Characteristics and description of the tomato variety Babushkin Secret, yield and cultivation

Breeders amaze us with their discoveries and the emergence of new varieties and hybrids every year. Just recently, they developed a new tomato – Babushkin Sekret. This indeterminate variety boasts impressive characteristics. It grows not only in greenhouses, as is typical for such varieties, but also in the ground. It produces large fruits and is resistant to diseases and pests.

Description of the plant

The Babushkin Secret, or Babushkin Knot, variety was developed by a Siberian breeder. These tomatoes have only been grown for ten years, but they have already won the hearts of many gardeners. They should not be confused with the Babushkin Gift F1 and Babushkina Radosh hybrids.

Indeterminate tomatoes are grown both outdoors and indoors. During growth, they require pinching off one or two side shoots. They stretch indefinitely, so gardeners pinch off the 8th or 9th bunch to ensure ripening.

Bushes

This indeterminate variety grows to a height of 2 meters or more. Pinching is required to control growth. The stem is tied to a trellis.

Tomatoes have a strong root system. However, the roots don't go deep, but spread out. The stems are strong, and the leaves are not drooping.

Fruit

Large fruits. Weight ranges from 300 to 800 grams. Some of them weigh up to one kilogram. The tomato's shape is irregular.

The skin is thin, turning a reddish-pink when ripe. The surface is ribbed. The flesh is a rich pink and fleshy. Compared to other varieties, the seed cells are small—3-4.

Characteristics of the variety

Babushkin Sekret tomatoes have a number of positive characteristics: large fruits, high yields; they are used fresh and for pickling; and they are highly disease-resistant.

Yield of the Grandma's Secret tomato

The average tomato yield per bush ranges from 3 to 8 kilograms. Under favorable conditions, it can reach 10 to 16 kilograms.

Application of fruits

Ripe tomatoes are used in salads and eaten fresh. Due to their large size, cut tomatoes are canned for the winter. They are also used to make adjika and paste. They are also pickled in barrels.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Tomatoes are highly resistant to pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, late blight, and mosaic. However, this is only possible if proper cultivation practices are followed: the plants are not overcrowded, humidity levels are maintained, weeds are removed, and pest prevention measures are taken.

The Pros and Cons of Grandma's Secret

Pros: high yield, easy to transport over long distances, excellent flavor. Also, dense, sugary flesh, long-lasting fruiting.

Disadvantages: The large fruits make it impossible to preserve them whole in jars. This disadvantage is more of an advantage when considering fresh consumption.

Another drawback is the short shelf life. Fruits can also crack when they're very ripe. This can be caused by improper care.

How to grow tomatoes?

Tomatoes are grown from seedlings and then planted in greenhouses, hotbeds, and open ground.

Planting seedlings

Planting material is sown 60-65 days before planting. This is due to the length of time it takes for the fruit to ripen:

1. Prepare the soil: sand, turf, and humus. Disinfect with hot water and potassium permanganate.
2. The seeds are soaked for 2 days in a solution containing potassium permanganate, Epin and Zircon.
3. Planting material is sown with a step of 2 centimeters, depth – 2.
4. The box is covered with glass and placed in a room with a temperature of 25 degrees.
5. As soon as the seedlings emerge, remove the glass and move the container to a cool place (up to 16 degrees Celsius). Otherwise, the seedlings will stretch.

Picking

When two true leaves appear, the seedlings are pricked out. Individual pots are prepared. To ensure the seedlings establish well in the soil, it is best to use peat pots. Transplant carefully to avoid damaging the root system.

Two weeks before planting in the greenhouse, harden off the plants. On the first day, take the cups outside for 30 minutes during the day. This can be an unheated veranda. Seedlings are very sensitive to drafts and wind. Increase the time spent outside each day. Five days before planting, the seedlings should be left outdoors continuously.

Tomato transplant

At this stage, you need to decide whether you'll grow tomatoes in single or double stems. For the first option, plant four seedlings per square meter. For the second, plant three.

Fertilizer is added to the soil and watered with hot water containing potassium permanganate to prevent diseases and pests. Each bush is tied to a trellis.

Post-planting care

It is important not to forget to take care of the seedlings: water them, feed them, and fight them if diseases or pests appear.

Watering

Seedlings in open ground and greenhouses are watered regularly. The soil moisture should be monitored; it shouldn't be wet. After watering, loosen the soil. Straw is used as mulch – this will prevent weeds from growing and reduce the need for watering. When the first clusters appear, the lower leaves are gradually removed.

Top dressing

Fertilizer is applied 20 days after planting. Use Nitrophoska: 1 teaspoon per 10 liters of water. After 10 days, apply mineral fertilizer and bird droppings. The third feeding is done 12 days later. Apply mineral fertilizer. Foliar feeding is important for tomatoes.

Diseases

Babushkin Sekret tomatoes are disease-resistant, but sometimes they become infected with late blight. They are treated with Fitosporin and Zaslon.

Pests

Whiteflies are a dangerous pest for tomatoes. Antikhrushch (Anti-Cherish) is used to combat them.

Storage and collection

Harvesting begins 110 days after germination. Outdoor harvesting takes two weeks. To prevent late blight, it's best to pick the fruit when it's brown. They'll keep well indoors.

Babushkin Secret tomatoes quickly lose their attractive appearance, so storing them for long periods is not recommended. Their dense flesh allows them to be transported over long distances. The Babushkin Secret variety is not grown commercially.

Reviews from experienced gardeners

According to reviews from experienced gardeners, with proper care—watering and disease prevention—Babushkin Sekret tomatoes yield up to 10 kilograms per bush. Each fruit weighs up to 800 grams. They are mid-late in ripening time.Those who planted in open ground were delighted with the delicious fruits.