Heirloom Tomato Varieties & Reviews | Tomat-Pomidor
Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Quick Summary of Sibiryachka Tosya (Siberian Girl Tosya) 🌍 Origin: A robust, early-season Russian determinate variety. The charming name translates to “Siberian Girl Tosya” (Tosya is a traditional Russian diminutive name). 🌿 Plant Habit: An ultra-compact determinate (bush). It grows to a maximum height of about 50 cm (20 inches). It is completely fuss-free, requiring … Read more
Quick Summary of Spiridon 🌍 Origin: A rugged, ultra-early commercial heirloom developed by the West-Siberian Vegetable Experimental Station. Designed to produce early yields in short, cold summers. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate, specifically a “tree-type” dwarf (known as shtamb in Russian). The plants are extremely compact, short, and have a very thick, sturdy central stem. The … 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 Ryabinovye Busy (Rowan Beads) 🌍 Origin: A Russian variety popularized by the famous tomato collector V. Popenko. The name translates to “Rowan Beads”, a poetic reference to how the heavy cascades of bright red cherry tomatoes resemble clusters of rowan berries. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate (dwarf) and trailing/cascading (often referred to as … Read more
Quick Summary of Rozovyi Klyk (Pink Fang) 🌍 Origin: A highly regarded Russian heirloom tomato originating from private breeder Yu. Petrov. 🌿 Plant Habit: A tall determinate. In open ground or containers, it grows to about 1 meter (3.3 ft). In a greenhouse, it can stretch slightly taller. According to the original breeder, this variety … Read more
Quick Summary of Red Robin 🌍 Origin: A very famous and beloved micro-dwarf variety worldwide. Fun fact from Russian growers: Commercial Russian seed companies often rename and sell this exact variety under the names “Snegirek” (Gavrish seeds) and “Krasny Karlik” (Red Dwarf). If you grow them side-by-side, they are identical twins! 🌿 Plant Habit: Micro-dwarf … Read more
Quick Summary of Dwarf Antho Pink Panther 🌍 Origin: A stunning anthocyanin dwarf variety. In the Russian community, it is known as “Rozovaya Pantera Anto, Gnom”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Mid-season dwarf. Unlike most typical sturdy/stocky Dwarf Tomato Project varieties, this one has thin, graceful, wispy foliage. It grows up to 1 meter (about 3.3 ft) … Read more
Quick Summary of Palka (Stick) 🌍 Origin: A highly unusual and rare genetic mutation. Often circulated under the translated name Stick or the original Russian Palka. Grown primarily for its ornamental and novelty value. 🌿 Plant Habit: The plant grows literally like a stick! It features tightly curled, crinkled leaves that look like little pom-poms … Read more
Quick Summary of Pinocchio 🌍 Origin: A popular Russian commercial variety named after the fairytale character Pinocchio. 🌿 Plant Habit: Micro-dwarf (tree-type / rugose foliage). Plants are highly compact and determinate, typically reaching only 20-35 cm (8-14 inches) in height. Perfect for small pots (2-3 liters / 0.5-0.7 gallons), windowsills, and balconies. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: … Read more
Quick Summary of Peterhof 🌍 Origin: A commercial Russian variety originally released by the “Russian Ogorod” (Russian Garden) seed company. Named after the famous imperial palace near St. Petersburg. Bred specifically for harsh Siberian conditions. 🌿 Plant Habit: Determinate (dwarf). While official specs claim 40-42 cm (16 inches), growers report it typically reaches around 70 … Read more
Quick Summary of Geranium Kiss 🌍 Origin & Breeder: Bred by Dylana Kapuler of Peace Seeds (Oregon, USA). It is famous for producing massive floral “hypertresses” with dozens of blossoms. ⚠️ The “Two Versions” Mystery: In Russian and Eastern European seed markets, two distinct versions circulate. The True Original is a compact dwarf/bush (about 60-100cm … Read more