Tomato Andromeda is an early ripe hybrid created in 1998 by breeder A.A. Mashtakov. It is intended for open ground in such regions as the North Caucasus, Middle - and Lower Volga and Central Black Earth. In areas with colder climates, it is grown as a greenhouse crop. Early ripe tomato of Andromeda belongs to the determinant varieties. The height of the bushes reaches 70 cm when growing a hybrid in open ground. When grown in a greenhouse, it can reach a height of more than a meter.
The ripening of fruits in this variety occurs in the period from 98 to 118 days after all seedlings have sprouted. But this characteristic is not absolutely accurate. Under adverse conditions, these periods may be extended. Therefore, tomato Andromeda in areas with a cool climate when planting in greenhouses should be planted as early as possible in order to get a good harvest.
In this hybrid, the first inflorescence always forms over 6 or 7 leaves, and all the rest - in one or two leaves. In inflorescence there are up to 7 fruits weighing an average of about 100 grams. The yield of the Andromeda tomato variety is high, up to 9 and even 10 and more kilograms per meter of plantings. Its disadvantages include a rather high susceptibility to late blight disease.
Later breeding work includes hybrids Golden Andromeda and Pink Andromeda. They are more resistant to late blight. Golden Andromeda matures in the period from 105 to 110 days. Pink Andromeda is an ultra-early hybrid. Its ripening period is in the range from 80 to 87 days. These hybrids are also determinant. The mass of fruits in Golden Andromeda is a little more - up to 130 g. Pink has the same as the first hybrid. Productivity is from 9 to 13 kg. All three hybrids have remarkable taste.
Their fruits are flat-rounded. The Andromeda tomato itself has bright red, even and smooth fruits. The other two hybrids have orange and pink, according to their names.
Sowing seeds not seedlings is carried out at the beginning - mid-March. In the phase of two true leaves, the plants dive. Landing in open ground is made when the earth warms up to a temperature of 16 to 20 degrees, and the threat of frost passes. No more than 4 plants are planted per square meter. When planted in open ground in those regions to which the Andromeda tomato is zoned, it is grown without pinching. When planting in a greenhouse, plants must be stepsoned and tied up.
In the greenhouse, plants must be formed into 2 stems. Usually they leave a stepson, grown directly under the first inflorescence. All others must be removed. If the bush grows, the yield will drop sharply. So remove them without sparing.
The features of the determinant varieties include the fact that their root system is small, and they cannot provide all the ovaries with nutrients. Therefore, they should be regularly fed, starting with the bookmark period of the first brush. Top dressing should be done only after watering, giving per square meter no more than 30 g of fertilizer.
How do vegetable growers evaluate Andromeda tomato? Reviews about the hybrid are extremely favorable. It is characterized as one of the best varieties grown for more than one year. Moreover, it is noted that the classic red hybrid and the Golden Andromeda are good. Fruits are very beautiful, having a uniform color without green spots at the stalk. The variety is unpretentious and resistant to the disease. A stable crop when using these hybrids is guaranteed. The ease of care for these tomatoes is noted. Pleased with the size and excellent taste of the fruit. As one of the main advantages, they note that the tomato is carpal. At the same time, up to 8 sweet and fleshy fruits ripen.
These tomatoes are good both in fresh form and for conservation. The variety is characterized as cold-resistant. When grown in a greenhouse, bushes at some vegetable growers bear fruit in late September. In general, the variety is good for open ground, and for growing in a greenhouse in areas with a cool climate.