General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Vine
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Preferences: Mesic
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 11 +4.4 °C (40 °F) to +7.2 °C (50 °F)
Plant Height: Varies greatly by species and cultivated variety.
Plant Spread: Varies greatly by species and cultivated variety.
Leaves: Other: Varies greatly by species and cultivated variety.
Fruit: Showy
Edible to birds
Fruiting Time: Other: Varies greatly by species and cultivated variety.
Flower Color: Yellow
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Other: Varies greatly by species and cultivated variety.
Uses: Vegetable
Suitable as Annual
Edible Parts: Fruit
Eating Methods: Raw
Cooked
Resistances: Rabbit Resistant
Toxicity: Leaves are poisonous
Roots are poisonous
Propagation: Seeds: Self fertile
Other info: Direct sowing into the garden not recommended. Sow seeds into sterile seed starting mix, 1/8"-1/4" deep, indoors, 6-8 weeks prior to last expected frost date. Optimal germination occurs in 7-14 days with constant moisture and soil temperatures of 75-90F.
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Pollinators: Self
Various insects
Containers: Preferred depth: Some tomato varieties, primarily dwarf and determinate varieties, are suitable for container gardening. Large, vining, indeterminate types can be grown in 5 gallon or larger containers but may require extra attention.

Image
Common names
  • Tomato

Photo Gallery
Location: Chicago
Date: 2020-07-27
The largest tomato I have grown thus far.
Location: Chigago
Date: 2020-08-02
A true beauty
Location: Chicago
Date: 2020-08-02
Two from the same plant, one is more elongated than the other.
Comments:
  • Posted by pitimpinai (Chicago between O'Hare & Lake Michigan - Zone 6a) on Jul 28, 2020 10:57 AM concerning plant:
    Its Russian name Бабушка Быка/Babushka Byka means "Grandma of a bull."

    This beautiful striped tomato is a Russian heirloom variety that I received from a friend who is from Ukraine. Each plant does not produce a lot of fruits, but each tomato is humongous, meaty, juicy, rich in flavor and most delicious. It is the largest tomato I have ever grown.
Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
'Grandma of a bull' - Grandma of a tomato alright by pitimpinai Jul 29, 2020 8:42 AM 11

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