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In the sea of a stunning variety of modern tomato varieties, their names play the role of both a guide and, at the same time, an advertising beacon that attracts the attention of inexperienced tomato lovers. For example, the Scarlet Mustang tomato can no longer be of interest to its name alone. On the other hand, the tomato really justifies its name to some extent, with its strength and density evoking associations with a strong and muscular wild mustang.
Scarlet Mustang tomatoes, the description and characteristics of which are presented in this article, appeared relatively recently, but have already gained fame as a promising variety for cultivation.
Description of the variety
Scarlet Mustang tomatoes were bred by the famous breeders Dederko V.N. and Postnikova O.V. in the 10s of this century. In 2014, the variety was officially registered in the State Register of the Russian Federation for cultivation in all regions of Russia.
This variety can be safely attributed to indeterminate tomatoes, that is, to have no growth restrictions.
Naturally, like all indeterminate varieties, the tomato needs pinching, shaping and regular tying as it grows. Most often it is formed into two stems.
Despite the fact that it is possible to grow the Scarlet Mustang tomato both outdoors and indoors, the best results, according to gardeners, are obtained when planting it in greenhouses. In the open field, a good harvest can be obtained only in the southern regions, with sufficient heat and sun.
The bushes are quite strong, but there are few leaves on them, which allows the fruits to receive the necessary amount of sunlight even in conditions of minimal lighting. Tomatoes of this variety are distinguished by a powerful root system, which allows them to tolerate a relative lack of moisture. But when growing seedlings, this fact must be taken into account, after picking, providing each plant with a container for optimal development of the root system, with a volume of at least one liter.
The inflorescence of tomatoes is simple, the first cluster is usually formed after 7-8 leaves. Up to 6-7 fruits can be present in one cluster.
In terms of ripening, the variety belongs to the medium early, tomatoes begin to ripen 110-116 days after full shoots appear. Thus, the dates for harvesting tomatoes of this variety are most often at the end of July - August.
The yield of tomatoes of this variety is largely determined by the growing conditions and care. It is quite picky about agricultural technology, therefore, on average, the yield per bush is about 2-3 kg.
At the same time, the marketability of the harvested fruits, that is, the percentage of the number of tomatoes, according to their external characteristics, suitable for sale from all harvested fruits, is about 97%.
The originators did not declare any special data on the resistance of the Scarlet Mustang tomato to diseases. But judging by the reviews of gardeners, this variety of tomatoes tolerates many misfortunes in the form of numerous diseases and pests.
But, tomatoes of this variety are bad for prolonged exposure to low temperatures. In conditions of insufficient heat, they may show not the highest results in terms of yield.
Fruit characteristics
Scarlet Mustang tomatoes have a rather original appearance.It is not enough that in shape they resemble sweet peppers, and they can be extended in length up to 20-25 cm, and the tip of each tomato ends with an expressive spout. Their surface is smooth and slightly ribbed. Tomatoes of this variety still have incredibly dense pulp and no less dense skin. By the way, it is for this reason that they are positioned, first of all, as a variety that is most suitable for conservation. As they completely retain their beautiful unique shape in the cans and do not burst. In addition, with a fleshy, strong pulp, they are very tasty in pickles and salted.
Of course, the thick skin does not make these tomatoes ideal for use in salads, although the taste of the fruit itself is rated by professional tasters at 5 points on a five-point scale. The dense flesh makes Scarlet Mustang tomatoes ideal for drying and drying, but you probably won't get tomato juice from these fruits.
When unripe, tomatoes have a light green hue, while as they ripen, the fruits acquire a bright red-raspberry color.
In size, the fruits can be small and medium, the mass of one tomato is usually about 100 grams, it will be 15-18 cm long, but with good care, the fruits often reach 200-230 grams, and they stretch up to 25 cm in length. the seeds are enclosed in three chambers.
Due to its properties, Scarlet Mustang tomatoes are ideally suited for transportation over long distances, so it makes sense for farmers to take a closer look at this variety.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the variety include the following facts:
- Tomatoes of this variety are resistant to many diseases and pests characteristic of the nightshade family.
- The variety is characterized by a high yield, however, this requires some effort.
- Scarlet Mustang tomatoes, along with attractive taste characteristics, have good keeping quality and transportability.
There are also disadvantages of this tomato variety:
- Low resistance to low air temperatures;
- Comparative exactingness to care, without which you will not get a decent harvest.
Growing features
For growing tomatoes of this variety, a seedling period is required, even when sown in the southern regions. Seeds are sown in small trays about 60 days before the expected date of planting seedlings in a greenhouse or on an open bed. Immediately after germination, it is important to increase the lighting of the seedlings to the maximum and at the same time to reduce the temperature of the plants keeping at least a few degrees. These conditions will serve as the key to the formation of strong and squat, well-rooted seedlings.
After the appearance of the first two true leaves, young tomato plants must be cut open - each transplanted into a separate container. Given the formation of a powerful root system in tomato bushes over time, it is advisable to transfer the plants several times together with a lump of earth into large pots before planting in the ground in a permanent place.
For each square meter of beds, no more than 3-4 Scarlet Mustang tomato bushes are planted. The bushes must immediately be tied up and then formed into two trunks, periodically cutting off all unnecessary stepsons.
Top dressing and watering throughout the season form the basis of regular tomato care. Mulching plantings with straw or rotted plant residues can greatly facilitate your work to combat weeds and will make loosening the soil unnecessary.
Reviews of gardeners
Despite the relative novelty of the variety, many gardeners have already become interested in the Scarlet Mustang tomato and settled it on their plots.
Conclusion
The Scarlet Mustang tomato is excellent for pickling, pickling and other preparations, although many people also enjoy using it in salads. Plus, it will delight you with disease resistance and even yield if you give it a little more of your usual attention.
