Troika is a popular tomato variety prized for its early ripening, good productivity, and excellent flavor. It is characterized by its resistance to adverse weather conditions and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for both experienced gardeners and novices. With proper care, it will yield generous quantities of high-quality fruit.
History of creation
Developed by a team of authors: S. F. Gavrish, V. V. Morev, E. V. Amcheslavskaya, T. V. Degovtsova, and O. A. Volok. Development was conducted at the Research Institute for Vegetable Crop Breeding and Gavrish Breeding Firm. Approved for use in 2006 and classified as a varietal crop.
Description of the bush
It has a determinate growth habit, making it compact and small in size – 50-60 cm in height. The shoots are densely covered with medium-sized leaves, which are dark green in color.
Main qualities of fruits
Tomatoes weigh between 62 and 110 grams. They have a flattened, round shape and smooth skin: unripe tomatoes are green, while ripe tomatoes are bright red. Each tomato contains four or more chambers (cells). The yield of marketable fruits is up to 86%, which is a very high figure.
Taste characteristics
This tomato is prized for its excellent flavor – it will appeal to lovers of fresh vegetables. This variety allows you to enjoy juicy and flavorful vegetables straight from your own garden.
Ripening and yield
Troika is an early variety—the fruits ripen 100-105 days after germination. This allows for harvesting as early as early summer.
The crop is characterized by good productivity. On average, 187 to 455 centners of fruit are harvested per hectare. The highest yields are recorded in the North Caucasus region.
Timing of planting seedlings and transplanting into the ground
To get an early harvest of Troika tomatoes, begin sowing seedlings as early as mid-March. 100-105 days after emergence, transplant the seedlings into open ground, under plastic, or into greenhouses or hotbeds. In early June, plant the seedlings directly into the garden beds.
Planting and care
Sow the seeds in mid-March. Plant the seeds in containers with light, nutritious soil to a depth of 1-2 cm, then moisten and place in a warm, bright location at a temperature of 22-24°C.
As the seedlings grow, provide them with sufficient light (preferably 12-15 hours a day) and regularly monitor the soil moisture, avoiding both drying out and stagnant water.
Transplant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has stabilized at 15°C or above. Plant the seedlings in the beds according to the following pattern:
- 40-50 cm between plants;
- 60-70 cm between rows.
Caring for the Troika tomato variety includes several key aspects:
- Watering. Provide regular watering, especially during flowering and fruit formation. Use only warm, settled water.
- Top dressing. Use complex mineral fertilizers. Alternate with organic fertilizers, such as wood ash or mullein infusion.
- Weeding and loosening. Remove weeds as they appear. Loosen the soil to ensure oxygen reaches the roots.
Treatment and prevention of diseases and pests
Despite their strong immune system, bushes can be susceptible to disease and insect attacks. It's important to begin treatment promptly:
| Disease/Pest | Signs | Methods of control |
| Fusarium wilt | Leaves wither, turn yellow, and dry out. Plants may die. | Treatment with fungicides (Previkur, Strobi, Topsin), improving soil drainage. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery spots on leaves and stems, which curl over time. | Use of Topaz fungicide, regular ventilation. |
| Ascochytosis | Gray-brown spots on leaves and stems. Fruit may become bitter. | Spraying with Bordeaux mixture, copper and iron sulfate. |
| White rot | Wet spots at the base of the stem, resembling a web. | Use of products such as Hom, Ordan, and Topaz. Removal and disposal of affected plants. |
| Mosaic virus | Leaves become spotty, distorted, and growth slows. | Removing infected bushes. |
| Cladosporiosis | Brown spots on the leaves, causing them to dry out over time. | Treatment with fungicides, improvement of ventilation and watering regimes. |
| Aphid | Small insects on leaves and shoots - they curl up and turn yellow. | Spraying with insecticides and soap solution or garlic infusion. |
| Whitefly | Small white insects on the underside of leaves. This causes yellowing and drying out. | Use of insecticides or biological control methods. |
| Spider mite | Fine webbing on leaves and shoots. Leads to drying out. | Use of acaricides, increasing air humidity, regular spraying with water. |
| Stem breakage (physical damage) | Stems or shoots are broken, often after strong winds or improper care. | Strengthening with support and proper tying, protecting plants from strong winds. |
Pros and cons
The Troika variety has many characteristics that are important to understand before planting the seedlings in the ground. This will help avoid future problems.
The Troika is a good choice for most gardeners, but it requires attention and a competent approach to obtain the maximum harvest.
Reviews
Irina, 50 years old, Yekaterinburg. The Troika variety is a great find for my garden! The tomatoes ripen very early, allowing me to enjoy fresh tomatoes as early as early summer. The yield is always consistent, and the flavor is excellent – sweet and aromatic. Just remember to water them regularly and prevent diseases, and everything will be perfect.
Alexander, 37 years old, Krasnodar. I've been growing Troika for two years now, and I'm always pleased. The bushes are compact, take up little space, yet produce a bountiful harvest. The tomatoes are delicious, perfect for both salads and canning. The main thing is to keep an eye on the side shoots, but it's not critical. I highly recommend them!
Olga, 49 years old, Novosibirsk. The Troika tomato lived up to all my expectations! The fruits are small, but have excellent flavor, without the acidity, making them perfect for summer salads. It's a docile variety, tolerates cold snaps well, and isn't afraid of rain, which is especially important in our region. It's easy to care for, suitable even for gardening novices. I plan to grow it annually.
The Troika tomato is a reliable and productive variety that's ideal for growing in any climate. Early ripening, disease resistance, and an appealing flavor make it versatile and popular. Despite minor cultivation nuances, with proper care, you'll be able to reap an excellent harvest that will delight you with its freshness and flavor.