The Flamenco tomato is a popular and versatile member of the nightshade family, appealing to gardeners for its low maintenance, excellent flavor, and high productivity. This variety delivers a stable harvest even in variable climates, provided standard agricultural practices are followed.
Description of the plant
Flamenco is a hybrid variety officially registered in 1997. Its authors were A. A. Mashtakov, A. Kh. Mashtakova and T. R. Strelnikova.
Distinguishing characteristics:
- Bushes – medium height (150-180 cm), strong, moderately branched and foliated.
- Leaves - medium sized, green, with a matte texture.
- Inflorescences – are of an intermediate type. The first inflorescence forms above the 8th or 9th leaf, and subsequent ones form after 1 or 2 leaves.
On the main stem, up to 7 clusters develop, each of which bears 5-6 fruits.
Fruits, their taste and purpose
Flamenco tomatoes are medium-sized (104–122 g), round, and have smooth, shiny, dark-red skin with a small greenish spot at the base. Each fruit contains 3–4 seed chambers, making them versatile for both fresh consumption and processing.
The fruit's flavor is excellent. They boast a harmonious balance of sugars and acids, providing a rich flavor. This variety is ideal for pickling and preserving, as the fruit retains its shape even after heat treatment.
Characteristics
This variety is an excellent choice for those looking to grow a bountiful and delicious harvest in their garden. It's easy to grow and requires little care, making it suitable even for novice vegetable growers.
- ✓ Resistance to fruit cracking with proper watering.
- ✓ High marketability of fruits: 94-97%.
Productivity
Flamenco is characterized by high marketability: the yield of quality fruit is 94-97%. Yields are impressive. In the Lower Volga region, they reach 14.4-18.3 kg per square meter, and in the East Siberian region, 5.8-7.2 kg per square meter.
Timing of planting seedlings and transplanting into the ground
To obtain seedlings, sow seeds in late February or early March. Transplant young plants into open ground after the last spring frosts, when the soil temperature has warmed to 10–12°C. Plant seedlings in plastic greenhouses a little earlier.
- ✓ Optimum soil temperature for planting seedlings: +10…+12°C.
- ✓ Distance between plants when planting: 50-60 cm.
Ripening period
The Flamenco tomato is a mid-season variety: the fruits begin to ripen 90-95 days after the first shoots emerge. Ripening occurs evenly and simultaneously, allowing for a bountiful harvest in a short period of time.
Ways to Use Flamenco Tomatoes
Tomatoes are versatile in cooking and are great in a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ways to use them:
- Fresh salads. Juicy and sweet, these fruits are the perfect complement to vegetable accompaniments, and are especially perfect for a classic Greek salad.
- Sauces and pastes. Thanks to their juicy flesh, tomatoes are often used in tomato sauces and pastes. Adding spices and herbs adds a rich flavor.
- Canning. The dense structure of the fruit is preserved after heat treatment, which is why they are popular for making tomato juice, homemade ketchup, and canned meats.
- Hot dishes. Tomatoes are added to soups, goulash, lasagna and pizza, giving the dishes a rich aroma and flavor.
Flamenco tomatoes will add variety to your menu, making every dish bright and delicious.
Nutritional value
Vegetables not only taste great, but they also have high nutritional value, making them healthy. Let's take a closer look:
- Caloric content: low, only 20-22 kcal per 100 g, which makes it an ideal product for dietary nutrition.
- Carbohydrates: about 3-4 g per 100 g, mainly in the form of natural sugars, which gives the fruits a sweet taste.
- Proteins: contain up to 1.2 g per 100 g, which helps replenish amino acids in the body.
- Fats: practically absent (less than 0.2 g per 100 g).
- Fiber: about 1.5 g per 100 g, improves digestion and promotes cleansing of the body.
- Vitamins: rich in vitamin C (up to 25 mg per 100 g), which strengthens the immune system and contains B vitamins, vitamin A and E.
- Minerals: include potassium (up to 250 mg per 100 g), necessary for heart function, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
Flamenco tomatoes are not only tasty, but also healthy, and are suitable for daily consumption.
Ideal climate
To successfully grow crops, it is necessary to create a suitable climate that provides optimal conditions for their growth:
- Temperature. The optimal range is +20…+25°C during the day and +15…+20°C at night. Temperatures above +30°C during the day and below +10°C at night can negatively impact plant development.
- Humidity. A level of 60-70% is considered ideal. High humidity increases the risk of fungal diseases, so good ventilation is important.
- Lighting. Tomatoes require bright sunlight throughout the day. Insufficient light can lead to deformed fruits and reduced quality.
- Wind protection. Grow seedlings in areas protected from strong gusts of wind, which can damage stems and fruits.
Creating optimal conditions, taking into account temperature, humidity, lighting, and protection from the wind, will allow you to obtain a bountiful harvest of fruits with a rich taste and aroma.
Flamenco tomato varieties
The Flamenco tomato is available in several subvarieties, each with its own characteristics and advantages. These subvarieties differ in ripening time, fruit characteristics, and growing conditions, allowing you to select the perfect variety for different climates and purposes.
| Name | Ripening period | Disease resistance | Fruit type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Flamenco F1 | 90-95 days | High | Rounded |
| Flamenco Pink Tomato | 90-95 days | High | Round, pink |
Tomato Flamenco F1
This hybrid was created by combining the best characteristics of its predecessors. It is characterized by high disease resistance and adapts well to various climatic conditions, allowing it to be grown both outdoors and in greenhouses.
This variety is renowned for its excellent flavor and juicy flesh. The tomatoes are round, large, and uniform in size, weighing approximately 150-200 g. These tomatoes are ideal for fresh eating, salads, and canning.
Flamenco Pink Tomato
It is distinguished by its pink fruit. Its mild and delicate flavor makes it especially popular among connoisseurs of delicious and flavorful tomatoes. The fruits store well and produce generous harvests.
The vegetables are large and fleshy, weighing between 150 and 180 grams each. They have a pleasant aroma and stay fresh for a long time after harvesting. This variety is ideal for fresh salads and canning.
Landing features
Growing this crop doesn't take much time, and even novice gardeners can handle it. The key is to follow the recommendations and adhere to certain rules.
Choosing a location for planting Flamenco tomatoes
The quality and yield of Flamenco tomatoes directly depend on the correct selection of growing site. By considering several factors, you'll provide the seedlings with optimal conditions for growth and development, increasing their resistance to diseases and pests.
Follow the recommendations:
- The crop loves the sun, so give preference to places with good sunlight, where the seedlings will be able to receive enough light for full growth and formation of tomatoes.
- Strong winds can damage bushes and reduce productivity, so plant them in wind-protected areas, such as near fences or other plants that can act as a natural screen.
- Plants prefer a moderate climate without sudden temperature fluctuations. Avoid locations with frequent drafts or in the shade, where temperatures can drop significantly at night or on cloudy days.
- The soil in the area should be well-drained, as stagnant moisture can lead to fungal diseases. Choose locations with good drainage to prevent water retention in the roots.
To prevent diseases and pests, avoid planting tomatoes in areas previously occupied by other nightshade plants, such as tomatoes or potatoes. Practice crop rotation and avoid planting tomatoes in the same area two years in a row.
Preparing the soil for planting Flamenco tomatoes
This is an important step for successful tomato planting and growth. Key preparation steps:
- Weed removal. Before planting, remove all weeds that may compete with plants for water and nutrients.
- Loosening the soil. Loose soil helps improve air permeability and water exchange in the root zone. To achieve this, use a rake or cultivator to loosen the top layer of soil.
To ensure plants receive adequate nutrition, add organic or mineral fertilizers to the soil before planting. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.
Landing algorithm
Plant seedlings according to certain rules. Step-by-step instructions:
- Dig holes 15-20 cm deep and 30-40 cm in diameter.
- Carefully place the seedling in the hole and fill it with soil until the stem touches the ground. If necessary, lightly compact the soil around it for better stability.
After planting, water the plants generously to provide initial moisture and create favorable growing conditions. Maintain moderate soil moisture throughout the growing season.
Care activities
Care for the crop plays a key role in its growth and yield. Cultivation practices help plants develop healthily and produce a good harvest. It's important to monitor the soil and ensure adequate ventilation in a greenhouse or open field to avoid overheating or waterlogging.
Watering
Water the bushes twice a week with settled water. Use 4 liters of water per plant. Combine this with fertilizing. Along with watering, regularly loosen the soil and remove weeds. Mulch the soil to retain moisture.
- × Avoid watering during hot periods of the day to prevent leaf burn.
- × Do not use cold water for watering to avoid stressing the plants.
What and when to feed?
The crop requires regular fertilization during growth and maturation. For healthy and harmonious plant development, the soil must be rich in essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply fertilizer every two weeks. Suitable products include Fertika, Dunamix, and Zdraven. To improve seed germination, use Radipharm, Agriflex, and Algrin.
Diseases and pests
The Flamenco variety is resistant to diseases such as late blight, mosaic, fusarium, and rot. However, as a preventative measure, treat the seeds and soil with a copper sulfate solution.
In case of fungal infections, spray the plants with fungicides and water the soil with a wood ash solution. Use insecticides to protect against insect pests.
Analogues
Flamenco has several similar tomato varieties that can be a worthy alternative. Choose one of them:
- Mikado pink (Gavrish). A variety with bright pink, rounded fruits that produces a good yield of up to 10 kg per square meter. The bushes reach a height of 1.8 m, and the first tomatoes ripen in 95 days, making it quite early-ripening.
- Pudovik (Dederko and Postnikova). Tomatoes of this variety are heart-shaped and a rich raspberry-red color. They weigh between 300 and 800 g. The bush height is up to 1.5 m, and the ripening period is approximately 110 days.
- Marmande (Holland). A variety with ribbed, flattened tomatoes that weigh up to 150g. The bushes reach a height of 1-1.5m, and the ripening period is 85-100 days, making this variety ideal for those who like quick ripening.
- Cheerful neighbor (Gavrish). Tomatoes of this variety are red and ribbed, weighing between 250 and 350 g. The bushes reach 2-3 m in height, and yield up to 10 kg per square meter. This is a good option for those seeking a bountiful harvest.
- Roma (SeDeK). A variety with small, plum-shaped red fruits weighing about 75 g. The bushes are low, up to 70 cm, but the yield can reach 12-15 kg per 1 sq. m.
- Snowdrop (Biotechnics Association). The tomatoes are round, slightly flattened, weighing approximately 150 g. The bushes reach a height of 80 cm, and the ripening period is 90 days, which allows for an early harvest.
- Delicious (Burpee - America). The variety is characterized by large, flat-round tomatoes weighing 400-600 g. Plant height is up to 2 m, ripening period is 110 days.
These varieties are chosen by many gardeners in our country.
Pros and cons
Before planting seedlings in your garden, it's important to carefully examine the variety's advantages and disadvantages to avoid potential difficulties. Flamenco has many advantages:
Among the disadvantages, some gardeners note the tendency of the fruits to crack, the inability to collect seeds independently, and poor storage and transportation of vegetables.
Reviews
The Flamenco tomato is an excellent choice for vegetable growers who value high yields, excellent flavor, and disease resistance. It boasts numerous positive characteristics, making it highly prized in our country. With proper care and proper growing conditions, this variety will delight you with juicy and delicious vegetables.