Description of the early tomato Pink Pearl and growing instructions

The early-ripening Pink Pearl tomato was developed by Ukrainian breeders as a greenhouse and ground crop. This compact bush, covered with uniform fruits, can serve not only as a source of vegetables but also as a decorative addition to a loggia.

Description of the plant

This is a standard, determinate variety. The maximum height of the bush is 50-60 cm, and the root system is small. These characteristics allow tomatoes to be planted in containers of approximately 3-4 liters and grown outside. However, if you have your own garden, these compact tomatoes are used as an early variety with uniform ripening.

The plant is tolerant of low light. Mini tomatoes produce well in both sunny and shaded areas. Gardeners report that the fruit's flavor is not even affected. Like all modern tomato varieties, Pink Pearl is resistant to macrosporiosis and is virtually immune to late blight, as the main fruiting period ends before the fungus appears on the tomato plant.

Despite the small size of the bush and fruit, the plant produces quite a high yield. A single bush can yield up to 3.5 kg of tomatoes. With dense planting (5-6 bushes per square meter), gardeners can be quite satisfied with the return on their efforts. Each tomato weighs no more than 120 g, and the clusters are formed from 6-8 identical ovaries. The fruits from each branch ripen simultaneously. The first harvest occurs 85-90 days after germination.

Characteristics of fruits

The description of the Pink Pearl variety notes its beautiful, rich pink color with a pearlescent sheen. During the harvest season, the tomato plants are exceptionally decorative. But tomatoes are valued not only for their beautiful appearance, but also for their taste and other qualities.

The Pink Pearl tomato variety has very strong skin. This quality prevents the tomatoes from cracking during ripening, even during prolonged rainfall. They transport well and can be stored in a cool pantry for about two weeks.

The flesh is pink, firm, but not dry. The juicy and fleshy fruits contain 2-3 seed chambers with a small number of seeds. The pulp contains up to 5% dry matter, providing a rich aroma and a distinct, classic sweet and sour flavor.

These tomatoes are versatile. They're great eaten fresh, as they're among the first to appear on the table. A mixed-vegetable salad looks impressive and can even enhance a holiday table. Sliced ​​tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches or slicing.

Calibrated tomatoes look beautiful in a jar for winter preservation. Pink Pearl tomato juice or sauce can be made if a hypoallergenic product is needed for baby food or dietary needs. However, these homemade preserves lack the usual vibrant coloring and are rather bland, although they boast excellent flavor and contain all the beneficial properties of tomatoes.

How to grow early ripening tomatoes?

To ensure good seedlings, sow the seeds no earlier than 50-60 days before planting the tomatoes in the ground. Experienced gardeners' description of Pink Pearl tomatoes indicates that even in such a short time, the plants can become elongated. When planting these plants in the soil, you'll need to plant them deeper than usual.

Sow seeds in containers with pre-disinfected soil. A hot, dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, generously saturating the soil directly in the container, helps kill fungal spores. There's no need to let it dry out; just cool it to 25–30°C.

Spread the seeds over the prepared soil and cover with a thin (0.5 cm) layer of sand. Cover the seed containers with glass or film and place them in a warm place. Leave gaps in the mini greenhouse to ensure proper air circulation. The seeds will germinate in 4-5 days.

Two weeks after germination, tomato plants develop true leaves (1-2). Young plants should be transplanted into individual pots and placed in a well-lit but relatively cool location. Temperatures should range from 16 to 20°C. Severe cooling is undesirable, as it can cause blackleg disease. To prevent fungal diseases, tomatoes should be watered with slightly warm water. There is no need to feed the seedlings.

Planting occurs in early to mid-May (in a greenhouse) or in the first ten days of June (in open ground). Elongated plants are laid horizontally in 20-cm-deep grooves, leaving 4-5 leaves above the soil. The planting pattern is 30 x 30 cm. Pink Pearl tomatoes do not require staking or pinching.