Grushovka Tall Bush Tomato
Image of grushovka tomatoes on the plant

Grushovka Tall Bush Tomato

£2.00

It produces beautiful, elongated plum or heart-shaped fruits that ripen to a distinctive dusky rose-pink. They typically weigh between 90g and 150g

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Description

The Grushovka (also known as Grushkerka) is a storied Siberian heirloom that is exceptionally well-suited to the UK’s unpredictable climate. Originally from Novosibirsk, it was bred to thrive in short, cool summers, making it a reliable performer for British gardeners who don’t have the luxury of a heated greenhouse.

Description & Characteristics

Grushovka is prized for its “friendly” harvest—meaning it produces a large flush of fruit all at once rather than a slow trickle.

  • Fruit Profile: It produces beautiful, elongated plum or heart-shaped fruits that ripen to a distinctive dusky rose-pink. They typically weigh between 90g and 150g, though some can reach up to 250g.

  • Flavour & Texture: The flesh is meaty and “melting” with very few seeds. The flavour is a classic heirloom balance: sweet with a mild, refreshing acidity.

  • Growth Habit: It is a determinate (bush) variety, reaching a compact height of about 60cm–90cm (2–3ft). This makes it ideal for small gardens, patios, or windy balconies where taller “cordon” types might get wind damage.

  • Speed: One of the earliest varieties available, often reaching maturity in just 65 days from transplanting.

Growing Tips for the UK

Pro Tip: In the UK, late-season Blight can be a problem. Because Grushovka is so early, you will often be able to harvest the bulk of your crop before the damp August weather triggers blight.

Because the UK has a short growing season and cool nights, follow these specific steps to maximize your Grushovka crop:

Planting Out

  • The “June Rule”: Do not plant outside until the danger of frost has passed—usually late May or early June in the UK.
  • Deep Planting: When transplanting, bury the stem up to the first set of leaves. The plant will grow extra roots along the buried stem, creating a more stable and nutrient-hungry root system.

  • Container Choice: This variety thrives in 15–20 litre pots. Use a high-quality peat-free compost mixed with a little perlite for drainage.

 Support & Pruning

  • No “Side-Shooting”: Unlike vine tomatoes, do not remove the side shoots (suckers) of Grushovka. Removing them will significantly reduce your harvest.

  • Short Staking: While it is a bush variety, the weight of the fruit can cause the branches to sag to the ground. Use a short bamboo canes or a small tomato cage to keep the fruit off the soil and prevent rot.

Usage & Culinary Tips

The versatility of Grushovka is one of its strongest selling points:

  • Fresh Eating: Because of its thin skin and sweet flavour, it’s excellent sliced in salads or eaten fresh off the vine.

  • Canning & Sauces: Its meaty, low-seed interior makes it a superb “sauce” tomato. It thickens quickly without needing hours of boiling.

  • Storage: Unlike many heirlooms that bruise easily, Grushovka is known for being relatively “well-stored” on the kitchen counter for a few days after picking.

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