Description of the mid-early tomato Ilya Muromets and cultivation techniques

The mid-early Ilya Muromets tomato, bred by Russian agrobiologists, is suitable for both open-field and greenhouse cultivation. Its large, bright yellow fruits boast excellent flavor and versatile culinary uses.

Advantages of the variety

The Ilya Muromets tomato is suitable for both open and protected field cultivation. This mid-season variety begins bearing fruit 95-108 days after germination.

Indeterminate bushes with a moderate amount of foliage reach a height of 200 cm in a greenhouse and 80 cm in open ground during the growing season. The leaves are medium-sized.

A plant with a strong trunk requires shaping, removal of excess shoots, and tying to a support.

Yield depends on growing conditions. When grown in a greenhouse, 10-11 kg of fruit can be harvested per square meter, while in open ground conditions, the yield per square meter is 6-8 kg.

The plant's flowers are simple, and each cluster bears 5-6 uniformly colored fruits, without a spot near the stalk. The tomatoes are round, uniform, and glossy, and of standard size.

Tomatoes weigh between 230 and 350 grams. Removing some of the ovaries can produce larger fruits. At technical maturity, tomatoes acquire a bright yellow color. The tomatoes have juicy, firm flesh with a rich flavor. The seed chambers are not clearly visible, and there are few seeds.

The inside of the fruit is almost orange. Tomatoes contain over 5% dry matter and 3.5-4% sugars. They retain their shape even when canned in slices.

In cooking, the fruits are used fresh, canned, and processed. They have a long shelf life and withstand long-distance transportation well.

The variety's characteristics and description indicate its resistance to a range of fungal and viral diseases. The tomato tolerates high soil and air temperatures well.

Agricultural technology for tomato cultivation

Growing the Ilya Muromets variety requires the same agronomic practices as other tomatoes. Fruit grown indoors is less flavorful. Tomatoes grown outdoors are distinguished by an intense aroma and a rich orange color.

The variety is grown using seedlings. Seeds are sown for seedlings 55-65 days before planting in their permanent location. Before planting, it is recommended to treat the seeds with a growth stimulant to boost the plant's immunity.

Fill the containers with potting mix or substrate, compact it lightly, and make furrows 1 cm deep. Place the seeds in these furrows, spacing them apart. After watering with warm water, cover the container with glass and leave it until the seedlings emerge.

After this, remove the cover and place the container in a well-lit area. Water as the top layer of soil dries. During the growing season, it's important to provide the seedlings with an optimal temperature and fertilize them with a complete fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

When two true leaves have formed, transplant the seedlings into individual containers. Peat pots can be used for this purpose, and the resulting seedlings are then transplanted to their permanent location in these pots.

When transplanting, you can discard weak plants. Tomatoes with one flower cluster formed are planted in the ground. The distance between plants should be 50 cm. It is recommended to plant four plants per square meter.

To increase the yield, the bushes are grown in 3-4 stems. To extend the growing season in open ground, portable shelters are used. They are installed in the spring during periods of low nighttime temperatures.

Care for the crop involves fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers, loosening the soil, and hilling. The Ilya Muromets tomato variety reacts negatively to excessive soil moisture.

For even water distribution, drip irrigation is recommended. Mulching can prevent the surface soil from drying out. For this purpose, use non-woven black fiber or organic materials.

Opinions and recommendations of vegetable growers

Reviews from those who have planted the Ilya Muromets variety attest to its positive characteristics. Vegetable growers note the plant's resistance to environmental conditions and diseases. Gardeners also point to the excellent taste of tomatoes grown outdoors.

Olga Prokhorova, 56 years old, Tomsk.

I've been growing Ilya Muromets tomatoes in my greenhouse for several seasons. I was drawn to the variety's description and the tomatoes' appearance. Although they're mostly used for salads, the whole family loves them. I primarily eat them fresh. Sometimes I preserve them in wedges, which retain their shape well during cooking.