Shiva F1 tomato characteristics, cultivation technology, and reviews from vegetable growers

The Shiva F1 tomato, whose reviews point to its excellent taste, is popular among vegetable growers. Thanks to its resistance to various diseases, it can be grown outdoors.

Advantages of a hybrid

Among early-ripening tomatoes, the Shiva F1 hybrid is considered a newcomer. It was added to the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2007. Its description of its properties indicates that it can be grown outdoors.

The determinate plant reaches 40-80 cm in height. The bush is vigorous, and the wide leaves protect the fruit from sunburn and extend the harvest period. The growing season from planting the seedlings lasts 60 days.

The first fruits ripen 90 days after seed germination. This hybrid is distinguished by its long fruiting period.

Description of fruits:

• Medium-sized tomatoes with a smooth surface and thick skin, round shape, weighing 140-160 g.
• When ripe, tomatoes are intensely red in color, without a green spot near the stem.
• When cut horizontally, the presence of 2-3 seed chambers is observed.
• Throughout the growing season, tomatoes maintain a uniform size.
• The dry matter content of the fruits reaches 6.0–6.5%.

The hybrid is resistant to nematodes and fusarium wilt. In cooking, the tomatoes are used fresh and for canning whole fruits.

Tomato cultivation technologies

The Netherlands has become one of the world's leaders in vegetable cultivation. Many farmers and private farm owners travel to the Netherlands to learn about modern technologies that enable them to produce large yields of high-quality fruit.

Among the developments, the most interesting is the Dutch technology for growing tomatoes, with the use of which it is possible to obtain up to 65 kg of fruit from 1 m². The principles of growing tomatoes include not only careful care, but also rules for planting seedlings and creating a microclimate.

To grow planting material, a rather unusual soil is used. Containers are carefully prepared and filled with mineral wool soaked in water and mixed with complex fertilizers. This ensures the plants have the necessary nutrients and conditions for rapid growth.

In a greenhouse where tomatoes are grown, the carbon dioxide levels necessary for photosynthesis increase. Proper pollination plays a key role in increasing yields. Special hornets are used for this purpose. These insects collect pollen from the flower stalks and pollinate the plants.

In small tomato greenhouses, it's difficult to implement all the technological solutions. Using some elements of Dutch technology allows for a high tomato yield per bush.

Recommendations and opinions of vegetable growers

Gardeners' reviews confirm the early ripening and excellent taste of these tomatoes. Vegetable growers also point to the plant's high resistance to fungal diseases and viruses.

Maxim Emelyanov, 57 years old, Armavir:

I noticed the Shiva hybrid in a popular magazine and decided to buy seeds by mail. I grew the tomato last season using seedlings. I prepared a hydroponic system in containers using mineral wool soaked in a water solution of complex fertilizer. I added a layer of soil on top, into which I planted the seeds at a depth of 1 cm, 4-5 cm apart. This is necessary so that I can transplant a strong seedling into individual containers. I grew the tomato in the garden. Before planting the seedlings, I added organic matter to each hole. Throughout the entire growing season, I ensured timely watering and fertilizing with complex fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The bushes reached a height of 0.9 m. I was able to harvest a fairly large tomato crop. I liked that I could pick the fruits almost every day. The tomatoes remain the same size throughout the entire fruiting period and are sweet in taste.

Elena Komarova, 49 years old, Nizhny Novgorod:

"A friend who grows tomatoes recommended the Shiva hybrid. Caring for the plant throughout the growing season was easy. The bushes proved resistant to late blight. I was delighted with the harvest of red, round fruits with a sweet flavor. The tomatoes are versatile. They retain their shape well when canned and can be used to make tomato paste."