Orange Wonder of the Earth (Chudo Zemli Orange) Heirloom Tomato Review

Quick Summary of Chudo Zemli Orange 🌍 Origin: An orange variant/strain of the famous Russian heirloom “Chudo Zemli” (Wonder of the Earth). Some growers note a strong visual resemblance to the Fox Nose (Liskin Nos) variety, though they behave differently in the garden. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall) and extremely vigorous. When grown in a … Read more

Dwarf Black Wizard Tomato Review

Quick Summary of Dwarf Black Wizard 🌍 Origin: A beautiful dark-striped variety from the dwarf tomato family (often circulated among Russian collectors as “Gnom Chernyi Volshebnik”). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate dwarf (tree-type). It has a very sturdy, strong central stem and light-green rugose foliage. Perfect for small spaces or large containers, though it requires some … Read more

Black Chocolate (Chernyi Shokolad) Cherry Tomato Review

Quick Summary of Chernyi Shokolad (Black Chocolate) 🌍 Origin: A commercial Russian cherry tomato variety, most notably distributed by the “Poisk” seed company as part of their “Vkusnoteka” (Flavor Library) series. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall). The bush is vigorous but has somewhat sparse foliage, meaning it doesn’t get overly bushy. Growers successfully prune it … Read more

Ananas Noire (Black Pineapple) Tomato Review

Quick Summary of Ananas Noire (Black Pineapple) 🌍 Origin: A famous variety discovered in Belgium by Pascal Moreau (originally named Ananas Noire). It is widely grown by Russian collectors under the translated name “Chernyi Ananas”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), typically reaching 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft). It has regular leaf (RL) foliage. It is generally … Read more

Black Prince (Chernyi Prints) Vintage Russian Heirloom

Quick Summary of Chernyi Prints (Black Prince) 🌍 Origin: A legendary Soviet-era heirloom dating back to the 1960s-1970s. Note: There is a massive issue with modern commercial seed companies selling incorrect strains (off-types). The “true” original Black Prince is highly sought after by collectors. 🌿 Plant Habit: The original is indeterminate (tall), typically reaching 1.5–1.8 … Read more

Ciondolo Orange Large Plum Heirloom Tomato

Quick Summary of Ciondolo Orange 🌍 Origin: A collector’s variety with Italian roots (“Ciondolo” translates to pendant or charm), widely circulated among Russian heirloom growers under the transliterated name “Chiondollo Oranzhevyi”. 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall). The plants are noted for being very sturdy and strong. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Large, beautiful orange tomatoes shaped like … Read more

Tsao Fen Early Yellow Heirloom Tomato

Quick Summary of Tsao Fen 🌍 Origin: A collector’s variety sourced from Russian heirloom growers (originating from the Logunov collection). The name suggests Asian origins (often transliterated as Cao Fen or Tsao Fen). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), reaching about 2 meters (6.5 ft) when grown in a greenhouse. 🍅 Fruit Characteristics: Medium-sized fruits, typically … Read more

Tsar’s Favorite (Tsarskiy Lyubimets) Heirloom Tomato

Quick Summary of Tsarskiy Lyubimets (Tsar’s Favorite) 🌍 Origin: A popular Russian commercial and collector’s variety. The name translates to “Tsar’s Favorite” or “Royal Favorite”. Note: There appear to be two distinct strains circulating in the community (a red-orange regular leaf version and a raspberry-pink potato leaf version). 🌿 Plant Habit: Indeterminate (tall), typically reaching … Read more

Tzi Bi U (Purple Jasper) Chinese Tomato Review

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

Tsarevich (Prince) Yellow Oxheart Heirloom Tomato Review

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

Tsifomandra “Tree Tomato” Review

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

Little Chick (Tsypochka) Tomato: Yellow Plum Heirloom Review

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