Description of the Khokhloma tomato and recommendations for growing the variety

The Khokhloma tomato is popular with gardeners and homesteaders. Farmers speak highly of it. The Gavrish agricultural firm produces the seeds. It's worth carefully studying the description of this tomato before planting it.

What is the Khokhloma tomato?

Characteristics and description of the variety:

1. The Khokhloma tomato variety is a non-hybrid, mid-season variety.
2. The ripening time for sprouted seedlings is about 3-4 months.
3. At the final stages of maturity, the plant can reach a height of about 2 m.
4. This variety requires careful care, including removing side shoots from the stems and tying the bush to ensure a higher yield.
5. The size of the leaves of this variety is no different from other varieties, but the color is slightly darker.
6. After the eighth leaf from the base of the stem, the first inflorescence forms. Subsequently, up to three ovaries develop.
7. One branch can bear up to 11 fruits, and once ripe, the fruits do not fall off.

This variety is distinguished by its elongated oval-shaped fruits, approximately 16 cm long. The tomatoes are smooth to the touch and red in color. Each fruit weighs approximately 120 g. When ripe, the fruit has a firm texture. Thanks to its elongated shape, this variety is ideal for both pickling and salads. Many homeowners remark, "I plant this variety specifically for canning for the winter."

With proper care, experienced agronomists can achieve yields of up to 10 kg per square meter. Khokhloma tomatoes are quite heat-loving plants, so it's important to consider the region's climate. However, don't be discouraged if the climate isn't suitable for the variety, as these tomatoes can easily be grown in a greenhouse.

Advantages of tomato:

1. The Khokhloma tomato produces fruit abundantly throughout the season.
2. With proper and regular care, this variety will produce a large harvest.
3. The amazing taste is also a plus.
4. The plant copes well with diseases such as fusarium and late blight.
5. The shelf life of the fruits is longer than that of many other varieties.
6. Thanks to their dense structure, Khokhloma tomatoes can be easily transported without losing their marketable appearance.

The only downside is the fruit's dense texture. Therefore, they're unlikely to be suitable for making tomato juice.

How to Grow Tomatoes

In harsh climates, tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse. In milder, more moderate climates, tomatoes can also be planted in garden beds. This variety requires staking and pinching. Seedlings are grown first. It's advisable to purchase soil from a store for this purpose. The seeds are planted at a depth of no more than 2 cm. The soil should always remain sufficiently moist.

The seedlings need to be kept warm. Once the seeds have sprouted, they can be pricked out. Allow at least two months to pass before planting them in open ground. Before planting, the soil must be thoroughly loosened and fertilized. Stove ash, humus, and sawdust are excellent fertilizers.

Timing of seedling planting is also important. Tomatoes are usually planted in a greenhouse in April, and in open beds in May. But first, it's important to ensure the soil has warmed to at least 14ºC.

The leaves growing underneath should be removed periodically. This method preserves nutrients for ripening tomatoes. Furthermore, when leaves come into contact with the soil, they pick up diseases that can significantly reduce future yields.

During cultivation, the plant requires periodic loosening, weeding, fertilizing, and watering of the soil. It is not recommended to use mineral supplements after fruiting.

Overuse may negatively impact crop yields through excessive green growth.

The harvest should be completed before the onset of cold weather, otherwise, fruits harvested after frost will be unsuitable for storage. The harvested fruits are placed in boxes on paper and sprinkled with sawdust. They are stored in a cool and warm room with proper ventilation and humidity no higher than 80%. Gardeners' reviews of this variety are generally positive. However, people note that anyone wanting to plant this tomato should first learn the proper growing practices.