Characteristics and description of the Sprut tomato variety, yield and cultivation

Anyone involved in gardening has heard of the tomato tree with the wondrous name "Sprut." It's more than just an unusual variety. Just one look at this marvel and you'll see that the "Sprut" tomato lives up to its name. It can be grown in a garden bed or a greenhouse, and it has its advantages and disadvantages. But everyone agrees on one thing: this miracle tomato tree is something unique.

Description and main characteristics of the variety

Rumors of an unusual plant have haunted gardeners for decades. Some have tried growing a tree laden with clusters of tomatoes in their gardens, and most often they were disappointed: the result was nothing like it.

In fact, we're dealing with a common hybrid. The distinctive characteristic of the Sprut F1 tomato is its impressive growth vigor.

The tomato tree has another name – Tamarillo.

The variety was developed in the 1970s and 1980s. It is believed that Japanese breeders created this miracle. In any case, it was in the Land of the Rising Sun that all the first experiments in cultivating tomato trees were conducted.

The hybrid became widespread in Russia at the beginning of this century. The Octopus tomato has the following characteristics:

• late-ripening;
• cluster type (up to 6 fruits in a bunch);
• indeterminate, which must be limited in growth mechanically, that is, by removing the top at a certain height;
• yield – up to 8 kilograms per bush in open ground;
• increased heat resistance;
• ability to be stored for a long time.

The fruits of the Octopus tomato have excellent taste.

The pros and cons of unusual tomatoes

This unique plant, as expected, has its undeniable advantages. But it's not without its drawbacks.

Advantages:

• high-yielding variety;
• the fruits are sweet;
• easy to care for;
• drought-resistant;
• Stores well and for a long time.

Flaws:

• have to pick them when they are brown and leave them to ripen at home;
• the seeds from these tomatoes are not suitable for further sowing;
• Without intensive fertilizing it is impossible to achieve high yields.

Tomato varieties Sprut F1

The main variety of tomato, Sprut F1 (actually Sprut F1), and its varieties have become widespread among gardeners and vegetable growers in Russia.

Octopus Plum F1

Oval fruits of a bright red, sometimes orange, color. Not particularly large, with 6-7 fruits per cluster. Tomato tree Can reach a height of 2.2 meters. Its fruits ripen in 101-110 days. Ripe tomatoes can be stored for up to 1.5 months.

Octopus Cherry F1

Red or raspberry-colored "ball" tomatoes (these varieties have also been bred). They are prized for their early maturity (100-105 days) and excellent yield: up to 9 kilograms per square meter. They grow to a height of 1.6-1.8 meters. These neat cherry tomatoes are used to decorate holiday dishes, for appetizers, and are also suitable for canning.

Special technologies for growing tomato trees

You may have heard of hybrids with truly incredible dimensions – the Octopus tomato, which is almost five meters tall, with a crown spreading over 50 square meters, and yields 1,500 kilograms of delicious tomatoes from each tree.

If you think this is an exaggeration, you're wrong. Similar results are possible.

Create special conditions for the Octopus tomato and strictly adhere to the special growing technology:

1. You may live in the very south of Russia. But even here, growing such a miracle in a single summer season is impossible. Therefore, in winter, a greenhouse is essential. Moreover, it needs to be heated and well-lit.
2. Hydroponics is often used in the cultivation of the Octopus tomato.

In open ground

When growing the Sprut tomato outdoors, it's important to understand that its full potential can only be realized in areas south of Rostov-on-Don or, at a pinch, Voronezh. It's a good idea to build a sturdy, voluminous trellis in the beds to tie the growing shoots to it.

Growing seedlings

It is better to avoid experiments here and strictly follow the instructions.

Seed preparation

It's best to germinate the Octopus tomato seeds before sowing. To do this, spread a paper towel on a plate and moisten it with warm water. Now you can lay out the seeds. Once finished, carefully cover them with the remaining part of the towel. Covering the plate is preferable. You can use a plastic bag. Leave in a warm place, adding warm water periodically to prevent the towel from drying out. In just 3-5 days, the seeds will germinate.

Soil preparation

It's recommended to select a sunny area for the garden bed, sheltered from the wind. The soil should be fertilized with a prepared substrate or compost.

Planting seeds

Purchase planting material only from a store and sow tomato octopus seeds no later than February. In southern regions, gardeners plant them directly into the soil. While the seeds are germinating, heating and lighting are essential to protect the seedlings from possible nighttime cold snaps and maintain a comfortable temperature of +20 to +25°C. At the final stage, the seedlings are transplanted into larger containers.

Planting seedlings

This is recommended on hot days in May and June, when the air temperature has warmed up to 25°C. By this time, the seedlings will have reached 15-20 centimeters and 5-7 leaves. The seedlings are planted at a distance of one and a half meters from each other.

Preparing the site

As mentioned above, this place should be light and protected from the wind.

Soil preparation

The octopus tomato requires soil rich in humus acids. If this isn't available, simply fertilize the soil with compost or special soil from the store labeled "For tomatoes." Alternatively, you can make your own: mix equal parts turf, river sand (clay), and peat.

Planting

To do this, you'll need small holes, up to 20 centimeters deep. Place the Octopus tomato seedlings in these holes, keeping their lower leaves above the soil. Pinching the plant's main root will encourage branching.

Features of growing in greenhouses

Few people succeed in growing tomatoes that ripen so late in Russia's climate. Greenhouse conditions allow a single plant to produce 12-15 buckets of tomatoes during the warm season.

Hybrid seeds are sown for seedlings in January, preferably in the first half or middle of the month. It's best to disinfect the soil. Temperatures from the moment seedlings emerge should be maintained between +20°C and +25°C.

And plenty of light—up to 14-15 hours a day. This is crucial. For the first couple of weeks, the seedlings need to be illuminated 24/7. To ensure the root system of the Sprut tomato develops fully, it is recommended to transplant them into a container at least one liter long. This should be done three weeks after the seedlings emerge.

Water moderately. Fertilize with vermicompost every 10 days. Before planting in the greenhouse, raise the beds and insulate them with compost. Remove the four bottom leaves of the transplanted seedlings, and plant them 15 centimeters deep in the soil. Fertilize the planting hole with humus and wood ash.

The Octopus tomato plant doesn't need any side shoots at all. This is the key to achieving significant yields. Rows of wire are strung across the greenhouse ceiling. All the side shoots, including their trusses and ovaries, are tied to these wires.

And with the onset of hot summer days, it is necessary to arrange ventilation in the greenhouse so that air can reach the tomato tree.

How to grow at home?

Growing this miracle tree in your own garden requires a great deal of effort. Providing it with a spacious greenhouse isn't enough. It requires the gardener to create specific conditions, cultivate this unusual tomato, and care for it, strictly following the recommendations. Then, a true Octopus tomato will reward you with its bright red fruits.

Peculiarities of caring for a tomato tree

To hope for good results in the future, a gardener must strictly follow certain rules.

Working with soil

Hydroponics is often used when growing tomato plants. The soil is covered with a lid-like structure with a hole left for the trunk. This lid is often made of polystyrene foam. This prevents the root system from drying out and overheating. Withered and old leaves are usually removed immediately.

Fertilizing and watering

The octopus tomato requires abundant and regular watering—at least three times a week. This can be combined with organic or mineral fertilizers.

Pinching out stepsons

The Sprut tomato should be pinched regularly. Otherwise, the plant will grow up to three meters in height per season. Avoid pinching out any side shoots unless you want to kill the plant.

Potential problems encountered by gardeners

Proper planting and care of tomato seeds is not enough to ensure a good harvest. The octopus tomato is considered relatively disease-resistant, although it is not immune to them, nor to pests.

Pests and methods of control

A real threat to tomato pests are insects that carry viruses to the fruit. This is their main danger. The best means of control and prevention are insecticide sprays.

Gardeners will have to contend with caterpillars. They cause the most damage. They are usually simply removed by hand. Aphids also attack Sprut tomatoes. The best way to combat them is with a solution of laundry soap and cayenne pepper.

Diseases and their prevention

Late blight is the most common fungal disease affecting tomatoes. It causes stems and foliage to turn brown. Treatment:

• solutions – kefir, salt, garlic, ash and others;
• chemical preparations Quadris, Aliette or Antracol.

Plant rot

One common problem is rot. It can affect the entire plant. The simplest and most obvious signs are damage to the root system, spreading across the entire surface as brown spots. It can even appear as a result of improper watering.

To prevent this, the wood is treated with a special solution.

Harvesting

As soon as you notice the fruits turning red, they're ready to harvest. Windowsills are an excellent ripening spot. They'll ripen there in 10-14 days. Before picking, it's best to feel the Octopus tomatoes—they should feel slightly firm.

Reviews from housewives and farmers

Those who have planted the Sprut tomato on their land have had excellent opinions of it. Housewives also appreciated the fruits of this miracle tree. They keep well and are suitable for any kind of preserves. The Sprut tomato is a unique result of selective breeding. Since its introduction, this hybrid variety has generated considerable interest among farmers, gardeners, and summer residents with a penchant for various curiosities.

There are those who don't believe such a crop exists. They've heard almost fantastical stories about the incredible size of a tomato tree. But there are gardeners who have managed to grow this miracle in their plots and even enjoyed a bountiful harvest.

You can do it too. Patience and love for your craft – and a luxurious plant will become the highlight of your greenhouse, and juicy and delicious tomatoes – your table.