An old Russian heirloom named after Ilya Muromets (often affectionately called Ilyusha), the most famous of the bogatyrs - the legendary knight-errant warriors of medieval East Slavic mythology. Legend has it that Ilya was miraculously healed from paralysis by a passing holy pilgrims, following which, he had boundless strenghth, and went on to defend the kingdom from dragons and invaders, alongside his two compatriots. So this tomato has a lot to live up to!!
Based on the name, I was expecting a strong, sturdy plant, but in fact, Bogatyr Ilyusha is very wispy leaved - a trait linked to the very long, irregular-shaped fruit it produces. Do not mistake it for a weak plant though - wispy leaved plants are every bit as strong as their regular leaved compatriots. Fruits are delicious paste-type, great for sauces due to the low seed content. Indeterminate, mid season production.
Indeterminate plants are vigorous plants with a vining tendency.They set their fruits at intervals along their stems, and will readily grow side shoots and suckers (shoots from ground level).They need good, strong support, and it is advisable to remove the majority of the side shoots and suckers unless you have plenty of space and fertile soil to allow them to grow to their full potential.See the guide on pruning indeterminates in the resources section of the website for tips.
Sow Jan-April indoors
Height Band G
10-15 open-pollinated seeds
An old Russian heirloom named after Ilya Muromets (often affectionately called Ilyusha), the most famous of the bogatyrs - the legendary knight-errant warriors of medieval East Slavic mythology. Legend has it that Ilya was miraculously healed from paralysis by a passing holy pilgrims, following which, he had boundless strenghth, and went on to defend the kingdom from dragons and invaders, alongside his two compatriots. So this tomato has a lot to live up to!!
Based on the name, I was expecting a strong, sturdy plant, but in fact, Bogatyr Ilyusha is very wispy leaved - a trait linked to the very long, irregular-shaped fruit it produces. Do not mistake it for a weak plant though - wispy leaved plants are every bit as strong as their regular leaved compatriots. Fruits are delicious paste-type, great for sauces due to the low seed content. Indeterminate, mid season production.
Indeterminate plants are vigorous plants with a vining tendency.They set their fruits at intervals along their stems, and will readily grow side shoots and suckers (shoots from ground level).They need good, strong support, and it is advisable to remove the majority of the side shoots and suckers unless you have plenty of space and fertile soil to allow them to grow to their full potential.See the guide on pruning indeterminates in the resources section of the website for tips.
Sow Jan-April indoors
Height Band G
10-15 open-pollinated seeds
