Black Russian Tomato is a distinctive heirloom variety believed to have originated in Russia during the mid-to-late 1800s, possibly cultivated by Eastern Orthodox monastic communities in present-day Ukraine or western Russia. The Black Russian Tomato produces medium-sized, 4–6 oz fruits with a deep mahogany to blackish hue and uneven dark green shoulders. The flesh is crimson, offering a complex flavor profile that combines sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. Ideal for slicing, this indeterminate tomato enhances salads, sandwiches, and salsas with its rich flavor. Its unique color also adds visual appeal to various dishes.
Scientific Name: solanum lycopersicum
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 21-29°C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-120 days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil requirement: Well drained and rich
Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Sow seed in a propagator from March in warmth. Keep small plants in a sunny, frost-free environment until they can be planted in the greenhouse from late April or outdoors in late May.
