PlantFiles: Tomato
Lycopersicon lycopersicum 'Anna Russian'

Anna Russian - seed by TomatoFest (2010)

Observed the volunteer tomato plants from the previous year, 6-8-10 inches high. Since they were doing so well early in the season (2011), thought it would be a good time to sow seed instead of going the transplant route. This was still earlier than a transplant would be set out in this area, mid-May being the normal transplanting time here in southwestern Ohio.

Two 'open spots', so 2-3 seeds for each. One did well, the other...? Still looking for the other, no seriously, died off or whatever.

Left two of the volunteers (not recommended normally by.. anyone?). Anyway, nothing exceptional came from them even though they produced, suspecting that that won't be tried anytime soon.

Anna Lives: Oh, the single Anna Russian being in partial shade did pretty well I think. Not sure how much is a good amount of fruit typically.. got a good 50 eatable (it seemed to set fruit in groups of 25 give or take), with 25 or so lost due to the season's end, with the plant growing to at least 9', very possibly 10'.. only one extra vine from the base, was expecting a few if not many more.

Taste: After a direct comparison, the complex flavor was especially noticeably after eating Andrew Raharts Jumbo Red's 'good' but possibly over simplistic flavor. And, being one of the "reds are better fan" myself, Anna Russian didn't change my mind. Was I expecting it to? well not really, but how does a person know until trying? Pink, yes pink.. so the taste of pink, so the taste of almost red.

And, being new to heirlooms (2 years) the complexity caught my attention. What kind of experience will this be.. being new, each type is a "mildly wildly thing, what will be found fun". Looking forward to more varieties and longer trial periods.

Blossom End Rot: don't remember any at this time on this plant.

Bugs, Disease: not sure if any of the tomato horn worms were found on the Anna Russian.. don't remember any disease except maybe some sort of leaf ailment, couldn't say what it was. No other pest bugs.

It was an interesting tomato. One tomato, one year and one location may not be enough for a fair trial. When space is short this one will take a back seat.. not saying it wouldn't be considered for an extended trial under other circumstances. Some tomatoes if not all others except the reds, for a non-reds illustration, just beg so it seems, to be mixed with other tomatoes in a salad or the like situation where they would compliment rather than them being the foundation.

I'm impressed with this one. So far, it has set more fruit than just about any other in my garden, which really surprized me considering what a dinky little vine it started out as. It shows no sign of cat facing or disease dispite some neglect on my part. I love the shape of the oxhearts, and this one tastes great too! I'll definately grow it again.

I was disappointed with Anna Russian. I had read so many good things about it, but it didn't deliver for me. The flavor was rather blah and it is had low production. Maybe it was just a bad year, but there are too many other varieties to try to give it another go.

I gave Anna Russian the best spot in my garden and got two fruit for my efforts. One weighed about a pound and the other was maybe six ounces. The plant was healthy (though wispy, as is typical) but just would not produce more fruit than that for me. Those I did get were delicious, though, which keeps me from giving it a totally negative rating.

It really took off--tons of tomatoes. I have tons of sun, little wind, and mostly dry heat, and this plant is the best grower/producer of my tomatoes (followed by Jaune Flamee ).

Very good flavor; meaty and early. Good for both canning and fresh eating. One of my favorites.

A great heirloom! Shaped like the Russian Orthodox Church, its flavor was intense and although the tomato had few seeds its body was juicy and not like a paste tomato. My largest so far was close to a pound. Most are blemish free and just a great tomato.

Good tasting, sweet and juicy but not very prolific for the amount of space taken especially if your space is limited. Otherwise go for it....

Handed down from a Russian immigrant. "Vines are wispy and finely cut, like most oxheart types, and they produce 8-16 oz. lusiously sweet, juicy and solid heart shaped fruits."