Alpatieva 905A
 

Andrey, this is an incredible tomato ! Have you grown it ? I hope my results are typical and not just a fluke...

It was so small and slow growing I gave it a 2 or 3 gallon container, and I don't fertilize real often. Anyway, the plant is breaking from the weight of good sized tomatoes, and the flavor is great. They are about 6 oz. and oblate, some multi lobed. Meaty, few seeds and nice flavour. This is the best container plant I have, and everything else is in much larger containers...

My new favorite...

Jeanne

Yes, Jeanne, I grew this old Russian commercial variety. Last time it was 2 years ago for me.

A cross Shtambovyi Alpat'eva 905 x Bison 639, bred by famous Russian tomato expert Alpatiev. I believe it is from 1950s.

Usually it brings me smaller fruits than for you, but it may depends on growing conditions.

Glad you are enjoying it.

I just dropped some seed for this variety.

It grows slow and then once it gets going it is productive?

I have seen the same thing with Amana Orange. It will look bad, next to the other heirlooms, but then it comes on strong and passes them like they are standing still.

Is it a small plant? Why do you grow it in containers?

I grew it my garden this year. It only got 2 ft high which is a nice size [for containers]. I did not save any seed because of certain circumstances but I have more seed and will grow it again this year.
Russian varieties grow very well here in lower Michigan.

Good to read these positive comments! I've got seeds for it, but as there are so many new-to-me varieties, I wasn't sure whether to grow it next season or omit it.

I like Russian varieties, too, they seem to be perfect for my climate. clara