Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Early Choice Black F1
65-70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Early Choice Black Hybrid Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, warm season annual, F1 hybrid, indeterminate, salad tomato seeds. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, greenhouses, containers, and large hanging baskets. Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus and cracking. Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid tomatoes are known for their dark, almost black blushing of the red fruit that offers a rich, complex flavor often described as sweet yet smoky. What makes this variety particularly appealing is its early maturity; it begins to bear fruit quicker than many other types, sometimes as early as 65 days after transplanting, allowing gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy a longer harvesting period. ~10,800 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Early Choice Black Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
Start your Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid tomatoes indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Tomatoes require warmth to germinate, so maintain a soil temperature of around 70-80F, which can be easily achieved with a heat mat. Place the pots in a location that receives ample light, or use a grow light to ensure the seedlings do not become leggy.
Under certain conditions, starting seeds outdoors is also feasible, particularly in warmer climates with longer growing seasons (zones 10 and 11). Transplant outdoors after your last frost date. It's crucial to monitor weather forecasts for unexpected late frosts, as young tomato plants are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Once your seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves and are strong enough, begin the process of hardening off. This process acclimates the plants to outdoor conditions and reduces transplant shock. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures over 7-10 days by placing them outside in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, progressively extending the duration.
When it's time to transplant, choose a sunny spot in your vegetable garden where tomatoes have not been grown recently to avoid disease carryover. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter; amending with compost or well-rotted manure will improve nutrient availability and soil structure. Plant the tomatoes deeper than they were in their pots, burying them up to the first set of leaves to encourage stronger root development. Space the plants about 24-36 inches apart, allowing ample air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Regular maintenance of your Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid tomatoes includes watering, feeding, and staking. Water the plants deeply and consistently, aiming for at least 1 inch per week, and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting and again mid-season will support their growth and fruit production. Since these tomatoes can grow quite tall, staking or using cages is necessary to support the plants and keep the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of pest attacks and rot.
Harvesting Early Choice Black F1 Tomatoes
Harvesting your tomatoes at the right time is crucial for the best flavor. Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid tomatoes typically ripen from green to red with an almost black hue of blushing color around the fruit. The fruits should feel firm and give slightly under pressure when ready. Harvest them gently by twisting the fruit to detach it from the stem, or use a pair of clippers to cut the stem close to the fruit.
About Early Choice Black F1 Tomato Garden Seeds
Early Choice Black tomatoes' distinct flavor and striking color make them a fantastic addition to salsas and bruschetta, where they can stand out both in taste and appearance.
Like many modern hybrids, disease resistance is a key feature of Early Choice Black F1, helping to ensure successful growth even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Early Choice Black F1 is well-suited for container gardening due to its relatively compact growth habit. Growing tomatoes in containers can be rewarding and allows gardeners without traditional garden space to enjoy home-grown tomatoes.
While typically not as small as "cherry" or "grape" tomato varieties often recommended for hanging baskets, with adequate support, Early Choice Black F1 can still be grown in large hanging baskets. The key is to ensure the container can support the weight of the plant as it grows and fruits.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"If you want to grow tomatoes in containers, ensure you have at least 5 gallons of soil and a stake or cage to support their growth. Container-grown plants also need more frequent fertilization and water so be sure to be attentive to its needs!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Early Choice Black F1 Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 115 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 2,700 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 10,800 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 43,500 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 174,200 Seeds
Non-GMO Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum lycopersicum (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however this name is no longer accepted as correct) |
| Tomato Type: | Salad - Medium round tomatoes golf ball to tennis ball sized. |
| Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid Tomato Color: | Red with a purple-black brush of color. |
| Early Choice Black F1 Hybrid Tomato Flavor: | Sweet yet smoky |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 65-70 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 24 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 36-48 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F) |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
| Plant Width: | 24 inches |
| Plant Spread: | 24 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest from about 60 to 69 days (or less, depending on variety) from transplant to harvest. Including time for indoor seed starts, this can range to about 130 days (or less, depending on the variety) from sowing the seed to harvest. To have a tomato by the 4th of July, you would have to start seeds indoors from mid to late February and transplant by mid-April at the latest. |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Resistant to TMV and cracking. Common pests that harm tomato plants generally include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Large Hanging Basket |
| Tomato Use: | Salads, fresh eating, small slicing, stews, soups, canning, garnishes, and salsas. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat, Drought, Humidity, Cold |