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As someone who enjoys gardening and growing their own food, I am delighted to tell you about one of my favorite tomato varieties, the Black Krim Tomato.
Black Krim Tomatoes are known for their rich taste and deep reddish purple skin. People like to use them in their cocktail drinks and juices due to their slightly rich full flavor.
In this guide, I will be sharing with you everything you need to know about Black Krim Tomatoes, from their rich history and origin to tips on how to grow and care for them. Also, there are some quick facts included about them so that you can learn more about them.
So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I hope you find this all-in-one guide for Black Krim Tomatoes helpful and informative.
Let’s dive into our detailed guide.
Black Krim Tomatoes Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about Black Krim Tomatoes.
Fact | Detail |
Botanical name | Solanum lycopersicum var. Black Krim |
Type of tomato | Heirloom variety |
Origin | Krim region in Crimea (present-day Ukraine) |
Color | Deep purple/black |
Flavor profile | Sweet, smoky, slightly acidic |
Texture | Meaty, firm |
Skin thickness | Thin and tender |
Plant size | Indeterminate (grows tall and continues to produce fruit throughout the season) |
Growing requirements | Full sun, well-drained soil, consistent moisture, support (stake or cage) |
Disease resistance | Moderately resistant to some common diseases |
Seed starting time | 6-8 weeks before last frost date |
Transplanting time | After all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed up |
Time to harvest | 80-85 days from transplanting |
Yield per plant | 10-15 pounds of fruit per plant (on average) |
Uses | Eating fresh, cooking, canning, sauces, juices and more |
Optimum Growing Temperature | 65-95°F (18-35°C) |
Popularity | Increasing in popularity among gardeners and food enthusiasts |
A Brief History of Black Krim Tomatoes
Black Krim tomato is an heirloom that was initially discovered by a Sweden who was traveling through the Crimea region of Russia. Crimean War soldiers brought this tomato variety to the United States in 1856. They spread black Krim tomato seeds in the region.
In 1990, it became the first “black” organic tomato (Black Crimea) commercially available in the United States. Since then, gardeners and food lovers have become more interested in it because of its unique look and taste.
How to Grow Black Krim Tomatoes (A Step-by-Step Guide)
To successfully grow Black Krim Tomato plants, you should buy black krim tomato seeds from a reputable supplier or nursery. As an indeterminate cultivar, “Black Krim” takes between 70 and 90 days for its fruit to form after it has been planted and moved to the garden. I would suggest you start your seeds in the house six to eight weeks before the last spring frost.
Here are steps that I follow to grow black krim tomatoes in your garden, and I would recommend you to follow these steps for the best harvest ever.
Step 1) Choosing a suitable location
Black Krim Tomatoes grow best in sufficient sunlight and heat. Therefore, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are easy to grow in well-drained soil, so make sure the area where you plant them has good drainage.
Step 2) Soil preparation and fertilization
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Black Krim Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or one that is high in phosphorus, which promotes flowering and fruiting.
Step 3) Seed starting and transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Space the black krim plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
Step 4) Watering and irrigation
Black Krim Tomatoes require consistent moisture but do not like to be overwatered. Water deeply once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch. It is recommended to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Step 5) Pruning and training
Black Krim Tomatoes benefit from pruning and training to promote airflow and prevent disease. Remove suckers (side shoots that grow between the stem and leaves) and stake or cage plants for support. The black krim tomato size will be 6–12 ounces on average.
Step 6) Pest and disease management
Black Krim Tomatoes can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. Moreover, they are also prone to cracking and some diseases, including early blight and blossom end rot. Use organic methods such as companion planting and handpicking.
By utilizing all these methods, you can make your heirloom black Krim tomato crop the best ever.
Read more: Growing Black Krim Tomatoes: The Ultimate How-To for Tomato Lovers
Grow Healthy Tomatoes From The Nursery
Top 8 Ways To Fertilize Your Tomato Plants For Best Harvest Yet
Common Uses for Black Krim Tomatoes
Ripe black krim tomatoes are a unique and delicious variety of heirloom tomatoes. Due to their rich flavor and distinctive appearance, we can use them in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to sauces and salsas.
Here are some common uses for Black Krim Tomatoes and how they can add depth and complexity to your dishes.
- Salad: I love to use Black Krim tomatoes in salads due to its smoky flavor that pairs well with fresh greens, cucumber, and feta cheese. I also like to add a simple vinaigrette dressing and some croutons to make a complete meal.
- Sandwiches: Another great use of heirloom Black Krim Tomatoes is their use in different sandwiches. They are especially fit in a vegetarian sandwich. The meaty texture of these tomatoes will make your sandwich more satisfying and filling.
- Black Krim: Tomatoes are excellent when used in salsa, which is another great way to enjoy them. Their bold flavor and rich taste can really add some depth to a salsa. Especially, if you’re looking for a more complex flavor profile.
- Sauce: I like to use Black Krim Tomatoes to make a simple tomato sauce, particularly if I’m making pasta. Their rich, smoky flavor can help give the sauce a more complex flavor, without having to add a lot of additional ingredients.
- Roasting: Finally, Black Krim Tomatoes are an excellent choice to roast. The smoky flavor of these tomatoes can really shine through when roasted. And they can make a great addition to any roasted vegetable dish.
Other than these uses, you can invent your own way to use these heirloom tomato black krim.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for information on black krim tomatoes, look no further! In this blog, I’ve mentioned all the information you could possibly want about this well-known tomato variety, including history, planting advice, typical uses, and more.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.