Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Welcome to the English archive of the "TOMAT-POMIDOR.COM International Tomato Growers Club" — the largest Ru-language tomato forum, founded in 2010.
For years, our gardeners have been cultivating and discussing some of the most resilient and rare heirloom varieties in the world. We are carefully translating the best forum threads to English and distilling them into pure, useful facts.
Authentic photos, real yields, and honest reviews from actual growers.
Quick Summary: Defeating Late Blight in Cold, Rainy Climates 🌍 The Problem: Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) is the ultimate tomato killer, especially in cool, rainy regions with heavy morning dew (like USDA Zones 3-5). Many growers harvest green tomatoes thinking they are safe, only to watch them rot indoors. 🧪 Folk Remedies vs. Science: Experienced … Read more
Quick Summary of Gigant Lary (Giant of Lara) 🌍 Origin: A large-fruited heirloom variety originating from Hungary (Венгрия). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), powerful and vigorous bush reaching over 1.8 meters (6+ feet) in height. Regular leaf foliage. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Large, heavy pink beefsteaks with slight ribbing/gathering at the shoulders. The skin is not … Read more
Quick Summary: DIY Weed Tea Fertilizer 🌍 Why this matters: If you struggle with sandy soil that doesn’t hold nutrients, or if buying manure is too expensive and labor-intensive, “weed tea” is the ultimate free alternative. 🌿 The Base: You can use any garden weeds (dandelions, burdock, nettle, chamomile) harvested before they go to seed. … Read more
Quick Summary: Short-Season Melon Growing Masterclass 🌍 Why this matters: If you live in a cold climate (like USDA Zones 3-4) with short summers and June frosts, growing melons can feel impossible. In this article, a seasoned grower from Rybinsk (North-West Russia) shares his proven techniques for harvesting sweet watermelons and melons outdoors. 🌱 Key … Read more
Quick Summary of Cherniy iz Tuly (Black from Tula) 🌍 Origin: An old folk selection variety from Tula. Interestingly, it gained massive popularity in the USA (often brought by Ukrainian immigrants) before returning to Eastern Europe as a sought-after commercial heirloom. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), regular leaf. Very vigorous and unpretentious. If not topped, … Read more
Quick Summary of Chudo Zemli (Wonder of the Earth) 🌍 Origin: A very famous Russian heirloom/commercial variety. The name translates to “Wonder of the Earth”. Important Note: There are two distinct strains circulating under this name. The original Siberian strain (“SibSad” company) produces large, flat-round (oblate) pink beefsteaks. Meanwhile, a popular Ukrainian line produces beautiful … Read more
Quick Summary of Cherry Ira F1 🌍 Origin: A very popular commercial F1 hybrid from the Russian seed company “Semko”. Often sold at a premium price compared to standard seeds. 🌿 Plant Habit: An extremely vigorous, wildly growing indeterminate. It can easily surpass 3 meters (10 ft) in height. It produces a massive amount of … Read more
Quick Summary of Chernoe Yabloko (Black Apple) 🌍 Origin: A highly productive Russian commercial/collector’s variety. The name translates to “Black Apple”. It is widely distributed by prominent Russian seed collectors like V. Popenko. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate and very tall. In a greenhouse, it easily reaches 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) and requires sturdy trellising. It … Read more
Quick Summary of Black and Brown Boar 🌍 Origin: A famous American variety developed by Brad Gates (Wild Boar Farms). In Russia, it circulates under the translated name Cherno-Korichnevyi Kaban. It is fascinating to see how this California native performs in the harsh climates of Russia and Siberia! 🌿 Plant Habit: Tall indeterminate, reaching up … Read more
Quick Summary of Chernaya Lakomka (Black Gourmand) 🌍 Origin: A Russian commercial variety from the “Poisk” seed company. The name translates roughly to “Black Gourmand” or “Black Sweet Tooth”, highlighting its dessert-like flavor profile. 🌿 Plant Habit: Tall indeterminate, typically reaching 1.5–2 meters (5–6.5 ft) in a greenhouse. It sets fruit in clusters and has … Read more
Quick Summary of Chudo Sada (Garden Wonder) 🌍 Origin: A Russian heirloom variety prized by collectors. The name translates directly to “Garden Wonder” (or “Miracle of the Garden”). Some growers note a striking resemblance to the famous Minusinsk red flat-round heirlooms. 🌿 Plant Habit: Vigorous, tall indeterminate. It can be a bit slow to get … Read more
Quick Summary of Cherevichki (Little Shoes) 🌍 Origin: A Ukrainian heirloom popularized by breeder V. Syray. The name Cherevichki translates to “Little Shoes” or “Slippers,” perfectly describing the unique shape of the fruit. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate and very tall. Like many elongated paste varieties, it has “wispy” or weak-looking foliage (drooping leaves), which is … Read more