Anna Russian

Family: Solanaceae Vegetable

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Anna Russian Oxheart tomatoes unfold into a deep, velvety red that feels almost luminous against the garden’s green.

Their flesh is thick and satin-smooth with a balanced, sweet-tangy flavor—ideal for bold slices that hold their shape beautifully. Grow Anna Russian for show-stopping, hearty slices and for luscious sauces that capture its full-bodied, garden-fresh character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Determinate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Anna Russian’s oxheart build—thick, satin flesh with balanced sweetness and tang—makes it behave beautifully under sharp slicing and quick heat, staying intact instead of turning watery. It’s the tomato you want when you need bold aromatic flavor that still feels velvety on the palate.

Best Uses

thick slicing for sandwiches where the rounds won’t slump or weep
short-cook pan sauce (quick simmer to keep it glossy, not watery)
ruby-red roasted tomato halves for jammy edges and spoonable juices
fresh salsa with a firm bite and clean acidity

Flavor Profile

sweet-tangy, red-fruit brightness dense, satin-smooth flesh high tomato aroma with a velvety finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil balsamic vinegar mozzarella salted butter black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Solanum lycopersicum (Anna Russian) and what should I do first?

Look for early blight and tomato hornworms—these are common on Solanum lycopersicum in home gardens. Remove any spotted lower leaves for early blight and water at the soil line (not on foliage) to slow spread; consider an approved label treatment if new spots keep appearing. Check plants at least twice weekly for hornworms and hand-pick them, especially on the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water Anna Russian tomato during the main growing phase?

During active fruiting (once plants are flowering and setting), keep the root zone evenly moist with about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply 1–2 times per week rather than lightly daily, and aim for consistent moisture to prevent cracking and blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when Anna Russian tomato is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit is fully colored (deep orange/red depending on the skin tone) and slightly yields to gentle pressure, usually around 75 days from transplanting for this type. Pick when the fruit is at its peak color; if you see a green shoulder that doesn’t fade, give it a few more days in full sun and warm temperatures.