The Red Army tomato is an early-ripening hybrid characterized by excellent productivity and low maintenance. Compact bushes form sturdy stems that require little care. The fruits have a rich flavor, are resistant to cracking, and store well. This variety is suitable for growing outdoors and in greenhouses and is resistant to many diseases.
Description of the bush and fruits
It belongs to the determinate varieties of general use. The crop is successfully grown in open ground, plastic greenhouses, and hotbeds.
Peculiarities:
- The plant is medium-sized, reaching 1 m in height, the leaves are small, dark green, the stalk is articulated.
- The first inflorescence forms above the fifth leaf, with subsequent ones appearing 1-2 leaves later. Each stem produces 5 to 6 clusters.
- A distinctive feature of this variety is its standard form, which makes it easy to care for and provides convenient access to the fruits.
- Each tomato weighs 160-180 g, is round, and has a slightly ribbed surface. It contains 4 to 6 seed chambers.
- When unripe, the vegetables are green in color, and when fully ripe, they are red.
Main characteristics
Red Army is a hybrid variety developed by breeders V. G. Kachainik, M. N. Gulkin, O. A. Karmanova, and S. V. Matyunina from Agrofirma Aelita LLC. It was approved for commercial use in 2018.
Key qualities of the Red Army:
- It is an early-ripening tomato – from the moment of emergence until the first harvest, 90-100 days pass.
- The crop has a long fruiting period and good productivity, reaching 21 kg per 1 sq. m.
- The tomato has a rich flavor due to its dense, fleshy pulp.
- The skin is of medium thickness, not rough.
- The variety is versatile: excellent for use in salads and slices, and for preparing various dishes.
- The fruits are stored well: if stored under appropriate conditions, they remain fresh for up to three weeks.
Growing and care
Red Army is a compact and easy-to-grow variety suitable for growing outdoors, in greenhouses, and even on balconies. Its early ripening, tolerance to adverse conditions, and excellent flavor make it popular among growers.
Follow these recommendations:
- For an early harvest, sow seeds for seedlings in late February or early March. Sow in loose, fertile soil, planting the seeds 1–1.5 cm deep. Cover the trays with plastic or glass until the seedlings emerge and keep them at a temperature of 23–25°C.
- When the first shoots appear, remove the cover and reduce the temperature to 18–20°C to prevent the plants from becoming leggy. When the seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, transplant them into individual containers. Harden off the plants 10–14 days before transplanting them into the garden, gradually acclimating them to fresh air.
Basic rules for caring for the Red Riding Hood tomato:
- watering – regular, but moderate, warm, settled water, under the root, without getting on the leaves;
- top dressing – 10-14 days after planting, apply complex fertilizers, then every 2-3 weeks (organic matter, phosphorus and potassium for fruiting);
- bush formation – the plant does not require pinching, but trim off the lower yellowed leaves;
- protection from diseases and pests – Perform preventative spraying with Fitosporin, ash solution or infusions of garlic and onions.
Red Army is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-grow, productive, and delicious variety. Its minimal maintenance and high disease resistance make it suitable even for novice gardeners.
Pros and cons
Before growing a variety, it's important to carefully study its characteristics, pros, and cons. The hybrid has many advantages:
Reviews
The Red Army is a reliable tomato variety with excellent characteristics. It combines low maintenance with excellent shelf life. Firm tomatoes with thick skin are suitable for storage and transportation. Minimal care requirements make this hybrid easy to grow even in regions with capricious climates.