Description of the Erkol F1 tomato, its characteristics and yield

The Erkol F1 tomato, whose description and characteristics highlight the variety's advantages, is popular among vegetable growers. Its small plum-like fruits are sweet in taste, store well, and are resistant to transportation.

Description of the hybrid

The Erkol tomato is a first-generation hybrid. This compact plant boasts uniform ripening and disease resistance.

The variety's characteristics indicate that it can be grown outdoors, subject to appropriate agricultural conditions. During the growing season, a low bush, 55-70 cm tall, develops. Intermediate inflorescences form on the plant.

Description of fruits:

• The fruit ripening period is 100-110 days.
• Cylindrical shape, red tomatoes with high density and excellent taste.
• When a tomato is cut horizontally, the presence of 2-3 chambers with seeds is visible.
• The fruits, weighing 110-130 g, ripen almost simultaneously.
• One bush can yield 1.5-2 kg.
• Harvested tomatoes can be stored for 1.5–2 months, maintaining their taste.
• They withstand long-distance transportation well.

The Ercol tomato has versatile culinary uses. It's used in salads and preserves, both whole and processed.

Cultivation techniques

Hybrid seeds collected independently do not retain parental genes, so they should be purchased from reputable sellers. It is recommended to grow seedlings two months before the expected planting date. When two true leaves have formed, transplanting is performed.

Harden off the plant before transplanting to its permanent location to reduce stress and shorten the adaptation period to new conditions. To do this, place the pots containing the planting material outside for 20 minutes, gradually increasing the time to 8 hours. This process is continued for 1-2 weeks.

To increase crop yield and maximize yield, the bush is formed into two stems. After transplanting to its permanent location, the plant is fed with complex fertilizers according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Plant 6-7 bushes per square meter. Care involves periodic soil loosening and weeding. Mulching is recommended to reduce weeds and ensure a balanced air and moisture balance.

The hybrid is adapted for growing in greenhouses, under plastic, and in open ground. The plant is immune to powdery mildew, tobacco mosaic virus, and other diseases common to nightshade crops.

Opinions and recommendations of vegetable growers

Reviews from gardeners cultivating this hybrid point to the tomatoes' excellent taste, versatility, ability to be harvested mechanically, and long shelf life.

Antonina Alekseeva, 51 years old, Volgograd:

"I've been interested in tomatoes for a long time, so I often grow new varieties at my dacha. Last year, I bought Erkol seeds. I sowed them in March, and by mid-May, I transplanted the mature bushes into the ground. The plant adapted easily to its new location and weather conditions. I loved the brightly colored, cylindrical fruits that ripened simultaneously on the truss. The tomatoes have a wonderful flavor, and they're perfect for canning."

Veniamin Konstantinov, 57 years old, Astrakhan:

"I've been growing the Erkol tomato for several years, both in the open ground and in a greenhouse. The bushes grow and form a jungle, and it's a pleasure to harvest a bountiful crop. I get almost a bucket of tomatoes from each bush. I buy only branded seeds, and before planting, I simply soak them in aloe juice. Then I put them in the refrigerator to harden them off and plant two of them in separate cups. I transplant them to the greenhouse in April, and for open ground, I wait until after the last frost in May.

I don't pinch out the side shoots, so the bushes grow wider. I mulch the soil with cut grass and apply fertilizer three times during the growing season. When the fruit ripened, I removed excess foliage around the tomato clusters. The fruits are plum-shaped, fleshy when cut, and sweet. The skin is thick, but it peels off easily, even from fresh tomatoes.