Heirloom Tomato Varieties & Reviews | Tomat-Pomidor
Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Quick Summary of Stump of the World (Pen Mira) 🌍 Origin: This is the famous American heirloom from the Ben Quisenberry collection! In the Russian tomato community, it circulates under the direct literal translation “Pen Mira” (Stump of the World). It’s fascinating to see how highly regarded this US classic is among Russian growers. 🌿 … Read more
Quick Summary of In Memory of Korneev (Pamyati Korneeva) 🌍 Origin: A celebrated Russian heirloom. The name translates to “In Memory of Korneev.” Note: It is often confused with another variety called “Korneevskie.” According to growers, true Pamyati Korneeva has regular foliage (RL), while the Ukrainian Korneevskie has potato leaf (PL) foliage. 🌿 Plant Habit: … Read more
Quick Summary of Pastel Orange Heart (Pastelno-oranzhevoye Serdtse) 🌍 Origin: A Russian commercial heirloom known for its breathtaking aesthetic appeal. The name translates exactly to “Pastel Orange Heart”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), reaching over 1.8m (6 ft). The vines are vigorous and well-leafed, not spindly like some other oxheart varieties. Yields are generally very … Read more
Quick Summary of Paul Robeson (Pol Robson) 🌍 Origin: A legendary Soviet-era heirloom named in honor of the American singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. Some sources claim it was bred in the 1930s, while others point to breeder M. Danilenko in the 1960s. 🌿 Plant Habit: Generally behaves as a vigorous semi-determinate … Read more
Quick Summary of Plissirovannyy Serdolik (Pleated Carnelian) 🌍 Origin: The Russian name translates to “Pleated Carnelian,” which perfectly describes its gem-like reddish-brown color and heavily ruffled shape. 🌿 Plant Habit: A vigorous indeterminate (tall) variety. Performs very well in greenhouses when pruned to 2 stems (leaders). 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Deep reddish-brown, deeply ribbed (accordion or … Read more
Quick Summary of Petukh (Rooster) 🌍 Origin: A Russian collector’s variety with somewhat mysterious origins. Known simply as “Petukh” (Rooster), it is likely named for its resemblance to a rooster’s comb. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, very tall and vigorous (reaching 2 – 2.5 m / 6.5 – 8 ft). Some growers note it has the … Read more
Quick Summary of Mr. Stripey (Polosatiy Gospodin) 🌍 Origin: A world-famous heirloom known in Russia as Polosatiy Gospodin. Note: This is the large, bicolor beefsteak version of Mr. Stripey (not the small Tigerella-type salad tomato that sometimes shares the same name). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, tall and vigorous. Performs exceptionally well in a greenhouse, where … Read more
Quick Summary of Peaches and Cream 🌍 Origin: A well-known heirloom variety. The seeds discussed in this thread come from popular Russian seed collectors (like Redko) and have been widely adapted to Russian and Siberian climates. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, very vigorous, and tall (reaching 1.8 – 2m / 6-6.5 ft in greenhouses). Growers note … Read more
Quick Summary of Podarok Monakhini (Nun’s Gift) 🌍 Origin: An old heirloom variety originating from a monastery in the Novosibirsk region (Siberia). It was gifted to a gardener by a nun with a blessing, giving the variety its beautiful name. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, mid-season. Produces a powerful, vigorous bush up to 1.7 m (5.5 … Read more
Quick Summary of Priamurskiy Konus (Amur Cone) 🌍 Origin: A highly regarded Russian heirloom variety. The name translates to “Amur Cone”, indicating its shape and connection to the Amur region. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, medium vigor. Reaches about 1.8 m (6 ft) in a greenhouse. Requires strong staking, as growers report plants can literally fall … Read more
Quick Summary of Priamurskiy Krupnoplodniy (Amur Large-Fruited) 🌍 Origin: A reliable Soviet-era heirloom bred by the Far Eastern Research Institute of Agriculture. Seeds were widely distributed to Russian collectors in 2003. The name translates to “Amur Large-Fruited”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, tall (around 1.5–1.8 m / 5–6 ft), and vigorous, but not overly aggressive. Performs … Read more
Quick Summary of Puzata Khata (Pot-Bellied Hut) 🌍 Origin & Name: An immensely popular commercial Russian variety introduced by the “Aelita” seed company. The name translates to “Pot-Bellied Hut”, which perfectly describes its wide, plump, ribbed, pouch-like shape. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, tall, and highly vigorous. The vines are thick and powerful, easily reaching 1.5 … Read more