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RW Cephei. The variety was created by American breeder Dale Thurber and named after RW Cephei, a red hypergiant star in the constellation Cepheus. Like its cosmic namesake, this tomato impresses with its size and power. The variety was obtained through controlled pollination of two giant tomato varieties. Seeds were collected from documented, record-large fruits. In 2013, it was from seeds of this line that a tomato was grown which became the parent of the 2014 McCoy world record weighing 8.41 lbs (about 3.8 kg). A collectible, tall, mid-season variety of American breeding.
The indeterminate bush is powerful, sturdy, reaching about 1.5 m in open ground and 1.5-2 m in a greenhouse. The plants are characterized by active growth and form heavy clusters weighing up to 1.5 kg. Mandatory staking is required not only for the stems but also for the clusters, as well as formation into 1-2 stems. The fruits are large, meaty, predominantly heart-shaped or flat-round. The average weight under our conditions is 250-550 g, however individual specimens can exceed these figures and reach 1 kg. The flesh is dense, of the "beefsteak" type, with a minimal amount of seeds and gel — practically solid tomato meat.
The taste is sweet, rich, harmonious, with a pronounced tomato aroma, deserving the highest rating. Excellent for fresh salads, making juices and thick sauces. The variety is distinguished by high yield and the ability to form truly giant fruits. In one batch, slight variation was observed: one plant produced red fruits, identical in shape and structure to pink ones. Some slight instability may recur in the offspring. RW Cephei is a variety for those who aim to grow a true giant and touch the history of record-breaking tomatoes.