Eggplant variety Valentine (F1)

Vegetable hybrids are carriers of the best characteristics, which is why the demand for them among gardeners is so great. The Dutch company Monsanto has been developing plants with amazing possibilities for many years. Among them is Valentine's eggplant, registered in 2005 and included in the State Register of Plants of the Russian Federation in 2007. The variety is approved for cultivation in all regions of Russia. Recommended for open ground and film shelters in personal subsidiary plots. It has proven itself well in Moldova and Ukraine.

Description

Open type plant with good growth rates. Semi-spreading bush, medium to high in height. The average height is 85 - 90 cm, but in a greenhouse it can be taller than a meter. The stem is not too thick, pubescent, with a weak anthocyanin coloration. The internodes are short. Leaves are of normal size, bright green, with a slightly notched edge and slight waviness. The surface of the plate is veiny, rough to the touch. The peduncle of the variety is long, not thick. The flower is purple. The calyx is light green, with or without sparse spines. The root system of the eggplant is strong.

Valentina's fruits are beautiful, elongated, pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped with a smooth surface. Length 26 cm, diameter 5 cm. Typical weight 200 - 220 grams. The skin is thin, strong and elastic, highly glossy, dark purple, sometimes almost black. The flesh is white or creamy white, quite firm. The taste is soft and tender, does not contain bitterness. The seeds are either completely absent, or contained in small quantities, while they are very soft. The taste is excellent, the pulp has dietary properties.

Variety characteristics

• Early maturing eggplant - from the moment of emergence to the start of harvesting, it takes about 90 days. If you plant seedlings, then ripeness occurs even earlier - after 2 months. The harvest ripens by the second decade of July;
• the yield on an open bed is 3.2 kg per 1 sq. meters. In Teplice, due to the increased fruiting period, this figure can be exceeded several times;
• a ripe vegetable has an excellent appearance and high commercial quality;
• one of the main advantages of Valentina is its high resistance to changes in weather conditions. Even if it is rainy and cool outside, the flowers will not fall off, and the ovary will continue to form;
• high commercial qualities are not lost either during long-term transportation or during storage. In cool conditions, eggplants can lie for a whole month without losing their taste;
• disease resistance is very high, the variety is especially resistant to the tobacco mosaic virus;
• the way of use is universal. Ripe fruits are ideal for preparing snacks and hot meals. Many delicious preparations can be prepared from them in winter.

Features of agricultural technology

In warm climates, Valentina seeds can be sown directly into the soil. The seed from the manufacturer does not need additional processing. Planting can be done in early May. If the weather is cool, the crops can be covered with foil.

To get seedlings, eggplant seed is sown in late February - early March. Seedlings with at least 4 true leaves are transplanted into a greenhouse or garden bed. If the variety is supposed to be grown outdoors, then for successful adaptation a light film greenhouse is installed above the bed with transplanted seedlings. Until complete rooting, young plants are often watered - once every 3 to 4 days.

Planting scheme - up to 30 cm distance between bushes in a row, row spacing - 60 - 70 cm.Sowing depth of Valentina's seeds - no more than 1.5 cm.The garden bed is best located in a well-lit place, sheltered from drafts.

In the open field, plants grow more stocky and usually do not need a garter. But indoors, a garter is a must. Eggplant care is simple, it consists in timely watering, feeding and loosening the soil.

Valentina is an excellent variety for personal households. It is unpretentious, resistant to diseases, tolerates any unfavorable weather during the growing season. In addition, the variety is famous for its high yield and excellent taste. The only drawback is the need to buy seeds every year.