Tomato Etual: variety description, yield, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Fans of unusual varieties of tomatoes speak positively about Etoile tomatoes, a distinctive feature of which is the impressive ribbing of the fruit. Due to this structure, a ripe tomato is very similar to bell pepper, and in the context it resembles a bright lace flower. This article will help you decide whether it is worth planting this interesting specimen on your site, in which you will find a description of the plant and the secrets of growing it.

Variety description

Exotic variety of tomato Etoile, whose name in French means "star", gained fame in the late 90s. Information about its origin is contradictory. Some sources claim that it was bred in Kazakhstan, while the other part believes that Switzerland is the birthplace of culture.

Seeds of the plant have a fairly high germination rate, which is kept at the level of 85%. The variety is mid-season, you can count on the first harvest already 100-110 days after planting. Yield is average and depends ongrowing conditions. But even with poor care from one bush, you can expect at least 40 fruits with a total weight of 4 to 9 kg.

In the description of the Etoile tomato, it is noted that the variety is indeterminate. Bushes reach an average height of 1.5 m, they need careful shaping and tying to supports.

There are 5-6 tomatoes in racemose inflorescences. Ripe tomatoes have a rich red-crimson color, yellow stripes are acceptable on the sides. The flesh is fleshy and quite dense. The number of ribs in fruits varies. The skin is dense, not prone to cracking. The average weight varies between 200-250 grams.

There is a pleasant sweet and sour taste of tomatoes. They are suitable for consumption both fresh and for processing into ketchup, sauces. Tomatoes can be harvested green, they ripen successfully. Suitable for long-term storage and transportation.

Pros and cons

Reviews of the Etoile tomato allow you to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the variety. Among the positive qualities are the following:

• good yield;
• long fruiting throughout the season;
• relative unpretentiousness;
• beautiful fruit shape that allows you to use tomatoes to decorate dishes on the festive table.

Experienced gardeners point out a number of shortcomings of the variety, which you should still pay attention to:

• although Etoile tomato can be grown outdoors, greenhouses are preferred for best yields;
• plant demanding removal of stepchildren;
• bushes need careful tying and shaping.

Features of cultivation

Before germinating seeds, they should be kept in a growth stimulator, which will help them sprout better. Planting seeds is advised in early to mid-March.

Best for a tomato is light soil, in equal proportions consisting of earth and humus. It is acceptable to add a small amount of ash and sand.

Planted seeds should be placed in a warm place, previously covered with a film. As soon as sprouts appear, they must be exposed to bright light. For uniform development of seedlings, it is advised to rotate it periodically.

The readiness of seedlings for transplanting into the ground is determined by the appearance of 6-7 permanent leaves. In this case, it is desirable to treat each well with a hot solution of potassium permanganate of medium saturation.

Plant care

For better growth and maturation, bushes must be formed into 2-3 trunks and tied to a support. Otherwise, the plant runs the risk of falling and breaking under the weight of rather large fruits. Removal of stepchildren is mandatory. To save the strength of a tomato, as it ripens, you should pinch the lower leaves.

The variety does not need frequent watering. Abundant watering once every 6-7 days is considered sufficient. Top dressing is done 3-4 times per season, complex fertilizer should be used for this. Harvesting takes place throughout the season as it matures.

The root system of the plant is well developed, but needs oxygen. Therefore, loosening the soil and removing weeds must be carried out regularly. Proper care allows you to achieve a yield equal to 20 kg of fruit per 1 sq. m.

Diseases and pests

Tomato Etoile is a fairly resistant variety to diseases characteristic of nightshade. Fusarium and verticillium can be avoided by prudent soil disinfection and timely treatment of plants. It is used for this "Fitosporin" or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Surface coating of the soil with straw, humus or peat helps protect the tomato from insects. This also contributes to the periodic removal of weeds. Warm soapy water is effective against aphids. She should wash the leaves and stems of the plant.

Spraying with copper-containing agents will help prevent late blight and mosaic. If affected leaves or other parts of the crop are found, they should be removed and burned. This will help prevent the spread of the disease.

Reviews

Experienced gardeners are happy to share reviews and photos of Etoile tomato. Judging by their statements, successful cultivation experience has been achieved not only in greenhouses, but also in open ground. The aesthetics of the ribbed fruits have been especially appreciated by housewives who use them to decorate dishes.

Classic tomato flavor has received consumer approval when using tomatoes both fresh and as preparations. The fruits are well suited for drying. It is noted that fresh tomatoes cut into rings were also frozen for further use in pizza preparation.