Bell peppers are one of the most popular and common vegetables. Among the many varieties of peppers, Claudio is of particular interest to gardeners, as it is appreciated for its qualities of taste and containing useful substances, vitamins and minerals in its composition. A description of this variety can be found in this review.
Biological description and varietal characteristics
Claudio was obtained by the specialists of the Nunhems company and belongs to the group of the Dutch line of vegetable crops. Refers to early crop varieties, since the ripening period from planting seedlings in open soil or in a greenhouse is approximately 80 days.
The plant forms a powerful, erect, medium-height bush. Large leaves, painted bright green with a slightly wrinkled surface. Thanks to the large size of the leaves, vegetables are protected from the negative effects of the sun.
The drooping, cuboid fruits have a characteristic glossy surface. In the phase of technical ripeness, vegetables are dark green in color, and when ripe they acquire a bright red color. The weight of one fruit can be 200-250 g. Subject to agricultural cultivation techniques and favorable climatic conditions, vegetables are formed thick-walled, their wall thickness is 12-14 mm. Juicy pulp with a spicy sweetish taste has the traditional delicate aroma of classic sweet pepper, without pronounced bitterness.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Claudio pepper has a number of benefits:
- high yield culture;
- excellent flavor characteristics and appearance;
- energy seed germination characterizes the simultaneity of their germination and uniform uniform ripening of peppers;
- the possibility of growing, both in open beds and in greenhouse conditions;
- ability to easily adapt to different climatic conditions;
- safety of presentation during transportation;
- fruits of a universal variety, are used fresh and canned.
In addition to the significant advantages of the variety, there are also disadvantages, which include:
- increased exactingness to soil moisture;
- low speed of transition from the technical ripeness of the fruit to its full staining.
Claudio pepper growing technology
It is recommended to take into account some of the nuances before planting this vegetable crop in your garden. Its cultivation includes certain techniques and is carried out in several stages.
Planting seeds and growing conditions for seedlings
Claudio peppers need to be grown using seedlings, obtained from seeds, which are sown in prepared containers in the last days of February or early March.
The soil substrate should be characterized by looseness and fertility and be rich in organic matter.
Growing seedlings includes the following operations:
- Before planting seeds you need place in water for 5 hours, the temperature of which is not higher than 50C. After the time has elapsed, put them on a cloth moistened with water for three days in a room with a temperature regime of at least 20 ̊С.
- Prepared planting material put in boxes to a depth of 1-2 cm, observing the distance between the planting units of 1.5 cm.
- Good pour over and cover with glass or transparent film to maintain the required humidity level.
- In order for the seeds to germinate well, you need to place the containers in the room, the temperature regime of which should be 24-26 degrees above zero... It is important to take into account that seedlings like good lighting, dry air, moist soil and cannot withstand drafts, therefore it is necessary to create optimal conditions, taking into account the preferences of the culture.
- After 15 days, the first shoots will appear, and you will need to make a pick. This technique promotes the formation of roots and strengthens the seedlings, as they grow cramped as they grow, and they do not receive the required amount of nutrients. To do this, it is necessary to carefully transplant sprouts into separate forms without damaging the roots.
- Put containers with seedlings in a warm place and pour with warm waterwithout waterlogging the soil, in order to avoid the development of such a disease as black leg. You should also make sure that the soil does not dry out.
- Provide proper care for seedlings, which consists in spraying plants, ventilating the room, fencing from drafts. And on the tenth day after the pick, apply fertilizers using urea and superphosphate.
In 60-70 days after the formation of seedlings, the seedlings should be transplanted to a permanent place.
Transplant to open ground
The site should be open, sunny and windless, and the soil should be light, nutritious and loose with good aeration. Good predecessors are cabbage, carrots, beets, pumpkin.
To plant seedlings in May, when the threat of frost passes, and the earth warms up to 13-15 C. Planting is carried out in the late afternoon, this will allow the seedlings to quickly adapt to a new place.
The main stages of planting seedlings in the ground:
- One week before planting it is recommended to harden seedlings, taking them out daily in sunny warm weather for several hours.
- Selected water the plot well, loosen the soil and fertilize, using phosphate and potassium substances.
- To maintain the plant from floors, it is necessary to install pegs during planting, for which the bushes will be tied as they grow.
- Water the seedlings well, so that they do not experience a lack of moisture during the transplant process.
- Dig holes observing distance between planting units 40-50 cm, and the distance between the rows is 60 cm. The depth of the planting recesses should correspond to the size of the root collar of the seedling and after planting it was on a par with the ground. It is important that the bushes are not close to each other. This can affect plant formation and yield.
- Plant seedlings together with an earthen clod, deepening into the hole and half filling it with fertile soil, it is good to water and fill the hole to the top while leaving the cotyledon leaves above the ground surface,
- After disembarking mulch the garden with pepper peat.
Diseases and pests
Pepper, like all vegetables, is susceptible to insects and various diseases. In order not to miss the initial stage and have time to eliminate the infection of a significant number of plants, you need to familiarize yourself with the signs of diseases and how to deal with them.
Common diseases that threaten the plant include:
- Blackleg, a disease that can be identified by the dark color of the root collar with a grayish coating. Gradually, rot affects the root system and causes the death of the plant.
- Late blight considered a serious fungal disease. Leaves, stems and fruits are covered with brown spots with a pale green area around them. In dry weather, the infected areas dry out, and in damp weather they begin to rot.
- Bacterial spot capable of causing irreparable harm to bushes at the stage of seedling formation. Black spots with yellow edging appear on the leaves and stems, and darkish bulging dots with a watery border appear on the fruits.
Of the pests, the more dangerous are aphids, Colorado potato beetle, spider mites and naked slugs. These parasites must be fought by treating plants with chemicals.
To prevent diseases and pest attacks that lie in wait at various stages of development, you need to work proactively, observing the following rules:
- at the stage of growing seedlings use only soil equipped with fertilizers;
- process seeds, carry out root and foliar feeding, which will help the plant to cope with the stresses associated with the violation of the cultivation technology;
- when watering do not use cold water, as well as avoid waterlogging and drying out of the soil;
- upon detection of plant infection urgently perform all the techniques for its elimination, by treating the bushes with protective agents.
Following these recommendations, the peppers will not be in danger, and an excellent harvest is ensured.
A set of measures for the care of pepper
When growing peppers, care is important, which must be done according to all the rules. Therefore, the following set of basic works should be carried out:
- carry out regular watering, especially in dry weather, since lack of water can cause the plant to wilt, which will lead to its death;
- loosen the ground to improve the flow of air to the roots and the circulation of air water vapor in the surface layer, which is favorable for the growth and development of plants;
- weeding, getting rid of weeds;
- spud pepper bushes during the flowering period;
- remove the first and large formed flowers, which will help direct nutrients to the formation of the plant itself and the laying of new fruits;
- remove stepchildren and leaves of the lower tiers to ensure ventilation of the crown and warming it up by the sun's rays;
- tie up the stems to reliable supports as needed;
- for the active development of culture systematically add nutrientsusing organic and mineral fertilizers;
- examine the bushes for diseases and pests and, if they are detected, take the necessary measures.
Claudio pepper is one of the favorite varieties among vegetable growers, since the seeds sprout amicably and quickly enough, leaving does not require much effort, and compliance with certain rules will allow you to grow a good harvest, distinguished by the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit.