"~misfit~" wrote
I'm in New Zealand but have some young "Black Russin", "Purple Russian" or
"Black Plum" plants in and just flowering. They're actually from Ukraine
(I call them Ukrainian Plum but have a question in with a friend who's
retired gardening parents hail from Ukraine as to whether it has a local
name) and made it to the US in 1981, then spread from there. In those days
the whole of the Eastern Block was "Russia" to the average US citizen so
"Russian" they were called. They're supposed to be quite temperature and
disease tolerant.

Although the climate here is different onviously I'll report back about
flavour later in the season. Also I'm going to attempt a late crop this
year and a very early one next year. I'm hoping this variety might extend
my growing season. (I'm experimenting with a couple others too but this is
my sentimental favourite cultivar.)

Any idea on the flavour of a tomato is welcome, I find the ones we grow
aren't that flavoured these days.

My main summer crop looks like it'll be San
Marzano.

Not tried that outside, used to grow Roma but lately the Blight gets them
too early.

If you want a variety that crops in cold weather there's one that was
supposedly developed by US people at a US government base in Greenland
that's called "Sub-arctic" that's supposed to do well in a cold, short
season. I actually have some seed of it (internet 'heirloom' seed
supplier) and will try a mid-winter crop here.

Wonder what that tastes like, most things that crop under stress taste
better.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden