King # 9 has become my favorite variety of large-fruited tomatoes. He has an amazing yield, about 1.5-2 times better than the varieties that I sowed before. I have been planting them for the second year in ordinary plastic pots. I keep it under a phytolamp, water it once a week and feed it - the sprouts sprout very well. Then in the second week of June I transplant it to the beds. I plant in a square-nesting way, so I often don't have to water. They still grow and give a lot of tasty tomatoes. A wonderful variety! "
Tatiana Savenko, Kirov: “I have two greenhouses, and every year I am looking for new delicious varieties of tomatoes. I love to eat them fresh. That year she chose the Orange King of the market for herself. These tomatoes are delicious, dense, super-yielding, and most importantly, they are hardy and don't get sick! This summer I will try to plant it outdoors, I think it will have the same good result. "
Vladimir Grachev, Magnitogorsk: “Our summer is not very warm, the average temperature is about 20. The King of Honey planted a tomato in a greenhouse, the seedlings were vigorous, almost all the seeds appeared to appear. At first the bushes grew slowly, but then they got stronger. The taste turned out to be really honey, so sweet. I used all the juice to spin - I made tomatoes in my own juice. I would rather twist these tomatoes, but they are very large, they don't even fit in a three-liter bottle. "
Conclusion
The series of hybrid varieties of tomatoes King of the market is diverse, gives a stable and rich harvest, does not require special cultivation skills and specific care. This hybrid reveals its best sides in warm climates, but it can grow in the middle lane without losing its relevance. Each farmer will be able to choose a variety of this amazing crop suitable for his garden.