Black Krim Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum (nightshade)

Also known as: Black Crimea, Noire de Crimée

A distinctive dark-fleshed heirloom originating from the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea, thought to have spread more widely after soldiers collected seed there during the Crimean War in the 1850s, though it remained little known outside the region until introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1990. Flattened, globe-shaped fruit ripens to a deep reddish-purple to near-black, especially in hot, sunny conditions, with green shoulders and richly flavoured flesh that balances sweetness against a subtle smokiness and salinity — a genuinely different eating experience from a standard red tomato. One of the very first "black" tomatoes to reach Western markets, and still a favourite among chefs for both flavour and striking colour. Indeterminate (climbing) variety — requires sturdy staking.

Days to harvest 70–90 days from transplant

Fruit size 250–450g, flattened globe shape

Sowing depth 5mm

Germination 6–14 days at 24–29°C

Spacing 45–60cm apart

Aspect Full sun, well-drained soil

Frost tolerance Frost sensitive — needs reliably warm nights

Growing notes

Choose a full-sun, open position with good air circulation. Naturally suited to hot, dry summers, and colour deepens further with more heat and sun exposure. Suits a large pot from 40L+ with sturdy staking

Soil preparation: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter worked in.

Support: Sturdy staking or a trellis essential — a vigorous climbing variety that keeps producing all season.

Watering & feeding: Water deeply and consistently. Feed regularly with a potassium-rich fertiliser once flowering and fruiting begins.

Harvest: Pick once fruit has darkened to a deep reddish-purple or near-black — green shoulders are normal and don't indicate under-ripeness.

Timing: Expect first harvest around 70–90 days after transplanting — one of the earlier-maturing beefsteak-type heirlooms, with continued cropping through the season.

Key features

Open-pollinated heirloom from the Crimean Peninsula
Deep reddish-purple to near-black flesh and skin
Flattened, globe-shaped fruit, 250–450g
Complex flavour — sweet, smoky, and subtly salty
Low acidity, richly flavoured
One of the first "black" tomatoes commercially available

Short season tips

Sow 6–8 weeks before you want to plant out, on a heat mat if possible — soil needs to be 24–29°C to germinate reliably. Transplant only once all risk of frost has passed and nights are reliably mild. Its relatively earlier maturity makes it one of the more forgiving heirloom beefsteaks for a shorter growing season.

Spring
Summer

Tender perennial — most often grown as an annual

Basil (classic tomato pairing) Marigolds Carrots Parsley

Other nightshades (capsicums, chillies, eggplants, potatoes) Fennel Corn

Originating from the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea, Black Krim has been grown in the region for generations, with its name derived from the Slavic word for Crimea. It's believed to have spread more widely after European soldiers gathered seed there during the Crimean War of the 1850s, though it remained relatively obscure in the West until Swedish collector Lars Olov Rosenstrom introduced it to Seed Savers Exchange in 1990 — making it one of the first "black" tomato varieties commercially available outside its home region.