Description of the tomato variety Ajour, its characteristics and yield

The Azhur tomato is a hybrid of the Russian agricultural firm Sedek, added to the State Register in 2007. The variety was developed for greenhouse cultivation in northern regions, but soon gained recognition among private gardeners, farmers, and agricultural enterprises across the country. In the south, it can be grown outdoors. The tomato's name comes from its serrated foliage.

Description of the variety

The Azhur tomato variety ripens early, 105–110 days after germination. The low-growing, standard-type bush grows to 80–90 cm and requires no staking. The plant, with dense, serrated green foliage, forms a single inflorescence.

The flat-round, red fruits, weighing 250–350 g, have a thin but firm skin and a distinct aroma. The dense, fleshy pulp has a sweet flavor.

The tomato yield is 6 kg per square meter.

Growing

The seedling method of growing is a guarantee of a rich harvest.

Seed treatment can accelerate germination and increase the germination rate. Agronomic techniques include seed sorting, heating, soaking in a growth stimulant, sprouting, and hardening off seedlings.

Seeds are sown two months before planting the seedlings in their permanent location, in mid-March. The process consists of:

• filling soil into boxes or containers;
• placing two or three seeds in moistened soil to a depth of 1 cm with an interval of 5 cm;
• watering, covering with film or glass, and placing in a dry, light place with a temperature of at least 23 degrees Celsius;
• removing the cover when sprouts appear;
• picking out seedlings when three true leaves have formed.

When growing the Azhur tomato variety, adhere to weather conditions. Transplanting seedlings is possible when the soil warms up to 15 degrees Celsius. Planting in the evening promotes rapid adaptation of the seedlings.

The plot should be elevated, well-heated, and receive adequate light. Zucchini, cabbage, and cucumbers are considered the best predecessors.

The bed is dug up, fertilized with organic matter or superphosphate and leveled.

The holes are made at a distance of 40 cm, with an interval of 50–60 cm between rows. They are watered and organic fertilizers are added.

The seedlings are sprinkled with fertile soil up to the top leaves and watered again with warm water.

Care Features

To obtain strong and healthy tomatoes of the Azhur f1 variety, you should follow the following care instructions:

• water with a frequency determined by weather conditions and soil moisture levels;
• remove weeds followed by loosening the soil between rows;
• hilling up plants during growth;
• form a bush by removing shoots that have grown on the axils of the leaves, which increases the yield and increases the weight of the fruit;
• take preventive measures to protect tomatoes from diseases and pests;
• arrange for sufficient lighting.

Advantages and disadvantages

The description of the positive characteristics of Azhur f includes:

• high yield: one bush produces 5–8 kg of fruit;
• unique taste and appearance;
• active growth of tomatoes and uniform ripening regardless of the weather;
• resistance of fruits to cracking;
• bush resistance to diseases and pests;
• preservation of the marketable appearance and properties of tomatoes during transportation, regardless of distance;
• shelf life, allowing you to store vegetables for up to three months in a cool place;
• universal purpose.

Reviews from experts and vegetable growers indicate that the Azhur variety has no obvious drawbacks. However, its increased need for moisture and complex fertilizers complicates its care somewhat.

Taste properties directly depend on soil fertility.

Pests and diseases

Azhur is a variety with high resistance to common diseases. However, this does not exclude the possibility of late blight, brown spot, and tobacco mosaic. Moths, snails, mites, and caterpillars pose a threat to the plant.

Preventive measures:

• use of high-quality seed material purchased from specialized retail outlets;
• maintaining crop rotation, avoiding planting tomatoes next to potato fields;
• annual replacement of beds or cultivation and mandatory restoration of the soil;
• spraying bushes with protective preparations;
• isolation and removal of infected bushes.

Harvesting and storage

The characteristics of the tomato hybrid indicate the possibility of commercial use of fruits for general purposes.

Ajour harvesting can be done manually or by machine, each with its own advantages.

The fruits are harvested as they ripen or at the grower's discretion. Unripe tomatoes should be stored in boxes, just like ripe ones. The fruits, laid in a single layer, are stored in a room with a temperature of 10–12 ºC and humidity up to 80%.

These parameters must be observed: vegetables are susceptible to rotting when the temperature and humidity rise, and they become limp when they drop. If you need to extend the ripening period, regularly inspect the containers to remove any reddened specimens, which accelerate the process.

Ripe tomatoes are equally delicious fresh or processed. They are used to make vegetable salads, juices, ketchups, preserves, and as an ingredient in homemade preserves. Green tomatoes are also pickled and used in various preserves.

By learning the nuances of growing the Azhur tomato variety, any gardener or farmer can reap a bountiful harvest of tomatoes suitable for personal consumption and sale. The culture does not require special attention and quickly adapts to the proposed conditions.

Gardeners' reviews

Below are reviews from gardeners who want to share their impressions of growing the Azhur tomato.

Antonina:

"We have several greenhouses where we grow tomatoes both for ourselves and for sale. Azhur is simply irreplaceable as a commercial crop, although it's a bit short for greenhouse conditions. However, it branches extensively and produces a huge number of ovaries and fruits. Customers line up for Azhur because it's delicious and has a long shelf life."

Nadezhda Andreevna:

"I'm a novice gardener. I was researching consumer reviews for the best vegetable varieties. That's how I came across Azhur. I can attest to all the positive qualities, but I disagree that it's a downright undemanding plant. It took a bit of effort, but it was worth it!"

Fyodor Ivanovich:

"I've been gardening my whole life, but this was my first time planting the hybrid Azhur variety. I planted it in open ground and got a wonderful harvest, more than I expected. I even removed some of the ovaries, but the bushes were covered in it, and there were enough fruits for sauces, marinades, and storage. Grow, care for them, and reap a bountiful harvest in return for your efforts."

Valeria:

"I grow tomatoes with pleasure and success. But last year, a hurricane-force wind blew down our dilapidated greenhouse, and the deadline was already looming. I quickly began searching for suitable varieties for planting in the garden. On the advice of a neighbor, I bought Azhur F1 seeds, although I had never grown hybrids before. The seedlings sprouted very well and were ready for transplanting by mid-May. No fuss was required with the plants. Things were going well until June, but then the weather turned bad, it got cold, and I worried about the tomatoes, but needlessly. Azhur resisted the vagaries of nature and did not reduce its yield. I will never part with this variety; growing it is hassle-free, and the taste is amazing. And how beautiful it is when the red clusters hang, framed by carved foliage."