Characteristics of the Dubrava tomato
There are many reasons why the Dubrava tomato is popular both in Russia and in the territory of the former Soviet republics. And there is nothing to be surprised at, because it can be grown outdoors without any particular difficulties, and the yield indicators of this variety, also called "Dubok", rightly deserve a very high assessment. Many other qualities of these tomatoes are also noteworthy, and therefore this topic should be disclosed in more detail - which will be done below.
The main features of the Dubrava variety
Before proceeding with the description of the advantages of the plants in question, it is necessary to list the key characteristics of the Dubrava tomato variety, obtained thanks to the efforts of VNIISSOK specialists, the oldest breeding institution of the Russian Federation. Their list is as follows:
- tomatoes of the Dubrava variety have average weight indicators (as a rule, their weight is in the range of 70-110 g);
- the color of the ripe fruits of the plant in question is rich red with a scarlet tint;
- the shape of Dubrava tomatoes is round, with barely noticeable ribbing;
- slightly corrugated leaves of the presented plants are colored light green, their sizes are small, and outwardly they do not differ significantly from the leaves of other varieties of tomatoes;
- the height of the bushes in most cases does not exceed 80 cm, most often being 45-65 cm (this is explained by the determinancy of the Oak, i.e. the limited growth of its growth).
Continuing the description of Dubrava tomatoes, it is reasonable to mention the universal consistency of their fruits, thanks to which the latter are equally well suited both for processing and for fresh consumption. The flesh of such berries is a little dry, it is characterized by a pleasant sweetness, and they themselves are quite firm and have an elastic fleshy wall.
Most notable advantages
The description of Dubrava tomatoes, if you look at the photo, would be incomplete if it did not include a list of the most significant advantages that they can “boast of”. Based on the feedback from those who have already planted these plants, we can confidently state that the main advantages of Dubrava tomatoes are:
- Based on the video about tomatoes, one can note a rather high yield rate, amounting to about 1.8-2.0 kg per bush - provided that the latter will be located with an average density of up to 5-6 pieces per 1 sq. M.
- Early ripening times, thanks to which Dubrava tomatoes can be harvested, starting from 85-95 days from the moment of germination.
- The compactness of the bushes, which makes it possible to grow such tomatoes not only in the garden, but also at home - for example, on a balcony, loggia or on a wide windowsill.
- Relatively high resistance to late blight and other diseases, most often affecting various varieties of tomatoes.
In addition, one cannot fail to mention another indisputable advantage of Dubrava tomatoes, which is ease of care, which does not require significant time expenditures from the owner of the plot. The excellent preservation of these tomatoes during transportation and storage is also noteworthy, which will be appreciated by both sellers of the fruits in question and their buyers. The validity of this thesis is confirmed by reviews about the Dubrava tomato, the berries of which have an excellent appearance even after a month and a half from the moment of laying.
Growing seedlings
In the process of growing, it is the seedlings that play an important role. Given the fact that the Dubrava tomato belongs to those varieties that are recommended to be cultivated in the open field, it is most rational to grow it using seedlings, guided by the following basic recommendations:
- It is reasonable to sow seeds on the basis of two key factors - the duration of cultivation of the selected crop and the climatic specifics of the region. So, it makes sense for gardeners living in the middle zone of the Russian Federation to sow Dubrava seeds at the very end of March.
- In order to avoid stagnation of moisture, it is necessary to make sure in advance that there are drainage holes in each container intended for seedlings. It is also worth adding that in growing Dubrava tomatoes, it is best to use soil for vegetable crops, because the seedlings feel most comfortable in it.
- Before you start planting the seeds of the tomato in question in the ground, they should be pickled in a 2% solution of potassium permanganate ("potassium permanganate").
- During the entire period of growing Dubrava tomato seedlings, it is necessary to maintain approximately the same level of soil moisture. This means that in containers with seedlings there should be no stagnation of water, as well as complete drying of the earthy coma.
If the seedlings are unable to "boast" of their high rates of development, then its growth can be noticeably accelerated. All that is required for this is complex fertilizers intended for a wide variety of vegetable crops. Well, then, after 40-50 days of growing seedlings, you can start hardening it, which implies maintaining the daytime temperature at 17-18 ° C, and at night - 5 ° C lower.
As for the germination of seeds, this characteristic of the Dubrava tomato can please the vast majority of gardeners. Based on numerous reviews and research results, it can be argued that in the worst case, this indicator does not fall below the 87% mark.
Planting young tomatoes in a permanent place
Practice shows that the Dubrava tomato grows excellently in the beds previously occupied by cucumbers, cabbage, onions, zucchini, carrots and various herbs - first of all, parsley and dill. Of course, planted tomatoes of the variety in question will delight you with high yields, provided that the place allocated for them does not suffer from a lack of lighting. Do not forget about the soil, which should have the following qualities:
- fertility;
- looseness;
- high air and water permeability.
After making sure that the above conditions are met, you can safely plant a Dubrava tomato in a place prepared for it. It should also be noted that the characteristic of such a moment should provide for the following:
- the age of young bushes is about 2 months;
- the probability of spring frosts is reduced to zero.
If we list the basic rules for such a transplant, then their list will look like this:
- before starting the procedure under consideration, the dug pits must be thoroughly moistened using clean water with the addition of several crystals of potassium permanganate;
- the optimal diameter of the holes for planting is 30 cm;
- the recommended planting depth is 12 cm;
- plant roots can be placed not only evenly, but also at an angle;
- planting scheme for Dubrava tomatoes - 40x60 cm (smaller intervals are permissible, but not particularly desirable, since they can lead to a decrease in yield).
Throughout the crescent from the moment of transplanting, it is necessary to carefully monitor so that the plants do not suffer from a lack of moisture. It is also worth adding that the Dubrava tomato variety, no matter how unpretentious it is, has a negative attitude towards direct sunlight during the mentioned time period.
Care features
After the tomatoes of the variety in question have finally rooted in a new place and went into active growth, they should be formed. Based on the reviews about Dubrava tomatoes regarding this moment, we can come to the conclusion that this procedure is most rational to carry out in 2-3 stems. In general, caring for the planted bushes is no different: it is enough to periodically loosen the soil, get rid of weeds and water the plants with warm water.
At the same time, tying the Dubrava tomato to the supports is not at all necessary, as well as dealing with the removal of his stepsons.
Fertilizers are another matter. They should be added once every 15-20 days, mixing the following components in a bucket with settled water:
- wood ash (250 g);
- superphosphate (50 g);
- manure (1/5 of the total).
In addition, to accelerate growth, it makes sense to use fertilizing based on nitrogen compounds.
If the bushes of tomatoes of the Dubrava variety look unhealthy, then this may be a manifestation of a lack of minerals, namely:
- yellowness and spotting most often indicate a lack of zinc;
- the appearance of reddish veins on the leaves of plants indicates a nitrogen deficiency;
- the combination of a yellow tint with a white tint allows us to conclude that there is a lack of iron, etc.
In some cases, the cause of the depressed state of tomatoes may be due to the activity of pathogenic microflora (for example, Phytophthora fungi) or insect pests. The solution to such problems is the appropriate pesticides, and the choice of a particular drug is determined by the specifics of the situation.