Description of the Biathlon tomato and growing recommendations

The Biathlon F1 tomato is a mid-early variety, with a ripening period of 92-105 days from sowing the seeds to harvesting the first crop. This is a compelling reason to grow the plant in a city apartment.

What is the Biathlon F1 tomato?

Characteristics and description of the variety:

1. This is a determinate cluster tomato hybrid that can be grown both in open ground and under film shelters.
2. The bush has medium foliage, is low-growing, and reaches a height of no more than 0.8 m. It requires staking and pinching. It should be trained into 2-3 stems, which will increase the yield.
3. The first inflorescence appears above the 8-9th leaf, the subsequent ones - after 1-2 leaves.
4. After the formation of 2-6 inflorescences, the shoots and the stem itself stop growing, and the plant spends all its energy only on the ripening of the fruits.

The fruits are round and smooth, weighing between 80 and 100 grams. When ripe, they are red in color and have an excellent flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used for further processing, including canning. This hybrid variety is resistant to many diseases, including tobacco mosaic virus.

The yield is 8-9 kg per bush, naturally, with proper agricultural practices. Another advantage is the relatively uniform fruit. It is characterized by a consistent harvest.

How to grow tomatoes?

Seeds should be sown 50-55 days before planting. So, if you plan to plant tomatoes in mid-June, sow the seeds no later than mid-April. When one or two true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into separate containers to establish a proper and stronger root system.

About two weeks before the expected planting date, you should begin hardening off the plants. Initially, take them outside for short periods, increasing the time each day. Before planting tomatoes outdoors, ensure that the average daily temperature does not drop below 12°C. Follow the planting pattern: 50 x 40 cm, with a density of no more than 7-9 plants per square meter.

Another advantage of the Biathlon F1 tomato variety is that growing them indoors doesn't require the construction of bulky greenhouses; a simple film-covered tunnel is sufficient. The small plant takes up little space, as the bush and root system are small. It also responds very well to watering.

To improve growth and develop a more powerful root system, it is recommended to feed the bushes with mineral and organic fertilizers based on their ability to ripen fruits evenly and simultaneously.

Insufficient fertilizing also affects the taste and appearance of the fruit. At the same time, it's important to remember to water sparingly: don't water from above, but only at the roots. If water gets on the plant's leaves, it can cause disease.

Another important factor for the health and normal development of the plant is a sufficient amount of heat and sunlight, since tomatoes prefer warm air and not very damp soil, without stagnant water.

Reviews of this variety range from very positive to negative. Positive reviews generally note that this plant is very easy to grow and is one of the first to ripen in the garden. Those less satisfied with the Biathlon F1 variety cite its unsuitability for fresh salads; for this purpose, it's better to choose fleshier tomatoes.