Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Quick Summary of Tsarskiy Podarok (Tsar’s Gift) 🌍 Origin: A commercial variety from the Russian seed company “Siberian Garden” (Sibsad). Interestingly, growers have discovered that it is the exact same genetic variety as Sibsad’s Koroleva Elizaveta (Queen Elizabeth), simply marketed under two different names. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate, compact, and very stocky bush. It grows … Read more
Quick Summary of Violet Jasper (Tzi Bi U / Tszy-Yu) 🌍 Origin: A stunning commercial heirloom originally from China. It circulates under multiple translated names, including Violet Jasper, Purple Jasper, Tzi Bi U, and Tszy-Yu. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), typically reaching 1.2–2 m (4–6.5 ft) depending on whether it is grown outdoors or in … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsarevich (The Prince) 🌍 Origin: A highly regarded Russian heirloom. The name “Tsarevich” translates to “The Tsar’s Son” or “Prince”, fitting for such a noble and beautiful yellow oxheart. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall) and mid-early. It exhibits the classic oxheart growth habit: “wispy” or drooping, fragile-looking foliage that shouldn’t be mistaken … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsygan (Gypsy) 🌍 Origin: A very popular and reliable Russian commercial variety. The name translates to “Gypsy”, a traditional naming convention in Eastern Europe for dark, mahogany-colored tomatoes. 🌿 Plant Habit: Semi-determinate to indeterminate. It is relatively compact, typically growing 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) tall, though it can reach 1.5 m (5 … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsifomandra 🌍 The Naming Mystery: In the West, Cyphomandra refers to the Tamarillo (a tropical tree that produces fruit). However, in Russia and Ukraine, seed companies adopted the name “Tsifomandra” for regular tomato varieties to market them as incredibly vigorous, tree-like plants with massive yields. 🧬 Strain Differences: This forum thread highlights … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsypochka (Little Chick) 🌍 Origin: A very productive Russian commercial variety. The name “Tsypochka” translates to “Little Chick”, perfectly describing its bright yellow color and cute, slightly elongated plum shape with a distinct little beak. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), reaching 1.7–2 m (5.5–6.5 ft) in height. It requires regular suckering and … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsindao (Qingdao) 🌍 Origin: A well-known dark/black tomato variety popular among Russian and Eastern European heirloom growers. Originally named after the Chinese city of Qingdao. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), but growers frequently note that the plant has a rather fragile, wispy structure (not overly aggressive in growth) and usually stops around … Read more
Quick Summary of Citrina 🌍 Origin: A highly sought-after commercial heirloom variety of Czech breeding. Its name hints at its appearance—the bright yellow fruits are shaped exactly like miniature lemons, complete with a distinct little point (beak) at the blossom end. 🌿 Plant Habit: Vigorous and incredibly productive (indeterminate). Because it sets such massive amounts … Read more
Quick Summary of Tsar Kolokol (Tsar Bell) 🌍 Origin: A famous Russian commercial heirloom, officially entered into the State Register in 2005 (bred by V. Dederko). The name translates to “Tsar Bell”, named after the massive historical bell on display in the Moscow Kremlin. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate (bush). The plant is relatively compact, typically … Read more
🌸 Editor’s Note: We all love our lilies, but eventually, those beautiful clumps get a little too crowded and stop putting on a good show. In this article, our resident gardening expert Pomidoroved breaks down exactly when and how to divide and transplant your lilies—while hilariously busting a few stubborn gardening myths along the way! … Read more
🌸 Editor’s Note: We talk a lot about vegetables here, but every garden needs a splash of color! In this classic, slightly humorous guide, forum admin Pomidoroved breaks down the absolute basics of growing gorgeous lilies—including a few crucial mistakes you definitely want to avoid. Be sure to check the comments for a fascinating grower … Read more
🌷 Editor’s Note: We all love a good low-maintenance garden, and tulips often seem like the perfect “plant-it-and-forget-it” flower. But if you’ve ever wondered why those expensive, fancy Dutch tulips look spectacular the first year and then mysteriously vanish by year three, this article is for you. Our forum veteran Pomidoroved breaks down the science … Read more