Heirloom Tomato Varieties & Reviews | Tomat-Pomidor
Honest reviews of global tomato varieties from a 15-year-old growers community.
Quick Summary of First Mate (Pervyy Pomoshchnik) 🌍 Origin: A stunning tricolor/bicolor heirloom. In the Russian tomato community, it circulates under the direct translation “Pervyy Pomoshchnik” (First Mate). 🌿 Plant Habit: An indeterminate (tall) variety, though some growers describe it as a “short indeterminate” as it often tops out around 1.5–1.8m (5–6 ft) in the … Read more
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 Streak Lightning (Polosa Molnii) 🌍 Origin: A stunning striped and anthocyanin (purple-splashed) variety. In Russian collections, it circulates under the translated name Polosa Molnii. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), reaching 1.4–1.8m (4.5–6 ft). Seedlings can look remarkably spindly and fragile (wispy foliage), but the plant gains moderate vigor once planted out. Avoid … Read more
Quick Summary of Priz Ispytaniy (Prize of the Trials) 🌍 Origin: A fantastic Russian variety. The name translates to “Prize of the Trials”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), mid-season variety. Typically grows to about 1.6–1.8 meters (5.2–6 ft). It is highly reliable and sets fruit perfectly without dropping blossoms (no blossom drop). It may take … 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 Easter Egg (Paskhalnoe Yaitso) 🌍 Origin: A highly popular commercial/heirloom variety in Russia and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Ukraine). The name translates perfectly to “Easter Egg”, reflecting its beautiful shape and colorful stripes. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, extremely tall (easily exceeding 1.7 – 2 m / 5.5 – 6.5 ft) and vigorous. Performs … Read more
Quick Summary of Pozzano F1 🌍 Origin: A commercial indeterminate hybrid bred by the famous Dutch seed company ENZA ZADEN BEHEER B.V. Highly sought after by professional and amateur growers alike. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate, tall (reaching 2-3 meters / 6.5-10 ft). Despite its height, growers note the plant is remarkably neat, well-foliated but not … 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