Tomato variety Cosmonaut Volkov

Breeding new varieties is very exciting. And many amateurs really delight gardeners with real masterpieces. For example, a breeder from the Moscow region I.M. Maslov. He owns quite a few famous varieties of tomatoes, but I would like to dwell on one - Cosmonaut Volkov, who the author considered the most successful at that time. The choice of the name of the culture is not accidental, Maslov himself once worked as an engineer in space technology and knew Volkov well. This is how the breeder immortalized the memory of the cosmonaut on his fiftieth birthday. This species is not included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements, but this did not prevent it from gaining quite wide popularity among tomato growers. Depending on the region, the tomato is grown outdoors or under plastic covers. Not a hybrid.

Description

The plant is tall, vigorous, indeterminate type, 1.8 - 2.0 meters high. But in protected ground, the height of the main stem can reach 2.5 meters. The stem and shoots are moderately thick, covered with weak pubescence. Moderate leafiness. Leaves are medium in size, regular in shape, medium wrinkled. The flower brush is simple, loose. The first fruit cluster is formed over the 9th leaf, the subsequent ones - with an interval of 3 leaves. Each cluster forms from 3 to 5 ovaries. The peduncle is strong, with articulation. On the stem of Cosmonaut Volkov, an average of about 5 brushes are formed. If the cold weather does not allow the upper brushes to ripen, it is better to pinch them to allow the remaining tomatoes to ripen on the bush.

The variety is large-fruited. Fruits are flat-round in shape, near the stalk have a weak ribbing, rather dense. In an immature form, they are colored light green, without a spot at the stalk. A ripe tomato becomes red or orange-red in color. The skin is not rough. The pulp is very fleshy, juicy, sweet, low-seeded, aromatic. The taste is excellent, which is confirmed by many tomato growers. 100 grams of pulp contains: dry matter - 5 - 7%, sugars 4% or more. The weight of a tomato is 200 - 400 grams, but this is not the limit, specimens of 800 grams often ripen. To grow a real record holder weighing 1 kg, you need to leave the strongest flower in the inflorescence, limit the number of shoots and brushes, and increase nutrition.

Characteristics

• Cosmonaut Volkov belongs to the mid-season varieties, the ripening of which begins 110 - 120 days after the emergence of full shoots;
• the yield, as many gardeners note, is very high - up to 6 kg of fruits are removed from one plant, and 18 - 20 kg from 1 square meter;
• adaptability is good, which makes it possible to grow the variety in the open field even in unfavorable regions;
• the skin is strong and helps to keep the tomatoes from cracking. But if we allow excessive waterlogging of the soil, then this trouble cannot be avoided;
• tomatoes harvested at the stage of blanch ripeness are perfectly ripened;
• the immunity of the variety is not bad, the main plus is that the plant manages to yield the crop before the period of phytophthora appearance;
• in extreme heat, the ovary formation process may stop, but with a decrease in temperatures, Cosmonaut Volkov will continue to form inflorescences;
• transportability and keeping quality of fruits are not very high;
• the way of eating tomatoes is salad, due to its excellent taste. But the crop can be processed into tomato products, the pasta is especially successful, it turns out thick and fragrant.

Having deviated a little from the topic, I would like to clarify that the variety is not new. During his lifetime, the author gave the seed material for breeding and distribution to one of the state farms (which is not specified). Currently, many companies are engaged in the sale of seeds - well-known and not so much. And in some places there is a clogging of seeds. Therefore, there are many opinions about the characteristics of the type, but they are all different. Many practicing gardeners sin on unscrupulous distributors, who, under the guise of Cosmonaut Volkov, implement misgrading.Before purchasing seeds, carefully study the reviews of the variety from a particular company, and draw conclusions.

Agrotechnics

You can grow the variety in the usual way - through seedlings, using standard techniques. But you can use the recommendations of I.M. Maslova, then the yield can increase. Calculate the timing based on the conditions of the region and the method of planting - on a garden bed or in a greenhouse. By the time of the proposed transplant, the seedlings should be about 60 - 80 days old. Therefore, in the southern regions, the author advises sowing seeds at the end of January. Take containers for picking tomato seedlings a little larger, since the plants are tall and powerful. So that the seedlings do not stretch out, after the appearance of full shoots, the container is transferred to a bright but cool room. In order for the transplanted bushes of Cosmonaut Volkov to build up a powerful root system, the breeder advises planting seedlings lying down - 2/3 of the lower part of the plant must be freed from foliage and dug into a groove, but no deeper than 10 cm.The roots should be directed to the south, the top to the north. Using the standard shaping method, leave 2 to 3 stems on the plant. According to the author's method, several stepsons can be grown longer and rooted next to the main stem. Particular attention should be paid to the garter. A tall bush must necessarily have a support, pouring brushes can also be tied up to prevent fracture. Fertilizers are used both mineral and organic. Watering is carried out timely, helping to keep the soil in a moderately moist state.

Cosmonaut Volkov is an excellent large-fruited variety suitable for any region of Russia. Experiment lovers have the opportunity to practice growing giant tomatoes. But, in general, agricultural technology is quite easy and accessible even for beginners. Those who grew this tomato highly appreciated its taste, early harvest and the ability to cultivate their favorite crop from self-harvested seeds. There are very few negative reviews about the variety, and most likely they are associated with cases of re-grading or with completely improper care.