Heirloom Tomato Varieties & Reviews | Tomat-Pomidor
Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Quick Summary of Slivka Bendrika (Bendrik’s Plum) 🌍 Origin: Bred by Alexander Bendrik in Gorodnya (Chernihiv region, Ukraine). It comes in two color variations: Red and Yellow (which often has a deep orange tint). The name translates to “Bendrik’s Plum”. 🌿 Plant Habit: There is some debate about its growth habit. The originator calls it … Read more
Quick Summary of Slavyanka (Slavic Woman) 🌍 Origin: A highly popular Russian commercial/heirloom variety (originally distributed by GISOK seeds). The name translates beautifully to “Slavic Woman” or “Slavic Girl”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, tall, and highly vigorous. Growers note that it can grow massive (“like a baobab tree”) and will keep setting fruit relentlessly from … Read more
Quick Summary of Sprut Slivka F1 (Octopus Plum F1) 🌍 Origin: A highly popular commercial F1 hybrid from Russia. It is part of the famous “Sprut” (Octopus) series of hybrids, which were aggressively marketed as being able to grow into massive “tomato trees” under hydroponic commercial conditions. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate and exceptionally vigorous. Even … Read more
Quick Summary of Sibirskiy Khottabych (Siberian Khottabych) 🌍 Origin: A beloved Russian heirloom originating from the Altai Mountains region. Named “Khottabych” (a famous genie from a Russian fairy tale), likely owing to the magical, bottle-like shape of the fruits. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate and very tall (reaching up to 3m / 10ft in a greenhouse). … Read more
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Quick Summary of Slivka Gurman (Gourmet Plum) 🌍 Origin: A stunning novelty striped anthocyanin variety popular among Russian collectors. The name translates to “Gourmet Plum”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), but known for being quite slender and well-behaved—it doesn’t produce an overwhelming amount of suckers. It performs very well in cooler greenhouse conditions and is … Read more
Quick Summary of Skazochnyi Angel (Märchenengel / Fairytale Angel) 🌍 Origin: A modern, highly decorative variety of German breeding. Part of the “Klewerhof Fairytale” (Klewerhof Märchen) series. The original German name is Märchenengel, which translates to Fairytale Angel (Skazochnyi Angel in Russian). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate but moderately tall, reaching about 140 cm (4.5 ft) … Read more
Quick Summary of San Marzano 🌍 Origin: The legendary, world-famous Italian heirloom originating from the Campania region in Italy. It is considered the gold standard for tomato paste and sauces worldwide. 🌿 Plant Habit: Varies heavily depending on the specific line/biotype you grow. It can range from a compact 60 cm (2 ft) bush (Nano/Dwarf … Read more
Quick Summary of Sibirskoye Zastolye (Siberian Feast) 🌍 Origin: A very reliable Russian variety bred specifically for regions with short, difficult summers. The name translates to “Siberian Feast”. ⚠️ Naming Confusion: Do not confuse this variety with “Sibirskie Zastolnye” from the Siberian Garden (SibSad) company, which is a completely different variety that produces round fruits. … Read more
Quick Summary of Syzranskaya Pipochka 🌍 Origin: A treasured, historic Russian heirloom from the city of Syzran, known to be over 100 years old. The name translates to “Syzran Little Beak,” referring to its pointed shape. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall vining), mid-early season. The bush is powerful, highly vigorous, and completely disease-resistant. Growers recommend … Read more
Quick Summary of Russo Sicilian Togetta 🌍 Origin: A beautiful traditional heirloom variety, highly prized for its deeply ruffled, classic Italian appearance. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (vining). Highly productive in a greenhouse when pruned to 2 stems, but also demonstrates extreme resilience when grown outdoors in harsh conditions. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Bright red, oblate (flattened), … Read more
Quick Summary of Red Hunter (Krasnyi Okhotnik) 🌍 Origin: A highly reliable, time-tested commercial Russian variety. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate, tree-type dwarf (stout bush). It grows very compact, no taller than 50-60 cm (20-24 inches), with strong, thick foliage. Excellent for outdoor growing. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Bright red, firm, barrel-shaped “blocky plums” weighing 80-90 g … Read more
Quick Summary of Rozovyi Izyum (Pink Raisin) ⚠️ Important Note: Do not confuse this variety with Rozovyi Izyumnyi (Pink Raisin Beefsteak). This is a completely different, cocktail-sized tomato! 🌍 Origin: A highly sought-after heirloom originally sourced from Ukraine. The name translates to “Pink Raisin”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Semi-determinate. It stays relatively compact, growing up to … Read more