This is an old commercial variety from Ukraine. It was created at the now shuttered Vegetable and Melon Experimental Station, in Opytne, Donetsk Region in the industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine. The research station was a regional experimental station within the stellar national network of research stations (National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, NAAS).
This is a ‘tree tomato’, meaning it has a sturdy main stalk (like the trunk of a tree) that doesn’t need support. Its beautiful rugose leaves further add to its solid appearance. It is described as being heat and drought tolerant by Ukrainian seed vendors and has thrived in low water conditions in one of our garden plots. It would do very well in a 5 gallon container. For such a small plant (about 18 inches), it has high yields of small-to-medium ruby red beefsteak-type tomatoes (e.g. round-flattened fruit). Fruits range in size from 80g to 120g (3oz to 4oz). Taste-wise we would rate it as standard, it’s on the mild side for our taste buds. But its hardiness and production make up for its mild taste. And a pinch of salt does wonders.
Our original seedstock comes from the Experimental Farm Network (USA), their seedstock comes from the USDA seedbank.
Check out this link to our Musing titled, Water Worries, Adaptation and ‘Go to Where the Puck is Going’ for more thoughts on the importance of Drought-Tolerant practices.
How to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seed 5mm (¼ inch) deep. Transplant after the danger of frost has passed/later spring.
