Variety characteristics:

• 226 Black Russian Rose is a striking Latvian tomato developed by breeder and collector Valdis Pūliņš from a cross between Black Beauty and Russian Rose. The vigorous indeterminate plants typically reach approximately 4.9–5.9 feet and produce sturdy clusters of mid-early to midseason fruit. The oblate to irregular beefsteak tomatoes generally weigh approximately 5.3–10.6 oz, with occasional larger fruits under favorable conditions. Their deep pink, raspberry-red, or dark red skin develops dramatic purple to blue-black anthocyanin shoulders when exposed to strong sunlight. Some fruits display broad rounded shoulders or an unusual boat-like form. The dense yet tender pink-red flesh offers pronounced sweetness, mild balancing acidity, and an exceptionally rich fruity aroma. Train plants to one or two main stems and provide sturdy staking, caging, or trellising. Excellent for fresh slicing, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, sauces, and dramatic heirloom-style platters.