Beware the Russian Wearing Stripes!
By Michael Nolan
I’m as proud as can be!
I am the now the proud parents of two new tomato children – the fun and colorful Mr. Stripey and the Russian Black – both heirloom tomato plants that have me in a tizzy.
Having started my seeds so late in the growing season, I thought I would hedge my bets and purchase a couple of tomato plants so I would have access to fresh tomatoes a few weeks earlier than I would have otherwise. Imagine my utter giddiness when I found not one but two heirloom tomatoes that I have never grown before!
I know, right? SCORE!
Mr. Stripey Heirloom Tomato
Just the Facts:
• Maturity – 56 days
• Indeterminate
• Plant Height – 9 feet
• Fruit Size – 6–24 ounces
• Leaves – small
• Color – Dusky red with pale green tops and yellowish striping
• Beefsteak
Russian Black Heirloom Tomato
Just the Facts:
• Maturity – 80 days
• Determinate
• Plant Height – 7–8 feet
• Fruit Size – 12-16 ounces
• Leaves – average
• Color – very deep crimson, near black
• Beefsteak
Tell me my garden isn’t going to be full of color this year! I’m growing both of these gorgeous heirloom tomatoes in containers this season, after a near-fatal animal attack has left the fate of several of my other tomato seedlings in jeopardy.
Not to worry, I am nursing each of them around the clock and I will of course keep you posted as to their condition in the future.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I think I have grown the russian black before. It was tagged russian black krim. That tomato was sweeeet. I wish I had it this year.
June 13th, 2008 at 7:39 am
I think they are one and the same (someone will probably correct me if I am wrong).
June 13th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Great choices, Michael! I too am growing ‘Mr. Stripey’ this year (who could resist that great name?!). And of course, ‘Black Krim’ is renowned for its fabulous flavor. But tell us more: What size containers are you using? What potting mix? Are you caging them inside the conatiners, staking and stringing, or…?! Please tell all! Inquiring minds…
June 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
1. 5 gallon buckets
2. compost, sand, red Alabama clay
3. staking
So it IS the Back Krim. And I’m supposed to be one of the ‘experts’ around here. What would I do without you, ofB?
June 13th, 2008 at 9:43 am
er… Black Krim, even.
*back to the coffee pot*
June 13th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I’ll be following their progress with interest!
June 17th, 2008 at 9:45 am
There are a couple of easily-confused varieties - Russian Black, and Black Russian. And that’s why the varieties are easily confused. Two different tomatoes. One is much bigger than the other and I forget which is which.
In fact, it has been argued by some growers that a number of the so-called black varieties originating around the Crimea are, in fact, the same variety that various people have named differently. Some of them are virtually indistinguishable.