Tomato is a crop grown by almost all gardeners without exception. Among the abundance of all kinds of tomato varieties, one of the hybrids called Irishka stands out.
History of creation
Irishka tomato belongs to relatively new varieties that quickly became popular. But, despite this, he has already managed to earn the trust of gardeners. It is distinguished by its high yield, short ripening period and excellent taste.
This amazing hybrid was created at the Ukrainian Institute of Melon and Vegetable Growing UAAS in Kharkov. The Russian State Register, in which Irishka's tomatoes have been introduced for ten years (since 2008), recommends this variety for planting in the Central Region and the North Caucasus District. This recommendation, however, does not mean at all that the plant feels uncomfortable in other regions. Simply, if it is planned to plant tomatoes in more northern regions, it should be carried out not in open ground, but in greenhouses.
Irishka tomato
Characteristics of the variety
Irishka is a determinant plant with an average growth rate. The culture grows to an average of 60-80 cm in height. The first inflorescence forms above the fifth or sixth leaf. The variety belongs to the early maturing. Fruit ripening, depending on the region and growing conditions, occurs 60-80 days from the moment the first shoots appear. Tomatoes can be grown both in open ground (provided that climatic conditions allow it), and in greenhouses or greenhouses.
Irishka tomatoes are favorably distinguished from most other varieties of tomatoes by their high resistance to infection with the tobacco mosaic virus, as well as microsporiosis.
From one square meter of plantings, you can collect from 9 to 11 kg of tomatoes. When planting crops on an industrial scale, we are talking about 300-540 kg per hectare.
Tomato fruits Irishka
The ripening of the harvest of the Irishka tomato, in accordance with the characteristics and description of the variety, occurs at the same time. The fruits themselves are very strong, dense, have a strong skin and a uniform red color, with an insignificant metallic sheen.
The variety is characterized by the absence of green color at the point of attachment to the peduncle. The shape of the tomato is round, its weight varies from 100 to 130 grams. Each individual fetus can have from 4 to 8 chambers.
Despite the fact that this kind of tomato can be used for any culinary treatment, it is most often used fresh in salads. This is due to the relatively large size of the fruits and their excellent taste characteristics.
Agrotechnics
According to the description, Irishka tomatoes are sown for seedlings until mid-March. In this case, after about two months (plus or minus a week), they can be transplanted to a permanent place. If the planting of a varietal crop is carried out in open ground, at first it is strongly recommended to cover the young bushes with transparent plastic wrap at night in case of frost. Planting should be done in sunny and wind-protected areas. Be sure to wait until the soil warms up to +10 degrees.
Caring for Irishka tomato beds.
When planning a garden for tomatoes, you should definitely follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners. They recommend planting 1 sq. m up to 6 bushes of a plant.The suitable distance between the holes can vary from 30 to 40 centimeters. Row spacings should be wide enough - about 70 centimeters. Wide passages between the beds will give the summer resident the following undoubted advantages:
- simplify the care of tomatoes;
- improve the ventilation of shrubs;
- reduce the likelihood of developing diseases in the culture;
- provide good illumination of shrubs;
- will make the taste of the fruit more intense;
- will increase the duration of fruiting of the tomato bush.
Practice shows that Irishka varietal tomato needs regular watering. It is especially important to moisturize the area with tomatoes during the dry periods of the summer season, as well as during the appearance of ovaries and the formation of fruits.
Watering seedlings.
As for feeding, organic fertilization is required first. They are necessary in order for the shrub to take root better in open ground and grow the required number of shoots to ensure a good harvest. After the ovaries appear, the plant will need potassium and phosphorus supplements. They must be applied to the soil at least three to four times during the season.
In order for tomato cultivation to be successful, the bushes must be tied up. If this is not done, the growing fruits will simply break the branches on which they grow. You need to tie up Irishka's tomatoes before the tomatoes begin to sing.
Garter tomato
Irishka tomato does not require pruning. It is not necessary to form a determinant shrub. Despite this, some gardeners cut off all stepchildren up to the first flower cluster, aiming to accelerate the ripening of the fruit. But, using the indicated method, it should be remembered that its use contributes to a decrease in yield.
As already noted, the tomato variety Irishka often suffers from late blight. The fungus most often develops when agricultural technology is violated. In particular, excessive watering of the crop can lead to such a problem. Similarly, the disease can manifest itself during rainy months or when there is a lot of dew. Antifungal drugs - fungicides like Ridomil or Bravo - will help stop the disease.
Late blight
Despite the fact that, in general, the plant is sufficiently resistant to the attack of harmful insects, it can be affected by aphids. Insecticides (Intavir, Karate or Iskra M) will be effective from it. In addition, parasites such as spider mites, Colorado potato beetles, or slugs can harm tomatoes. But the Irishka variety is quite resistant to these pests.
Pulling is strongly discouraged when harvesting to prevent overripening of the fruit. Irishka's hybrid tomatoes can ripen quite successfully if they are plucked at the stage of the so-called milk ripeness.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other tomato, Irishka has both its undoubted advantages and some disadvantages. Speaking about the benefits, the following points should be noted:
- good productivity;
- unpretentiousness to planting conditions;
- ease of care;
- excellent fruit appearance;
- good keeping quality.
High-yielding variety Irishka
Of the minuses, experienced gardeners distinguish:
- relatively low resistance to frost;
- susceptibility to late blight;
- the need to tie up shrubs.
In general, the Irishka tomato is an excellent choice for anyone, even not the most experienced gardener. In fact, these tomatoes are the optimal solution for small plots and busy people who cannot afford to spend a lot of time looking after the garden.
