Cosmonaut Volkov Tomato
Best heirloom tomato for gardeners seeking exceptional flavor and seed saving.
Experience the exceptional flavor of the Cosmonaut Volkov Tomato, a taste-test favorite from Territorial Seed Company. This heirloom variety offers a rich, deep, balanced, sweet, and tangy profile, producing 2-3 inch, slightly squat fruits with distinctive green-tinged shoulders. Maturing in about 72 days, these non-GMO, open-pollinated tomatoes are a gardener's delight. Packed with nutrients like lycopene, they support overall health. For best results, provide full sun and consistent watering.
$4.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Days to maturity
72
/ days
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking authentic, complex heirloom flavor
- Northern gardeners needing reliable production in cooler climates
- Sandwich lovers and canners wanting substantial, large-sized fruit
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding heavy staking and pruning
- Gardeners in regions with unpredictable rainfall or inconsistent irrigation
- Impatient growers looking for an early-season harvest
Performance breakdown
Flavor Complexity
A sophisticated balance of sweet and tangy notes defines this heirloom.
Germination Reliability
High minimum germination rates ensure consistent success for home gardeners.
Growth Vigor
Indeterminate habit requires dedicated staking and consistent maintenance for best results.
Harvest Efficiency
Seventy-two day maturity window offers a reliable mid-season harvest.
Seed Saving Potential
Open-pollinated genetics allow for easy seed collection for future seasons.
Nutrient Density
Rich in lycopene, providing significant health benefits alongside culinary appeal.
Key Specs
Days to maturity
72 days
Seed Life
3 years
Soil Temp for Germination
70-90°F
Seed Depth
1/4"
Minimum Germination
80%
Seeds per Gram
≈ 280-320
Plant Spacing (Indeterminate)
24-36 inches apart
Row Spacing
3-4 feet
Features
- Exceptional heirloom flavor profile
- Indeterminate growth habit
- Generously sized, deep orange/red fruit
- Open-pollinated for seed saving
- Taste-test favorite variety
- High fertilizer needs for optimal yield
- Nutrient-rich with lycopene
- Matures in 72 days
What customers say
The Cosmonaut Volkov tomato earns high marks for its exceptional quality and reliability in the garden. Consumers consistently celebrate its superior flavor profile, noting a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that truly defines a premium heirloom tomato experience. Gardeners appreciate the seeds' dependable performance, yielding vigorous plants that mature early and produce consistent, abundant harvests, making this variety a trustworthy staple for any growing environment.
Know before you buy
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire season until the first frost. Because they grow continuously, you will need to provide sturdy stakes or cages to support the vines.
For optimal airflow and growth, space your plants 24 to 36 inches apart. If you are planting in rows, ensure there is 3 to 4 feet of space between each row.
Yes, because this is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, the seeds you save will grow true to the parent plant. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners interested in seed saving.
To achieve the best germination rate, keep your soil temperature between 70°F and 90°F. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and ensure they receive consistent moisture.
Cosmonaut Volkov tomatoes have high fertilizer needs, so incorporating compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer is recommended. Additionally, ensure the plants receive full sun and consistent watering to prevent fruit cracking.
When stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, these seeds have a shelf life of approximately three years. Always check for the minimum 80% germination rate when planting older seeds.
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$5