Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Cosmonaut Volkov (Red Large Slicing Tomato)
Heritage: Ukraine, Russia
Originally from the Ukraine, this variety was subsequently grown-out in Russia and later named in honour of Russian Cosomonaut Vladislav Volkov, who died during the landing of his spacecraft. A recent arrival in North America through Seed Savers Exchange in 1995.
Plants grow to 5’ (150cm) high, producing large, slightly flattened fruit that can get as large as 4” (10cm) in diameter. Skin is bright red, with a beautiful red, exceptionally juicy flesh. Flavour is consistently full-bodied and delicious, just slightly sweet. Early maturity with possible beefsteak size by early August. Dependable even in cooler, damp climates. We have had a few fruits crack, but the majority stay in excellent condition. Indeterminate. Matures in 70-80 days. (310 seeds/g)
Indeterminate plants are tall and sprawling continuing to grow and produce fruit until they are eventually killed by frost. This could be your preference if you are looking for a few tomatoes ripening at a time throughout the entire growing season. However, “a few” will vary with the variety you choose. It could mean three-four at a time for the larger varieties, or fifty-sixty at a time for the smaller crudités.
Tips for Growing Tasty Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are heat loving plants that can adapt themselves to almost any growing zone providing there is ample sunshine and the season is long enough to allow the fruits to fully mature. Start seeds indoors in small pots 6 weeks before last frost date by planting them just below the surface of the soil. As the weather warms, harden-off the plants by setting them outside in the sun for a few hours each day. When the ground has fully warmed and the season has stabilized transplant to a sunny area of the garden. Remove all yellow leaves and any buds or flowers that have formed. This allows the plant to concentrate on developing a good deep root system in its new home. Plant deep burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. Plants should be at least 12-18” (30-45cm) apart to allow for ample circulation and room to grow. Most tomatoes do best when support is provided either by using poles, cages or trellising. The most suitable companion plants for tomatoes are; asparagus, chives, onions, parsley, marigolds and carrots. Do not plant near potatoes, corn, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Tomatoes usually germinate within 5-7days (75-95ºF/24-35ºC).
