Quick Summary of Rozovyi Begemot (Pink Hippo)
- 🌍 Origin: A fantastic Russian heirloom whose name translates to “Pink Hippo”—a very fitting title given the massive, blocky shape and heavy weight of its fruits.
- 🌿 Plant Habit: Reports on its growth habit vary. Some growers experience it as a shorter, compact plant, while others (especially in rich greenhouse soil) report it growing into a powerful, vigorous vine reaching over 2 meters (6.5 ft) indoors and about 1 meter (3.3 ft) in open ground. It shows immense strength right from the seedling stage.
- 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Colossal pink beefsteaks that grow into massive “chunks” (as growers affectionately call them, “little piglets”). Fruits can easily approach 1 kg (2.2 lbs) in weight.
- 👅 Flavor & Texture: Pure meat, not watery at all. It features a highly sought-after “sugary” or sparkling texture when broken open. The flavor is exceptionally sweet with just a tiny hint of tanginess to balance it out.
- 🛡️ Disease & Weather Resistance: Highly praised for its resilience. It handles weather fluctuations and common tomato diseases like a champion, making it a reliable choice for both greenhouse and outdoor growing.
I really liked this variety. Tasty, large-fruited, and productive.
The bush was not tall, medium yield. The fruits are sweet, with a sugary/sparkling flesh on the break 😋😋😋
About Pink Hippo…
I grew one bush in the greenhouse and a couple outdoors in open ground. I read about it that it was supposed to be short? Well, mine turned out to be powerful beasts. Over 2 meters (6.5 ft) in the greenhouse. Just over a meter (3.3 ft) in the open bed.
It didn’t get sick as a seedling. You could see its power right away. I really liked its resistance to weather and diseases. Looks-wise, it’s totally handsome.
The fruits are massive blocks approaching a kilo (2.2 lbs) for sure… Pink with a tiiiny bit of tanginess. Not watery, pure meat. It is now on my permanent grow list. See for yourselves. I didn’t manage to take photos of the ripe ones… didn’t have time. Too many people wanted to gobble them up 😉
I just have to show what kind of “little piglets” grow on this variety 🐷
