Guide to Growing Zarnitsa Heirloom Russian Tomato

Among other things purportedly opened up by the end of the "cold war," varieties of produce raised in Russia have become available to western markets. These include various tomato varieties, many possessing degrees of black in their coloration. Not all tomato varieties from Russia possess such dark coloration, however. Among those that do not is the Zarnitsa tomato seen here. In some respects, the Zarnitsa tomato is not so unusual. Certainly to the untrained eye, the Zarnitsa would appear very similar to most American-bred tomato varieties. But allow me to introduce Zarnitsa and her special qualities to you.

Do You "Speak" Russian?

Solanum lycopersicum, cultivar Zarnitsa-this name of this heirloom Russian tomato translates as "Summer Lightning." This plant produces disease-resistant fruits 2 inches high and 2-1/2 inches wide. It requires full sun and matures in 70 to 80 days. It is best eaten uncooked. One grower gave his experience with the tomato online, saying, "Flavor was very nice, plant was 3-4 feet tall and a strong grower. Other plants next to it were hit by wilt but this one was unaffected." Gary Ibsen's Tomatofest web site says of Zarnitsa that it comes "from a region 50 miles south of Moscow." Multiple sites describe the flavor as "well balanced, sweet, buttery, and smooth."

How I Met Zarnitsa

I have a single Zarnitsa tomato now growing in my garden. I received it on August 13, 2010, from an acquaintance of mine. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and on that day I was making return visits to further Bible interest. An older couple I've become acquainted with takes delight in their small but excellent container garden. The lady of the house-we'll call her Suzanne¹-among other things, grows green beans, squash, and tomatoes.

Bringing Home a Young Russian Tomato - with my Wife's Approval

She had sent away for some seeds of heirloom plants, and one was Zarnitsa. The seeds produced many small plants, and Suzanne, realizing I am interested in Russia and in gardening, offered me one of the plants. I turned down the offer appreciatively, but she insisted, saying she didn't have the room to plant them all, anyway. How happy their small gift made me! Later, when I returned home, I thoroughly prepared a small spot, planted the seedling, set a cage in place, and thoroughly watered with nitrate-containing fertilizer. My tiny plant has also found a place in my heart.

¹ Suzanne is not her actual name.

References and Resources:

Southern Exposure - Zarnitsa Tomato

Dave's Garden - Lycopersicon lycopersicum Zarnitsa

Gary Ibsen's Tomatofest - Zarnitza