Organic Black Tomato Seeds
The Organic Black Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an heirloom, slicing tomato renowned for its unique flavor profile. Here are the key details for growing this organic, open-pollinated tomato:
Basic Info:
– Days to Maturity (from transplant): 75 days
– Latin Name: Solanum lycopersicum
– Organic Black Tomato Color: Deep, dark, almost black hue
– Type: Indeterminate – Continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the season
Growing Info:
– Hardiness Zone: Suitable for various zones
– Days to Maturity (from transplant): 75 days
– Seeding Depth: 1/4 inch
– Plant Spacing: 18-24 inches
– Row Spacing: 3-4 feet
– Plant Height: Indeterminate growth, may need staking or support
– Growth Habit: Vining
Additional Info:
– Heat Tolerance: Yes
– Disease Resistance: Resistant to Disorders
– Origin: Black tomatoes originate along the Black Sea in Crimea and were introduced to the United States in 1990 by Lars Olov Rosenstrom from Sweden.
Companion Plants:
For optimal growth and flavor development, consider planting Black tomatoes alongside companion plants such as thyme, basil, and oregano.
Flavor Profile:
Highly sought after for its juiciness and unique flavor, Black tomatoes offer a distinctive taste that sets them apart.
Seed Quantity:
Approximately 10,000 seeds per ounce.
Gardeners can enjoy the rich, dark color and exceptional flavor of Black tomatoes, making them a prized addition to gardens, greenhouses, and raised beds. The indeterminate growth habit ensures a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, providing a fresh supply of these flavorful tomatoes.
Growing Non-GMO Organic Black Tomato Vegetable Seeds
Like all other tomatoes, most zones require starting indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date of your growing location. Sow about 0.25 inches deep in well-draining soil. Supply full sunlight while growing indoors. After true leaves have developed, it is helpful to apply a fertilizer or nutrient-enriched water to support healthy growth when starting indoors. Introducing a fan to your grow space can also help encourage good airflow to minimize the occurrence of mold or mildew on your new seedlings. Plus, it can help strengthen their stems in preparation for being moved outdoors.
Always harden off your seedlings before transplanting. To harden off seedlings, set them outside for increasing amounts of time each day over the course of 1-2 weeks. Start with leaving them out for only a couple of hours. This process will cause their cell walls to strengthen in response to wind, rain, varying temperatures, and changing humidity levels. New seedlings may appear weak or wilt when setting out the first couple of days during this process but will quickly spring back when returned indoors. When you are ready to transplant, bury the stem deeply, as tomatoes can develop roots from anywhere along their hairy stems.
Because of their juiciness, Black tomatoes are susceptible to cracking. To minimize its occurrence, stick to a regular watering schedule. Watering deeply will help establish strong root systems best able to support the health of your plant.
Organic Black Tomato in the Vegetable Garden
This tomato variety can get quite large as an indeterminate type. Be sure to provide support for these vines to grow up. If using something other than a tomato cage, you may need to secure the vine to the support system. Compared to other vegetables, tomatoes are heavy feeders. They will definitely benefit from nutrient-rich soil. If you notice a lot of foliar growth (leaves) with few fruits developing, you may have soils with too much nitrogen though. Common organic fertilizers include blood meal, bone meal, and kelp-based fertilizers. We recommend getting a soil test done before planting your garden for the season to know what type of fertilizers should be used.
When utilizing organic growing practices like companion planting, you can experience healthier tomatoes and better yields. Planting an assortment of herbs near your tomatoes can help reduce or prevent pest damage from known insects like tomato hornworms. We recommend growing thyme, basil, and oregano. Plus, these herbs pair well with many tomato-based dishes.
Harvesting Organic Black Tomato
Black tomatoes are ready to harvest when the fruits are flushed with their iconic black/burgundy skin color. Their fruits are typically large in size, reaching 4-5 inches around. They may also develop with imperfect/unique rounded shapes. Black is ideal for growing as a slicer tomato for eating fresh, adding to salads, or juicing.
About Organic Black Tomato Garden Seeds
In Slavic languages, means Crimea and explains the unique name of this tomato. Its origins trace back to a unique history that starts near the Black Sea of Crimea. During the Crimean War, soldiers are credited with spreading these seeds to their home countries due to their popularity. Eventually, they made their way to the United States around 1990 by a Sweden man by the name of Lars Olov Rosenstrom through the Seed Savers Exchange.
Basic Info
– Latin Name: Solanum lycopersicum (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however, this name is no longer accepted as correct)
– Organic Black Tomato Color: Red, Black
– Organic Black Tomato Flavor: Exotic, smoky, mild sweetness, and acidic (less so than other types)
Growing Info
– Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (Annual: Not intended to overwinter)
– Days to Maturity: 75 (from transplant)
– Days to Germination: 7-10
– Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch
– Plant Spacing: 24-36 inches
– Row Spacing: 36 inches
– Plant Height: 36-96 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)
– Germination Temperature: 65-85 F
– Light Preference: Full Sun
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