Almost every modern avid gardener has relatives who can share their experience in growing certain varieties and you can often hear from them that the current products are not the same as before. In some ways this is true, but in some things not. Here, for example, a grade of tomato "Friend".
A couple of decades ago, he was one of the most popular, but over time, productivity fell, plantings began to be subjected to disease and pest attacks. Considering the advantages of the variety, a hybrid was developed based on it that retained all the positive qualities of its predecessor, but was more resistant to the vagaries of nature, hardened from disease and protected from parasites, and also characterized by an even higher yield.
Content
Main characteristics
Tomato "Friend F 1" is considered universal. Indeed, it can be grown both in the open ground and at home in an ordinary pot for indoor flowers or a wooden box. But nevertheless, these tomatoes give the optimal result in greenhouses. The fact is that the hybrid is very fond of stable temperature. If the plant does not have to fight for survival in changing environmental conditions, then the yield will be maximum.
The first fruits can be tasted already 80 days after sowing the seeds. The variety is early ripe, unpretentious, works well in all climatic regions. It is perfectly stored and tolerates even long transportations.
It has a presentation, therefore it is often used for industrial purposes, but if it is grown for sale, then in a small amount and so far only in small farms. This is due to the relative youth of the variety.
Low-growing tomatoes belong to the determinant variety. The height of the bush is a maximum of 70-1.5 cm, but if you do not engage in formation, then just below half a meter. The fruits are saturated red, juicy, fleshy, according to gardeners, "just melt in your mouth." The weight of one tomato can be from 100 to 250 grams. The more often tomatoes are picked from the bush, the larger will be the ripening ovaries.
The taste is good, pronounced, without sourness.
Apply "Friend" in fresh form, used for preservation whole and as part of various salads, frozen, etc.
The undoubted advantages of the hybrid is its resistance to diseases and pests, it is also resistant to temperature extremes. The tomato will grow and produce a crop in any conditions, but what it will be depends on compliance with the rules and recommendations for cultivation.
Grade Features
Tomatoes "Druzhok" have a strong stem, but it is still better to use supports. They insure the bushes.
It should be noted that this variety does not suffer from direct sunlight. Dense foliage provides tomatoes with reliable protection against ultraviolet radiation, but at the same time it does not completely shade, allowing tomatoes to receive exactly the amount of light that is necessary for the proper and full formation of fruits.
3-4 brushes are formed on one bush. It happens that additional ones are tied, but it is advisable to remove them so as not to waste all the energy of the plant in vain.
The ripening is friendly. Among the advantages of this variety are an attractive appearance, almost the same shape and size of the fruit, the ability to be stored for a long time and easily transport even over a long distance.
Tomatoes of this variety are not only tasty, but also very healthy. They contain a large amount of lycopene, which is able to prevent the development of cancer cells.Also, the composition of tomatoes positively affects the work of the cardiovascular system, helps cleanse the liver, restore the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
From a square meter, tomatoes of the Druzhok F1 variety can produce up to 16 kg of tomatoes, but this is subject to the rules of agricultural technology.
Agricultural technology
The composition of the soil is of great importance for a tomato of this species. If it is loamy, per meter of kV you need to add a bucket of peat, sawdust and humus. If on the contrary peat prevails in the composition, then it is necessary to bring in a bucket of humus, turf, sawdust and half a bucket of coarse sand.
Landed on seedlings "Friend F1" in the first half of April. After the formation of the 1st true leaflet, you can dive into separate containers. Plants aged 30-35 days are transferred to a permanent place. Usually this happens from mid-May to June, but only in the greenhouse. If the tomato will be grown in the open ground, then the planting of seeds for seedlings must be postponed for two weeks, so that by the time of transplantation, the air temperature stabilizes.
Before planting seedlings in the soil, it is disinfected with a hot solution of potassium permanganate (10 liters 1 g).
Sprouts are placed at a distance from each other of 40-50 cm in one row. But many note that it is more convenient to do this in a staggered manner, and it is not only a matter of carrying out further work by gardeners. First of all, the tomatoes themselves will feel more comfortable.
Care Rules
In order for Druzhka F1 to give a good harvest, it must be watered in a timely manner, to prevent stagnation of water, to loosen the soil, to remove weeds, and to regularly apply root dressings (every two to three weeks: organic and mineral fertilizers are alternated).
This tomato is superdeterminant, which means that its growth stops after 3-4 inflorescences are formed. For the correct formation of the bush, the plant needs help. In greenhouse conditions, one main stem is preferred. For this, the growth point is pinched after 3-4 inflorescences, and each stepson, after the formation of 3-4 brushes. This allows you to transfer all forces to the main stem and not spend them on additional stepsons. It is necessary to remove the shoots until the bush reaches the very top of the greenhouse.
In the open field, it is recommended to form three stems. This is also carried out by pinching growth points. For powerful side stems, it is advisable to leave stepsons from the leaves under the first inflorescence. This will turn out a bush about a meter high, which will have three stems of approximately the same growth and power, and all of them will need to be tied to a reliable support. On each stem 3-4 inflorescences are formed.
Secrets of a good harvest
A tomato of this variety gives an excellent crop, but it can be significantly increased, observing some recommendations:
- young seedlings should be fed with special liquid fertilizers;
- during transplantation into the soil, it is advisable to treat the root system with special means for better rooting;
- you should not bet on weak seedlings, a careful selection of plants will help in the end to get a much better result;
- it is optimal to use a drip irrigation system or to make metered water for each bush;
- mulching of bushes is carried out by freshly cut grass, straw or hay.
Diseases and Pests
Tomato "Friend F1" is resistant to diseases and pests. The hybrid was specially bred to bring less trouble to the owner.
A distinctive feature of this species is the increased content in the stem and leaves of alkaloids, which repel pests.
For additional prevention, it does not hurt to conduct a regular inspection of the landings and carry out protection using folk remedies. You can spray the beds with onion broth or a cool solution of laundry soap.
Reviews
Tomato "Friend F1" belongs to the category of relatively young varieties, but at the same time he managed to gain sufficient popularity among gardeners.
Galina Nikolaevna, 59 years old
Tomatoes of this variety were planted for the first time last year. The result was very pleased, but I did not know about such subtleties as the formation of stems. This time I will think over the supports for tying in advance, and I will definitely pinch the growth points, as indicated in the instructions. Used fresh tomatoes and canned whole. It is unfortunate that seeds cannot be harvested on their own. Have to look for quality on sale.
Natalya Petrovna, 46 years old
I grew a tomato in a gazebo in a pot. Formed three stems. The plant turns out quite sprawling, looks very decorative. I liked the tomatoes to taste. We ate in salads, rolled salads for the winter too. It keeps its shape well, does not fall apart. I have not tried to freeze, but this year I will definitely try in this regard.
Tomato "Friend F1" is able to provide fruits to the whole large family and even be used for sales. Allocate a place on your personal plot for its landing. Believe me, the result will please you, especially since all the subtleties of growing are already known to you.
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