Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Black Russian
80-85 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Black Russian Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This heirloom tomato grows on bushy plants and yields medium, 4-ounce fruit that turns black as it matures. ~# seeds/oz.
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Growing Black Russian Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To cultivate the flavorful Black Russian Tomato, begin by starting seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil, maintaining a temperature between 65-85°F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have grown strong indoors, and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden, spacing them 24-36 inches apart. Given its indeterminate growth habit, consider providing support such as a cage or trellis to help the vine-type plant sprawl and continue producing tomatoes throughout the season.
To ensure a thriving Black Russian Tomato plant, maintain a soil pH between 6.2 to 6.8 and avoid excessive nitrogen, which may lead to more foliage and less fruiting. Regularly check for common pests like tomato hornworms and diseases such as blossom end rot, practicing organic neem-based solutions for prevention. Companion planting with basil and marigolds can help deter pests naturally. Additionally, consistent moisture and proper spacing contribute to a healthy crop. As an indeterminate variety, expect a continuous harvest late in the season, providing a steady supply of medium-sized, rich, smoky, and sweet tomatoes.
Harvesting Black Russian Tomatoes
Harvesting Black Russian Tomatoes involves picking the fruits when they attain a deep red or black hue and are firm to the touch. Being an indeterminate variety means that the plant continues producing throughout the season, allowing for a prolonged harvesting period. To harvest, gently twist the tomato off the vine or use clean pruning shears. The determinate growth habit indicates a continuous yield, making it suitable for late-summer to early-fall harvesting.
About Black Russian Tomato Garden Seeds
The Black Russian Tomato has a storied history, with roots in Russia. Its deep, dark color and distinct flavor have made it a sought-after heirloom variety. Known for its resilience and unique characteristics, this tomato has become a favorite among home gardeners and chefs alike.
The Black Russian Tomato's breeding history suggests a focus on flavor and adaptability. While not necessarily bred for a specific growing climate, its robust nature allows it to thrive in various conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in different regions.
This tomato variety, with its rich, smoky, and sweet flavor profile, is ideal for slicing and incorporating into fresh salads or salsas. Its versatility makes it suitable for garden plots, raised beds, and even greenhouse cultivation. While not traditionally recommended for container gardens or hanging baskets due to its sprawling growth, creative trellising techniques may offer a solution for limited space.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"For an extra burst of flavor, try allowing a few Black Russian Tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine before harvesting. This extended ripening period intensifies the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of these delectable tomatoes."
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- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Black Russian Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- Approximately 25 Seeds
- Approximately 100 Seeds
- Approximately 500 Seeds
Non-GMO Black Russian Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) |
| Tomato Type: | Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. |
| Black Russian Tomato Color: | Red, Black |
| Black Russian Tomato Flavor: | Rich, smoky, and sweet |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 80-85 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 60-72 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 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
| Plant Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Spread: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready to harvest from 81 days or more from transplant. Difficult, if not impossible, to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good late-summer to early-fall producers for most USDA Zones. |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, 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 |
| Tomato Use: | Medium slicing, salsa |