Mushroom Basket Tomato

Mushroom Basket Tomato: Unique Russian Heirloom with Beautiful Ruffled Fruits

The Mushroom Basket Tomato is a delightful heirloom variety originating from Russia, known for its uniquely shaped, large, ruffled fruits. When turned upside down, these tomatoes resemble a mushroom cap, making them a fascinating addition to any garden. They boast a deep watermelon-pink color with attractive cream-colored speckles.

• Unique “Mushroom Cap” Shaped Fruits:
  • Produces large, ruffled tomatoes with a distinctive shape resembling a mushroom cap when inverted.
  • Ribbed and pleated texture adds to their unique appearance.
• Beautiful Watermelon-Pink Color with Cream Speckles:
  • Striking deep watermelon-pink color with attractive cream-colored speckles.
  • Visually appealing and adds a unique touch to salads and dishes.
• Large, Sweet, and Juicy Fruits:
  • Fruits weigh between 8-16 ounces each.
  • Firm flesh with minimal gel and seeds.
  • Sweet and juicy taste, perfect for slicing and enjoying fresh.
• Indeterminate and Productive Plants:
  • Indeterminate variety, meaning it continues to produce fruit throughout the growing season.
  • Plants reach a compact height of 4-6 feet.
  • Grows in thick bunches toward the center of the plant, requiring sturdy supports.
• Heirloom Variety with Russian Origins:
  • A cherished heirloom variety with a history rooted in Russia.
  • Open-pollinated, allowing for seed saving and future generations of these unique tomatoes.
• Growing Information:
  • Type: Heirloom, Indeterminate.
  • Fruit Size: 8-16 ounces.
  • Fruit Color: Deep watermelon-pink with cream speckles.
  • Fruit Shape: Large, ruffled, ribbed, pleated, resembling a mushroom cap.
  • Flavor: Sweet and juicy.
  • Maturity: 70-80 days from transplant.
  • Plant Height: 4-6 feet.
  • Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
  • Soil: Well-draining, amended with compost, and decomposed manure to a depth of 24-36 inches. Raised beds are recommended for heavy or clay soils.
  • Water: Water regularly at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week to keep the soil moist (not soggy). Mulch around plants, keeping the base clear.
  • Fertilizer: Once blossoms appear, add extra compost, compost tea, or slow-release tomato fertilizer every 1-2 weeks until the first frost.
  • Support: Requires sturdy stakes, cages, or trellis due to the weight of the fruit.
• Harvesting and Culinary Use:
  • Harvest Mushroom Basket Tomato when fruits are fully ripe and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
  • Perfect for slicing and enjoying fresh due to their sweet and juicy flavor.
  • Their unique appearance also makes them a great addition to salads and platters.