Russia's Best Tomato Varieties for a Changing Climate and Disease Resistance
Russian agricultural experts have updated their tomato variety recommendations over the past five years. Changing weather patterns, including warmer summers and unpredictable frosts, have driven the shift. New research on disease resistance has also influenced which types growers should plant.
The latest advice highlights heat- and cold-tolerant hybrids like Sibiryak, Altai, and Ural, developed by institutes such as VNIISSOK and regional centres in Krasnodar and Siberia.
Tomatoes now come in varieties suited to different uses and ripening times. For greenhouse cultivation, Chernyi Printz and San Marzano are top choices. Chernyi Printz produces dark brown, aromatic fruits with a deep flavour, while San Marzano offers elongated, fleshy tomatoes perfect for sauces and pasta.
Open-ground growers are advised to try Khurma and Malinovyi Gigant. Khurma yields yellow, carotene-rich tomatoes, and Malinovyi Gigant delivers large, juicy fruits with excellent taste. Another robust option is Abakansky Rozovyi, a determinate variety with pink fruits that handles swings in temperature and humidity well.
For early harvests, Altaichka stands out. This compact, bright red tomato is highly resistant to disease. In Russia's central region, seed planting usually starts between late February and early March to align with the growing season.
Growers must now weigh climate adaptability and disease resistance when selecting tomato varieties. The updated list includes hybrids bred for extreme conditions, alongside classic types suited to greenhouses or open fields. These changes aim to improve yields and reliability in Russia's evolving climate.
