This captivating tomato stands out from typical red tomatoes.
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Black Krim is a unique and flavorful variety known for its dark rich color and exceptional taste! This heirloom originates from the Isle of Krim in the Black Sea region of Russia. It has a rich sweet flavor while also being slightly acidic. The tomato ripens to a dark purple-brown color with green shoulders.
Black Krim tomatoes can weigh more than 300g (12 ounces), and they are easy to grow. Though they ripen lately, this variety will produce a high yield. To learn how to grow and care for Black Krim tomatoes, keep on reading!
| Common name | ‘Black Krim’, ‘Black Crimea’ and ‘Noire de Crimée’ |
| Botanical name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Plant type | Indeterminate, heirloom, beefsteak tomato |
| Hardiness zones | 3-11 |
| Planting time | Spring |
| Days to maturity | 80-90 |
| Light | 6-8hrs, full sun |
| Soil needs | Well-draining, fertile |
| Plant height | 120-180cm (4-6ft) |
In This Article
Where to Buy Black Krim Tomato Seeds
How to grow Black Krim tomatoes
Planting
Black Krim can be grown from starters from your local nursery or from seeds.
Sow your seeds indoors about six weeks before your last expected frost date. Use seed starting mix and maintain a soil temperature of about 26-30°C (80-90°F). You can do this by placing your seed trays next to a sunny window, using a heating mat or covering your trays with a plastic bag or container to keep the environment moist and warm. However, once the seedlings emerge, you must remove the cover so that mold does not start growing.
Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into warm soil in a sunny location about 60-70cm apart. For strong and sturdy plants, bury two-thirds of the stem into the soil, this is because tomatoes can develop roots on their stems, leading to a stronger root system and more nutrient uptake.
Water
When watering black krim tomatoes, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but be careful of overwatering as this can lead to root rot. During the hot weather, water more frequently, especially if you are growing in containers. Add mulch such as wood chips, cardboard or leaves to retain moisture in the soil.
Soil and Fertilizing
Black Krim tomatoes prefer soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Mix in compost or a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before you transplant your seedling. Use a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing.
Light
Black Krim tomatoes thrive in full sun so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day.
Pollination
Black Krim tomatoes are self-pollinating. However, a lack of wind may cause pollination to not occur properly. In this case, you can self-pollinate using a paintbrush or just give the flowers a little shake to encourage better pollination.
Staking and Pruning
Black Krim tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. To support this growth, use stakes or cages to keep the plants upright and prevent fruit from touching the ground. Pruning side shoots regularly can also help promote air circulation and prevent diseases.
Pests and Diseases
Regularly monitor your plants for pests and diseases, check the leaves for signs of yellowing or spots, and keep an eye out for common tomato pests like aphids and hornworms.
Black Krim’s thin skin is prone to cracking in heavy rains or inconsistent watering. To minimize this, maintain even soil moisture and pick fruits immediately when ripe. Also, provide good airflow between plants to reduce fungal problems in humid climates.
Check out this article for more information about tomato pests and diseases.
Harvesting Black Krim Tomatoes
Black Krims take about 80 days to reach full maturity. With proper care, you can expect moderately high yields of beautiful dark fruits averaging 300-400 grams. Harvest when the tomatoes feel slightly soft and smell fragnant. The shoulders of the fruit will remain green even when ripe.
Enjoy your tomatoes in sandwiches, soups, sauces and more!
FAQ
Do Black Krim tomatoes need staking?
Yes, staking is necessary to support the vigorous growth of these indeterminate plants.
Which is better, Black Krim or Cherokee Purple?
These two varieties are very similar in appearance although Cherokee Purple may be slightly larger. The Black Krim has a more balanced and sweet flavor, while the Cherokee Purple is more acidic and rich in taste.
Can you save Black Krim seeds?
Yes you can, this article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to save tomato seeds.
Want to add an exciting touch of color to your garden? Here is a list of beautiful yellow tomatoes you can grow!
