Characteristics of the Honey Fingers F1 tomato and tips for growing the hybrid

The small-fruited yellow tomato variety, Honey Fingers F1, was developed by Russian breeders. It was added to the State Register of the Russian Federation relatively recently, in 2010. This hybrid tomato will grace any garden with its clusters of golden fruits, distinguished by their excellent taste.

Description of the variety

Honey Fingers tomatoes are mid-season. Ripe fruits can be harvested in 90-110 days.

Among the characteristics that distinguish this variety from other tomato varieties, the bush size is particularly notable. As an indeterminate plant, it can reach a height of 2 m. Tomatoes of this variety need to be tied to a support, side shoots that have grown 5-7 cm should be promptly removed, and shoots should be pinched.

The variety's characteristics and description in the state register include important information on growing this type of tomato. For example, seed producers recommend planting four plants per square meter, shaping them into one or two stems. If you decide to grow a two-stemmed plant, you should leave one side shoot growing above the first cluster, and remove all other shoots, including those located higher, by pinching.

Large bushes require sufficient light and nutrition through various fertilizers. With proper care, yields can reach up to 14 kg of tomatoes per square meter.

The Honey Fingers tomato has an elongated cylindrical shape. The fruits are medium-sized, weighing between 70 and 80 grams. Ripe tomatoes may have faint orange stripes on the skin. These tomatoes are good for pickling and canning. They are not suitable for ketchup or juice production.

When cut open, you'll see yellow, juicy flesh. Yellow tomatoes are characterized by their high sugar content, giving them a honey-like flavor.

Tips for sowing seedlings and subsequent transplanting

Mid-season varieties are planted from March 10th to 20th. Regional weather conditions will determine the best time to sow seeds.

Young tomatoes are transplanted into the main soil approximately two months after germination. They should have developed 5 to 7 true leaves. Honey Fingers seedlings require moderate watering once or twice a week. Fertilize the plants twice simultaneously with watering, using a liquid fertilizer specifically designed for vegetable seedlings.

Hybrid tomatoes can be grown outdoors in the southern regions of the country, while in the northern regions they thrive in greenhouses and under film shelters.

In the central part of Russia and Siberia, transplanting into the ground occurs in early June. Plants can be transferred to areas covered with plastic in mid- to late May. Young tomatoes can be planted in a greenhouse as early as late April.

In the first period after transplantation, young shoots need intensive watering and fertilization.

So, the first application of ammonium nitrate or herbal infusion is three weeks after the plants have been transplanted to their permanent location. By this time, the plants will have established roots, and the fertilizer will promote their growth. Further mineral fertilizer applications are administered during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Features of growing in greenhouse conditions

For those who have never planted tomatoes in a greenhouse, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

1. A week before the tomato plants bloom, place a large container (up to 100 liters) in the greenhouse. Fill it with herbs (about half full) and add water. The fermentation process will produce gas, which will positively impact pollination and the preservation of ovaries and flowers.
2. Plants should be watered in the morning, especially in the second half of summer, when nighttime temperatures drop. This watering system will prevent condensation from forming in the greenhouse, protecting tomato plants from diseases such as late blight and blossom-end rot.
3. An 8 or 10 cm layer of dry grass laid on top of the soil will protect against excess heat and retain moisture in the soil.
4. Starting in early July, remove the lower leaves from the bushes. This will relieve the strain on the bush.

Reviews from gardeners and vegetable growers contain many positive characteristics of the Honey Fingers variety; many gardeners strongly recommend growing yellow tomatoes.