Tomato L-28-18 is a medium-ripening variety with a maturation period of 100 to 115 days. Plants reach a height of 1.1 to 1.5 meters and form clusters with 2-3, sometimes up to 4-5 fruits. Fruits are large, weighing 400 to 600 grams, with individual specimens reaching up to 800 grams. They have a flat-conical shape, bright red color, smooth surface, and fleshy texture, making this variety one of the best for salads due to its excellent taste qualities.
For successful cultivation of tomato L-28-18, certain conditions are required. The plant is demanding in terms of light and prefers southern slopes protected from northern winds. The optimal soil acidity is 6.0-6.7, and tomatoes grow better on light soils with neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Acidic soils should be limed every 3-4 years. During the period of mass fruit formation, tomatoes require regular watering, but they do not tolerate high air humidity or water on leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. Excessive humidity in the absence of sufficient heat promotes excessive shoot growth at the expense of fruiting.
Growing seedlings requires careful seed preparation, including calibration, disinfection, and stimulation. Seeds germinate at a temperature of about +15 °C, and the optimal temperature for seedling cultivation varies from 18 to 27 °C depending on the growth stage. Seedlings are transplanted into open ground in mid-June, planted up to the cotyledon leaves and arranged according to the maturity schedule of the variety. Care for tomatoes includes mineral and organic fertilizer applications, pinching out side shoots, and disease prevention using folk remedies and proper watering regimes. To improve fruit set, non-root feedings with borax are applied and pollinators are attracted using natural traps.
