Tomato ‘Red Russian’ is a dependable, richly flavoured heirloom that rewards gardeners with a heavy crop of beautiful, tasty fruit. It’s perfect for those who value flavour over uniformity and want to grow a tomato with history, personality, and performance. Whether eaten fresh or cooked into a rich sauce, ‘Red Russian’ delivers the classic tomato experience.

Tomato ‘Red Russian’ is a robust, richly flavoured heirloom variety with a striking appearance and excellent performance in home gardens. Known for its juicy flesh and old-fashioned tomato taste, it’s a favourite among gardeners who value flavour, productivity, and reliability.

‘Red Russian’ is believed to have originated in Russia or Ukraine and has been preserved by seed savers for generations. It’s part of a group of heritage tomatoes that were passed down through families and communities, valued for their ability to produce well in cooler or shorter growing seasons. Despite its name, it thrives in many climates, including Australian conditions with plenty of sun.

Fruit Appearance and Flavour
The fruit is medium to large in size, typically round to slightly flattened. It has deep red skin with a slightly dusky or purple-red tone and occasional green shoulders near the stem. The flesh is rich red, juicy, and packed with robust, balanced flavour—sweet with a pleasant acidity. It’s perfect for slicing, salads, sandwiches, and sauces.

Fruits generally weigh between 150 and 300 grams and have a classic heirloom appearance with occasional ribbing or irregular shapes.

Medicinal Benefits
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risks of heart disease and certain cancers. ‘Red Russian’ tomatoes, like other richly coloured heirlooms, are especially high in lycopene due to their deep pigmentation. Eating tomatoes regularly can support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.

How It Grows
‘Red Russian’ is an indeterminate tomato, meaning it will grow and produce fruit continuously throughout the season if regularly picked. It prefers:

• Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)

• Rich, well-drained soil with added compost or organic matter

• Consistent watering, especially during fruiting

• A strong stake, cage, or trellis for support, as the plants can reach 1.5 to 2 metres in height

It begins producing fruit around 70–85 days from transplanting and continues until cold weather slows growth.

Growing From Seed
Growing tomatoes from seed is rewarding and straightforward with warm conditions and a little care.

What The Seeds Need:

• Warm soil (ideally 20–25°C) for germination

• Moist, free-draining seed-raising mix

• Light and warmth once sprouted

How To Sow:

1. Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost or cooler period

2. Plant seeds about 5 mm deep in trays or punnets filled with seed-raising mix

3. Keep moist and warm until germination, which usually takes 7–14 days

4. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, pot up into larger containers if needed

5. Harden off before transplanting outdoors by gradually introducing them to sun and wind

6. Plant out with 50–70 cm spacing and support each plant with a stake or cage

7. Mulch around the base and water regularly to prevent blossom end rot and stress