Cosmonaut Volkov

Described in catalogs as rich, deep, balanced, sweet and tangy, with sweet, full-bodied juice. This is the recurring catalog and grower description, not a measured claim.

A Ukrainian heirloom from Dnepropetrovsk, named for Soviet cosmonaut Vladislav Volkov, who died during reentry in 1971; brought to North America through the Seed Savers Exchange.

• Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.
• Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.
• A moderate grow, no special tricks but worth steady attention.
• One of our picks for the cold, short-season gardens of New England.

Sold out, or after a change? The closest alternatives, and how they differ.

Cherokee Purplebut a red slicer rather than a dusky-colored beefsteakStupicebut larger and a little later than the tiny early Stupice

• Fedco Seeds
• Hudson Valley Seed Company

• Heirloom vs Hybrid Tomatoes
• Slicer vs Beefsteak Tomatoes

Is Cosmonaut Volkov determinate or indeterminate?

Cosmonaut Volkov is an indeterminate variety. Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.

How long does Cosmonaut Volkov take to ripen?

Cosmonaut Volkov ripens in about 72 days from transplant. Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.

Is Cosmonaut Volkov an heirloom or a hybrid?

Cosmonaut Volkov is an heirloom, an open-pollinated variety with a documented history, so seed saved from it comes back true to type.

What can I grow instead of Cosmonaut Volkov?

A close swap is Cherokee Purple, but a red slicer rather than a dusky-colored beefsteak.