Tomato Donkey ears: characteristics and description of the variety, cultivation features

Description of the variety

The most important condition for properly growing tomatoes on a plot is searching for detailed characteristics of the variety. Thanks to this information, it will be possible to avoid major problems, grow an excellent harvest, and get the maximum benefit from the process.

Plant:

Height: 2 m.
Bush: indeterminate.
Number of tomatoes in a brush: 4–6 pcs.
Ripening period: 110–115 days.

Fruit:

Shape: oblong, similar to a donkey's ear.
Weight: 300–500 g.
Color: crimson.
Taste: sweet.
Density: medium.
Transportability: low.
Shelf life: 2–3 weeks.

Characteristics and description

“Donkey Ears” tomatoes are a mid-season variety, because it is quite possible to harvest the first-born fruits approximately 120 days after the seedlings are planted in the soil. Tomato bushes have thick stems, but still need to be tied to supports, as they can reach a height of 170 centimeters. The foliage is ordinary, bright green in color, and with slight corrugation (ribbing) at the tips.

The fruits of Donkey Ears tomatoes are slightly long, similar to large peppers or plums. They are somewhat reminiscent of donkey ears, which is where the name actually comes from. As soon as the fruits begin to ripen, they become especially dense - their weight can reach up to 300-500 grams. There are not many seeds inside the fruit, but they are large and can be seen with the naked eye. Up to 6 vegetables are formed on one brush.

The variety is suitable for both growing in greenhouse conditions and open spaces, but always with the use of agrofibre film.

Planting and care

Donkey Ears tomatoes are grown in seedlings. Seeds are sown 2 months in advance. Only the terms are calculated individually. Since they directly depend on the climatic conditions of the growing region.

Necessary techniques for growing healthy and resilient seedlings:

Lighting and humidity.
Diving, planting in separate pots.
Hardening for 10 days. Before landing in a permanent place. The seedlings are taken outside, left for 20 minutes the first day, then the time spent outdoors is increased to the whole day.
Feeding with growth-stimulating drugs.

There are 4 plants per 1 m2. Be sure to form, preferably in 2 or 3 stems.

A garter to the supports is necessary to help the plant. The presence of a large number of large fruits will lead to breakage of the brush.

Water with warm water in the evening. Feed at least 2 times. When tomatoes bloom and actively ripen.

Features of the variety

“Donkey Ears” is a mid-season tomato. The growing season is 120 days after planting the seedlings. The seeds are sown in another 60 days. For good yield, it is important to place the bushes at a sufficient distance from each other. One square meter should be occupied by 4 plants. The variety is recommended to be grown in seedlings. The height of the bushes is 1-2 m.

Like other tomatoes, this variety requires care and proper watering. Before the first fruits appear, the plant is planted 2 times.

The fruits have an elongated plum-shaped shape, similar to a donkey's ear, which is where the name comes from. They can weigh up to 300 grams. There may be slight ribbing near the stalk.

If you carefully examine a tomato, you can determine the number of seeds and see how they are located inside the fruit. Large clusters hanging from the bush do not always ripen evenly, so it is advisable to better monitor them. After some of the tomatoes turn pink, they need to be removed so that the rest do not lag behind in development.

Disease susceptibility

The variety has no immunity to diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out preventive work to prevent the occurrence of the disease. While the plant is not blooming, it can be treated with chemicals. Afterwards it is best to use traditional methods.

Description of habit

The plant is not very tall, determinate. The height of the plant on different soils varies from 60 to 80 cm. The leaf blade is of the usual classic tomato shape and color. Due to its productivity, the load on the bush becomes quite large and the plant lowers its shoots under the weight of the fruit. To prevent sagging and breaking off, constant, timely garters and fixation of fruit branches are necessary.

If you look closely at the bush, the fruits seem to be hidden inside the bush, and opening them slightly, the wonderful picture enchants with its uniform tomatoes. The fruits are cylindrical, even, smooth, uniform in color, uniform in color, rich in red.

But when cut, the picture is not very good. A light vein runs through the center of the fruit. Although the fruit is fleshy, the seed chambers are not completely filled with contents and there is a feeling of emptiness. Since the variety has 4 to 6 seed nests, there may be too many voids. Although reviews from some vegetable growers indicate that everything depends on cultivation technology and such nuances do not arise with timely watering.

Tomato “Ox Ears” the description of the variety must be added by the fact that the fruits have an average weight of about 100 g, as indicated by the patent holder. However, vegetable growers claim that these tomatoes, with proper care, show much higher results, and tomatoes weighing under 200 g are not at all uncommon.

Harvest volume and application

Summer residents pay attention not only to the description of the external characteristics of the variety. An important criterion for selection is productivity. From 1 bush you can get up to 3 kg of fruit. The main thing is to correctly form and harvest those fruits that are already ripe. This stimulates the growth of the ovary.

Tomatoes of the Donkey Ears variety are used mainly for juices and tomato paste. Suitable for canning whole fruits, but due to their large size, small quantities are used. But this is compensated by excellent taste. Thanks to which, the fruits are eaten fresh in large quantities.

Reviews from those who planted

Raisa, 42 years old: “I am an experienced gardener and just a lover of tomatoes. They grow the “Donkey Ears” variety because I like to eat it raw and cut it into salads. I also squeeze out thick juice from it - a great alternative to a cooling drink during the summer season. I have only one piece of advice, and it concerns the issue of accelerating fruit germination. To speed things up, I tie the seeds into gauze knots and for 11 hours I put the gauze knots in a glass of hot water - 50 degrees Celsius, in which I first dilute one dessert spoon of ordinary kitchen baking soda. Thanks to the solution, the seed coat is perfectly loosened, and the sprouts easily and easily break through to the surface. Since I carry out the procedure in the evening, in the morning I wash the seeds and begin to pickle them for half an hour in a manganese solution. After that, I sow in containers, cover with a film coating and place in a warm and well-lit place.”

Anna, 43 years old: “I am a farmer and I simply adore Donkey Ears tomatoes for their beautiful presentation. I grow tomatoes for commercial purposes, so I advise everyone to grow them exclusively in a well-lit place where there is absolutely no wind. My greenhouse is glazed, so I don’t worry about it. An excellent soil would be one where herbal plants and flowers previously grew. Additionally, I recommend fertilizing the root system not very often and only with mineral fertilizers from the manufacturer. Moreover, always use the instructions for use, which are indicated on the package, so as not to overdo it. Also, I advise you to remove ripe fruits during the day, when there is no dew or other moisture on the surface. If there is dew, it’s better to wait until it evaporates.”

Positive and negative properties

The characteristics are divided into positive and negative in order to make it easier for the summer resident to decide on the choice of varieties for his plot.

Pros:

Productivity.
Taste qualities.
The use of the fruit is very suitable for juice and tomato paste, due to its thick consistency.

Minuses:

Tendency to cracking.
Requirement for formation.
Treatment against diseases is mandatory.

Description and characteristics of the Donkey Ears tomato, reviews, photos

Indeterminate, mid-season, very productive , cluster variety of Polish selection.

A bush with a regular leaf, not very leafy, up to 2 meters high . It is better to form 1-2 stems. They are grown both in greenhouses and in open ground, with the obligatory garter to a support. The fruits are collected in clusters of 4-6 pieces.

photo by Valentina Redko

Basic qualities of fruits

The tomatoes themselves are elongated large plums, also shaped like donkey ears, hence the name. There is often slight ribbing at the stalk. At the ripe stage, the fruits are red-raspberry, weighing up to 300 grams , very tasty and fleshy. Many note the similarity of taste with Bull's Heart tomatoes. These tomatoes are good in fresh salads and are also suitable for making juice.

This is a salad variety, so the fruits do not last long. Disadvantages also include a tendency to cracking with heavy watering.

A site about tomato varieties with truthful reviews from gardeners - Tomatland.

What summer residents say about Donkey Ears tomatoes

Reviews from gardeners contain even more useful information. They share useful growing tips and give specific advice to beginning gardeners.

Marisha. Formed into 2 stems. Takes up very little space. Tomatoes are similar to the shape of a donkey’s ears, and that’s what attracted them. We will definitely plant it next year.
Svetlana. Yield and tasty tomatoes. The color turns out pink. The fruits do not crack.
Anna. It led into two trunks, and stepped moderately. The yield is average, everyone in the family liked it.

“Donkey ears” is a type of tomato that attracts with its taste and unusual shape.

Features of cultivation

We recommend sowing the seeds of this variety of tomatoes for seedlings 60-65 days before the intended planting in a permanent place. When planting 1 sq. meter there are up to 4 plants.

photo author Tatyana Seredenina

If you have grown Donkey Ears tomatoes, please write what you liked about this variety and why you were disappointed. What did the fruit taste like and what was the overall yield? Will you plant this variety again? Briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of this tomato in your opinion. If possible, attach a photo of the entire bush or individual fruits you grew. Thank you!

Your reviews of the Donkey Ears tomato, as well as additions to the description, will help many gardeners evaluate this variety more objectively and decide whether it is worth planting or not. Thank you!

We remind you that to obtain the most delicious and aromatic fruits of any variety, tomatoes need loose, humus-rich soil, moderate watering, maximum sun and an optimal number of healthy leaves.

A rare type of tomato that has earned a good reputation. Mainly used for growing in greenhouses. In addition to their high yield, tomatoes are famous for their size and taste.

Main characteristics of the variety

These tomatoes are determinate. They do not have an endpoint of growth, but you can adjust the height of the plant by cutting off the main stem and forming a bush of two or three stems. Then it will need more free space, but the harvest will be much more generous.

In any case, whether the height of the main stem decreases or not, supports will be needed. Without a garter, half the fruits will simply rot.

If you comply with this requirement, the tomatoes will turn out no worse than in the photo on the Internet or on the packaging itself. The bushes will be very powerful, but there will not be many leaves on them. So the fruits have the opportunity to ripen evenly, and due to the normal amount of moisture there are no prerequisites for the development of a pathogenic environment, the tomatoes do not rot.

Normally, no more than 6 ovaries should be left on one hand. Otherwise, the fruits will turn out too large and the peel may burst.

The weight of one is approximately 300 grams. So from one bush you can get at least 6, and with more careful care up to 10-12 kg.

Tomatoes are not only used fresh. We have already said that they store well, but they are also indispensable for canning. You can roll them whole, or in halves or quarters, or use them for combined recipes.

To get a good harvest, you need to use high-quality seeds. The most productive varieties are possible. Large selection of varieties for every taste.

Why did the tomato get such an interesting name? Judging by the photo, it has an oblong shape, and has no further resemblance to the ears of a cow. Most likely, this is explained by the fact that the description is quite similar to another, no less popular variety, called “Ox Heart”. Indeed, they are quite similar. The pulp is just as juicy, sweetish, and there are many similarities in cultivation. Only the size is different.

Caring for tomatoes in a greenhouse

Planting tomatoes in a permanent location is determined taking into account the climate of the region. In the middle zone, tomatoes can be planted under shelters already at the beginning of May, while in Siberia or the North-West the usual time is the beginning of June.

The beds are prepared in advance; they dig and apply fertilizers in the fall. In the spring, all that remains is to add ash, dig up the soil again and make holes. Planting scheme – no more than 4 plants per 1 sq. meter.

The Pink Furry Boar variety is a tall tomato, so you need to think about what supports to make for the plants. With the trellis method, side supports are installed in the greenhouse and wire or ropes are pulled. In other cases, stakes and cotton ribbons are prepared for tying bushes.

IMPORTANT! Do not use twine or wire with stakes, as they may cut into plant stems.

After planting, the seedlings are not watered for 5-7 days. This is done for good and active growth of the root system, which will have a positive effect on plant health in the future.

Water Pink Furry Boar, like all tomatoes, carefully, generously and rarely. In a greenhouse, the schedule is set depending on weather conditions and the condition of the tomatoes themselves. In hot weather, the greenhouse is ventilated after each watering to prevent condensation on the film, glass or polycarbonate.

The water must be warm, +22Cº, and must be settled. Water that is taken for irrigation from a well or a nearby reservoir also needs to be settled and heated in barrels in the sun.

The Pink Fluffy Boar variety is highly resistant to infections, but you should not violate agricultural practices. With high humidity and failure to maintain optimal temperatures in the greenhouse, other, less resistant tomatoes may become ill, and the infection will spread to all plants

That’s why it’s important to open vents, doors, and windows in greenhouses in hot weather and ventilate them.

For feeding use:

diluted mullein (1:10);
diluted bird droppings (1:20, since this organic fertilizer has a higher nitrogen concentration, and without diluting with water you can simply “burn” the tomatoes);
complex fertilizers (nitrophoska);
potassium sulfate, superphosphate, ash, sodium humate.

A complete and balanced diet is the guarantee that the fruits will ripen faster, have a good taste, and the yield of the variety will be higher.

ON A NOTE! In the first half of the growing season, tomatoes need nitrogen fertilizers; in the second half, it is recommended to give preference to potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, which are necessary for the normal formation and growth of fruits.

Also effective techniques are spraying tomatoes with compounds containing boric acid, iodine, yeast infusions, and urea. But when applying any fertilizing, you must remember the fertilizer rate and strictly adhere to all doses.

The usual option for growing the Pink Furry Boar variety is to form it into two stems, although some gardeners even leave three stems. In order to avoid thickening of plantings, follow the planting scheme, and also use the trellis method. In this case, all tomato bushes receive the required portion of lighting, and it is much more convenient to collect fruits.

For gardeners who have a very busy work schedule and can only visit the site on weekends, we can recommend mulching tomatoes. Using mulch (cut grass, humus, peat) you can solve the problem of watering and avoid the appearance of weeds in the beds.

During the period of mass fruiting, watering and fertilizing are stopped, then the tomato pulp will be dense, juicy, and not watery. The fruits can be harvested 110-115 days after the first shoots appear, but they will still be green tomatoes. The state of technical ripeness means that the tomato has reached the required weight (about 100-120 grams), there is pubescence, but the color of its skin is still greenish. Here the gardener himself decides: to pick the fruits green so that other tomatoes have time to form on the bush, or to wait for them to fully ripen and acquire the color characteristic of the variety. But at the same time, we must remember that the fruits on subsequent clusters will grow slowly, and the overall yield will be lower.

Tomatoes of the Pink Fluffy Boar variety ripen well at home, acquiring a colorful pinkish color with “fused” yellow strokes and stripes.

Description, characteristics of the variety Ox's ear

The variety is mid-season. It will take 95 days until the first fruits ripen. The bushes are about a meter or a little more, not particularly branched. The yield satisfies even the gardener who is experienced in tomato matters. From 1 sq. m it is easy to collect up to 6 kg of selected tomatoes. The ripening period is long, i.e. You will harvest the crop several times a season.

The fruits are compact, neat, pleasant to hold in your hands. They taste meaty, sweet and incredibly aromatic. The weight of one tomato is 150-200 grams. The shape is elongated, with a nose characteristic of the variety, resembling an ear. And oxen - from the word “oxen”. They mature together. Sometimes, under the abundant greenery, you are amazed at the number of bright red fruits born. Take a look at the photo.

The skin of tomatoes is soft, but quite durable, making them suitable for storage and transportation. Tomato Ox ears are classified as salad tomatoes. It is recommended to consume them fresh as much as possible. You can also save them for the winter in the form of juice, sauce, or tomato. It is not advisable to preserve it in its entirety - the skin will burst.

If you have papillomas, read - before they are removed! This gets rid of parasites in 2 days and forever... Read more... Note! Ox ears are not a hybrid, which means there is an opportunity to stock up.

Reviews

“I planted Donkey Ears - it’s a tasty variety and gives a good harvest. I'll save the seeds for next season. By the way, it grows in my open ground, under film. When it got warmer, I took off the cover” (Lyudmila).

“The tomatoes are very tasty, the flesh is sweet, similar to watermelon. They can be used to make salads because they do not spread when cut. I can’t say that the yield is high: ripe fruits have to be removed immediately to give the opportunity to new ones” (Alexandra).

“The whole family liked the Donkey Ears tomato and now it always grows in our greenhouse. She formed bushes from 2 stems and planted them sparingly. Their height is approximately 1.7 m. The heat was abnormal, but the ovaries formed on time. The pulp of tomatoes is sugary. I consider this variety to be productive” (Tatyana).

Having examined the characteristics of the variety, we can conclude that if planting material is stored correctly, it will be able to germinate correctly and produce a high-quality harvest.

How to sow seeds and grow seedlings

Since “Donkey Ears” is a tall variety with large fruits, its condition must be monitored during the period when the root system is being formed. Sometimes young tomatoes are transferred to larger pots. For example, if picking was carried out in 200 gram cups, before open ground the shoots are placed in 500 gram containers. The seedlings are taken out along with the roots, transplanted and sprinkled with soil mixture. Then the bush will be a little lower, but will give stronger roots, which will later help it gain a foothold in a permanent area.

The height of the finished seedlings should be 20-40 cm, the normal number of leaves is 6-8

When choosing a place for a tomato, you need to pay attention to the following factors: . lighting;

lack of wind;

the area should be one where nightshades have not previously grown

lighting;
lack of wind;
the area should be one where nightshades have not previously grown

The soil should be fertilized with compounds diluted in water and added at the root. The plant should not dry out, so watering is done twice a week. If this is not done, the buds and flowers may fall off.

Supports for gartering and fixation are placed next to the bushes. Otherwise, the fruits bend the bush towards the ground or fall off.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

“Donkey Ears” tomatoes are considered a promising variety, high-yielding and mainly suitable for closed soil. But besides these advantages, gardeners highlight many others:

Large, fleshy, sweet fruits with high sugar content.
Large elongated shapes and beautiful marketable appearance.
Excellent taste.
Increased yield (often, ripening occurs in mid-August).
Excellent transportability.
Highest resistance to various pests.

The truth is that farmers and connoisseurs of the Donkey Ears tomato variety highlight several disadvantages. Among them is the fact that tomato bushes are capricious regarding the issue of watering, as well as the fact that they are prone to cracking if the crop is not harvested on time.

Features of cultivation and care

If we take into account the fact that “Donkey Ears” tomatoes are tall and large-fruited, then special attention during cultivation should be paid to the development of the root system and monitor its condition on an ongoing basis. Sometimes, gardeners transfer sprouts into larger forms, for example, when picking into 250-gram forms, you need to transplant the tomatoes into 450-500-gram ones even before transplanting them to the main place in the soil

If you get the seedlings along with the entire root system, you need to take care to rearrange them into larger forms and add a little to the surface of the ground. Such an event will reduce the height of the bushes and force them to create additional roots for a strong grip on the soil and stability after transplanting into the soil.

Before transplanting seedlings, make sure that they are at least 20-40 centimeters high and that 6-10 leaves have appeared on the sprouts.

To plant sprouts in a permanent place, you should take into account the incident lighting, because the variety loves light and protection from strong winds. Also make sure that in the area where Donkey Ears tomatoes will grow, something from the nightshade family has not previously been grown.

It is very important not to forget to fertilize from time to time, since this variety grows better and faster if you feed it with diluted mineral solutions. Fertilizing should be carried out only at the root - add mineral fertilizers near the root system

As for irrigation work, it is better to carry it out no more than twice in 7 days. Gardeners note that if you miss the moment and do not water on time, the flowers and buds can simply fall off.

Important! Sowing of seeds should be done about 2 months before planting. One of the mandatory conditions that is best to be followed is the correct placement of tomato bushes according to the scheme: no more than 4 bushes per 1 square meter. We also shouldn’t forget about pinching – you need to carry out the procedure about 2 times before the first fruits ripen.