Description of the Hali-Gali tomato variety, its characteristics and yield

In 2003, thanks to Siberian breeders, the hybrid variety Hali-Gali f1, resistant to fungal infections, entered the market. The plants require little physical care and can be grown both in greenhouses and outdoors. The tomatoes ripen early. Today, many gardeners choose this variety for its positive qualities.

Description of the variety

The Hali-Gali tomato is an early-ripening variety. The tomatoes are round and have thick skin. Ripe tomatoes weigh an average of 150 grams. They are used for canning and preparing ready-made dishes. They have an amazing flavor.

The plants reach about 80–90 cm in height. The foliage of the medium-sized bushes is a rich, light shade. The yield directly depends on where the Hali-gali is planted: in a greenhouse (13 kilograms per 1 m²) or in the open air (9 kilograms per 1 m²). In greenhouse conditions, tomatoes ripen 2 weeks earlier.

These plants don't contain nectar in their flowers, so some gardeners pollinate them themselves, while others use various methods to attract bees. Hali-gali is recommended for growing in uncovered beds in the North Caucasus and southern Russia. Under plastic cover, this tomato variety can be planted in the following areas:

• Central Russia;
• Ural.
• Siberia.

Growing

Hali-gali is a hybrid, so seeds are only available in stores, as they cannot be harvested independently. A nutrient mixture is also required, which can be purchased or mixed at home.

First, you need to prepare the seedling containers. First, add drainage material (expanded clay), then a moist nutrient mixture. Dig holes in the containers and place the seeds in them.

The seedlings are covered with plastic and placed on a windowsill. It's important to meet all three conditions:

1. Heat. Initially, the temperature is maintained at 22–25°C, but after removing the film from the containers, it should be reduced to 17–19°C.
2. Light. April is a month with short daylight hours. To provide the seedlings with the necessary light, artificial lighting is needed.
3. Humidity. The soil needs to be monitored and the seedlings watered regularly.

Important! To ensure proper development of Hali-Gali tomatoes, it is recommended to accurately time the seeding, otherwise the plants will take a long time to establish themselves.

According to the instructions, seeds are sown 50-60 days before transplanting the seedlings to the garden plot. If tomatoes are planned to be grown under plastic, sowing begins 2-3 weeks earlier. Experts have determined the following favorable times for sowing:

• South of Russia - February 20 - March 15;
• Central Federal District - March 15 - April 1;
• Urals and Siberia – April 1–15.

Tomatoes of this variety require fertile soil and a well-drained area. Avoid planting Hali-gali in the same spot where tomatoes were grown last year, as diseases tend to be soil-borne. It's a plus if legumes, greens, and root vegetables (except potatoes) were grown in the same area last summer.

Several different varieties can be planted in a single bed. The best time to plant seedlings in open areas is early June, when frost is no longer a threat. Under plastic, from May 10th to 15th. The best time to transplant plants is evening or a sunny day.

Leave 40 cm between seedlings and 50 cm between rows. Stems should be positioned vertically, with the growing point not buried. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Care Features

To ensure the highest yield from your Hali-Gali tomatoes, it's important to care for them. This includes:

1. Hilling should be done every 14 days after transplanting, 3-4 times in total.
2. Loosening around the roots to keep the soil soft and airy.
3. Watering should be abundant and infrequent.
4. Pinching out side shoots. Axillary inflorescences and lower leaves should be removed.
5. Fertilizing. The first application is made two weeks after planting, and the second application is made immediately after the second flower cluster begins to bloom.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive properties of Hali-gali tomatoes are as follows:

• good tolerance to low humidity, thanks to which the crop grows easily on balconies;
• resistance to air temperature fluctuations;
• contains a large amount of sugar, which will certainly appeal to many, even children;
• fruiting within 3 months.

Disadvantages include regular fertilization of plants and low yields.

Pests and diseases

The Hali-Gali variety is considered disease-resistant. To maintain this characteristic, regular care and good lighting are required.

But tomatoes are vulnerable to thrips and melon aphids. To combat them, experienced gardeners use a special pesticide called Zubr.

Growing tomatoes outdoors can lead to an infestation of Colorado potato beetles. To combat them, it is recommended to use Prestige.

Harvesting and storage

To ensure that the harvested crop is preserved for a long time, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

1. Use clean wooden boxes.
2. Place dry and whole tomatoes.
3. Cover with a lid without damaging the fruit.
4. Place containers with the harvest in uninhabited, cool, ventilated places.

Tomatoes of this variety have thick skin. This quality makes them ideal for long-distance transportation. They retain their flavor and attractive appearance for a long time.

Gardeners' reviews

Anastasia, Saratov:

"I only grow these tomatoes for pickling because their skin is too thick. They're not suitable for salads at all."

Vera, Novosibirsk:

"Decent tomatoes! I recommend them! I won't plant any other varieties anymore."

Taisiya, Chelyabinsk:

"Oh, the salesperson slipped me some seeds. I only noticed them when I got home. I decided to plant them and I haven't regretted it! I'll admit right away that I don't know how to prune out side-children and don't really understand the point. I liked that these tomatoes aren't susceptible to any diseases. I sprayed them a couple of times as a preventative measure and that was it. My kids and husband loved the taste, but we couldn't pickle them because they ate them."

Pavlina Semenovna, Ignatyevka village:

"I don't understand the rave reviews from those who planted them. They're just ordinary tomatoes, nothing more and nothing less."

Anna, Tver:

"I've been planting Hali-gali for seven years now, and you know, I love them! I chose them for their early ripening habit. They're the best variety! The yield is excellent! The flavor is superb! They're disease-resistant! They're great in salads and for preserves!"