Altaiskiy Shedevr
Tomato "Altaiskiy Shedevr" (Altai Masterpiece) is a famous large-fruited Siberian variety (bred by the "Demetra-Siberia" seed company). It has earned global acclaim among collectors and gardeners due to its outstanding yield, resilience to erratic weather, and the classic, "old-fashioned" flavor of genuine homegrown tomatoes.
Key Variety Features
- Appearance and Color: The fruits are large, boasting a beautiful oblate (flattened-round) shape with pronounced ribbing near the stem. At full biological maturity, the tomatoes turn a rich, uniform deep red color without any hard green or yellow shoulders around the stem.
- Dense Beefsteak Structure: When cut, this is a classic, meaty beefsteak tomato. The flesh is very dense, juicy, and sugary on the break, with a high solid content and few seeds. Thanks to its strong yet tender skin, the fruits are not prone to cracking and handle transportation exceptionally well.
- Weight and Yield: A true Siberian giant. The average weight of the fruits is 300–400 grams, but with proper cluster thinning, the lower fruits can easily reach a weight of 500 g.
- Flavor: Universally rated 5+ out of 5 by experienced growers. It features a rich, unforgettable, sweet-tomato flavor, balanced by a very subtle, pleasant touch of acidity and a strong traditional aroma. It is ideal for fresh salads as well as processing into thick juices, pastes, and sauces (does not require long simmering).
Bush Characteristics and Ripening
- Plant Type: Indeterminate (tall). The vine is very vigorous, featuring a thick, sturdy main stem and short internodes. In the open ground, it grows to about 1.5 meters, while in a greenhouse, it easily reaches a height of 1.6–2.0 meters. Standard leaf type. Notably, the plant does not produce an overwhelming amount of suckers, making maintenance much easier.
- Ripening Time: Mid-season variety. The period from the first shoots to initial ripening takes 110–115 days. The fruiting season is highly extended, with the plant consistently setting new clusters until October or the first autumn frosts.
- Climate Resilience: This variety was specifically bred and hardened for the challenging Siberian climate. It is genetically adapted to cool summers, sharp temperature fluctuations, and short growing seasons, reliably setting fruit in any weather conditions.
Important Growing Secrets
- Vine Pruning: The best results are achieved by keeping the plant strictly to 1 or 2 stems, ensuring all other suckers are removed regularly.