Description of the aromatic Bells of Russia tomato and recommendations for growing the variety

The Bells of Russia tomato has gained popularity due to its flavor, high yield, and ease of care. It also has many other advantages.

What is the Bells of Russia tomato?

Characteristics and description of the Bells of Russia variety:

1. Bells of Russia tomatoes are listed in the State Register of the Russian Federation for cultivation in open ground in home gardens. They can also be planted in greenhouses and grown on loggias.
2. This early ripening and sweet variety is ideal for canning and pickling.
3. The Russian Bells tomato is a determinate variety, meaning it has limited growth. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall. The stems are upright. The medium-sized leaves are light green.

Vegetable growers have received positive reviews of this tomato. Those who have planted the Bells of Russia variety note that the bushes take on a decorative shape and can enhance any garden. This variety looks especially impressive when the fruit is ripening.

The fruits themselves are usually pear-shaped and neat. The color is pink. The flesh is aromatic, juicy, and sweet. Unripe green tomatoes have a slightly tart flavor. Each fruit weighs 50-60 g. A similar variety, the Golden Bells of Russia tomato, produces fruits of a rich golden yellow color.

Advantages of the variety:

1. It is possible to plant tomatoes both in open ground and in greenhouses, on verandas or balconies.
2. High yield (despite the small size, gardeners harvest 3 kg of tomatoes from 1 m², which contains 3 bushes).
3. Excellent taste and a high content of useful substances and vitamins in the fruits.
4. Tomatoes have a convenient shape and size. They are suitable for pickling whole. They can also be dried.
5. The plant is resistant to diseases.
6. The Bells of Russia tomatoes, Common and Golden, are easy to care for and don't require much in terms of weather conditions.

Disadvantages of the variety:

1. Plot owners should pinch out side shoots from their bushes, meaning remove any lateral shoots emerging from the leaf axils. This procedure is repeated every 1.5 weeks.
2. Tomatoes thrive in rich soil. The growing site should be fertilized with humus. Tomatoes thrive in organic matter and mineral fertilizers. Experts advise gardeners to generously use ash for fertilizing.

How to grow tomatoes?

Bells of Russia tomatoes should be grown from seedlings. Seedlings are planted in the second half of March to early April. Before planting, the seeds are visually inspected and any defective ones are removed. Experienced gardeners first soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution for 15 minutes, which helps protect the seedlings from diseases.

The seedlings are placed on moistened soil. Next, the seeds are covered with potting mix and covered with a plastic bag or cling film. After a few leaves appear, the plants are transplanted into separate containers and fed.

Gardeners harden off seedlings. To do this, the elongated stems are briefly exposed to fresh air. This is especially important before planting, so the plants can acclimate to the outdoors.

Seedlings are planted in May. Warm weather is key. Soil temperatures should be at least 14ºC. It's best to plant 3-4 plants per square meter. This will ensure the plants are comfortable and prevent the greenhouse or garden bed from becoming overgrown.

After 20 days, begin fertilizing the tomatoes. In addition to manure and water, mineral fertilizers are used. Tomatoes love potassium and phosphorus.

Weed the bushes as needed. Water with warm water. Remove excess side shoots every 1.5-2 weeks.

Avoid allowing shoots to grow too large. This will negatively impact yield.

Stems and branches are usually tied up. This is done when the fruit on the bushes begins to ripen.

Those who have grown this variety recommend picking tomatoes unripe and allowing them to ripen indoors. This method will increase the yield, as new tomatoes will grow in place of the old ones. Tomatoes can be stored for quite a long time without losing their flavor.

Homemakers love this variety not only for its abundant harvest but also for the variety of winter preserves it offers. Bells of Russia tomatoes are perfect for traditional pickles, such as appetizers, assorted dishes, adjika, caviar, and more. They can be canned or frozen whole. Furthermore, these tasty fruits are perfect for fresh salads.