Black Krim Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Family: Solanaceae
Black Krim is a dramatic Russian heirloom with dark purple-black shoulders and a rich, intense, slightly salty flavor. Perfect for those who love bold tomato taste.
Days to Harvest
75-85 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
75°F optimal
Start Indoors
8 weeks before last frost
Germination
7-14 days
Seed Depth
1/4 inch
Light to Germinate
No
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining soil
pH Range
6 - 6.8
Spacing
30 inches apart
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Black Krim hails from the Crimean Peninsula (historically called the Isle of Krim) on the northern coast of the Black Sea, a region with a rich agricultural heritage stretching back millennia. The variety emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century among Russian and Ukrainian gardeners who selected for the distinctive dark coloring that develops in response to the region's intense summer sun. The tomato's development is intertwined with Soviet-era agricultural history, as Crimean collective farms preserved and refined the variety throughout the 20th century. Black Krim was introduced to Western gardeners in 1990 when Swedish seed collector Lars Olov Rosenstrom brought seeds back from a visit to Crimea and shared them through European seed exchanges. The timing was perfect—Western gardeners were developing an appetite for unusual heirloom varieties, and Black Krim's dramatic appearance and complex flavor made it an instant sensation. The variety's slightly salty undertone, unique among tomatoes, has been attributed to the mineral composition of Crimean soils and the proximity to the Black Sea, though this characteristic persists when grown anywhere. Today, Black Krim is celebrated as one of the finest "black" tomatoes and serves as a parent variety for numerous modern dark tomato breeds.
Nutritional Benefits
- ✓High in anthocyanins
- ✓Rich in lycopene
- ✓Good Vitamin C source
Optimal Growing Temp
70°F - 85°F
Black Krim thrives at 70-85°F. Developed in the warm Crimean climate, it handles heat well. The dark shoulders develop best with warm days. Fruit set may slow above 90°F but resumes when temperatures moderate.
Survival Range
55°F - 95°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Frost-sensitive. The dark coloring intensifies with heat, not cold. Protect from temperatures below 50°F.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-60%
Moderate humidity preferred. Black Krim has average disease resistance—ensure good air circulation in humid climates.
Height
5-7 feet
Spread
2-3 feet
Growth Habit
indeterminate
Germination
7-14 days
Seeds germinate at 75-85°F. Good germination rates typical of Russian heirloom varieties.
Seedling Stage
Duration: 4-5 weeks
True leaves: First true leaves 10-14 days after sprouting
Transplant ready: Ready when 5-7 inches tall with 4-6 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 4-5 weeks after transplant
Vigorous indeterminate growth. Standard tomato foliage. Install support early.
Flowering
Timing: 5-7 weeks after transplant
Duration: Continuous throughout season
Self-pollinating. Yellow flowers in clusters. Gentle shaking aids pollination in very hot or humid conditions.
Fruit Development
Begins: 3-4 weeks after flowering
Duration: Continuous until frost
Fruits develop dramatic dark shoulders as they ripen. The purple-black coloring is most intense where sun hits the fruit directly.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 75-85 days from transplant
- Dark purple-black shoulders fully developed
- Lower fruit is brick red to brownish
- Slight softness when gently pressed
- Rich, intense aroma
- Green shoulders completely darkened
Per Plant
10-20 lbs per plant
Per Square Foot
4-8 lbs per square foot
Harvest Frequency
Every 3-5 days during peak production
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Good productivity for an heirloom
- •Consistent watering prevents cracking
- •Heat tolerance allows production through summer
- •Disease management important for sustained yields
- •The unique salty-sweet flavor makes every pound special
Seedling Stage
Keep consistently moist
Established Plants
1-2 inches per week
During Fruiting
Consistent moisture essential—Black Krim can crack with uneven watering
Preferred Method
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses recommended. Water at plant base. Morning watering preferred.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Flowering
- • Fruit development
Pro Tips
- Consistent watering preserves the unique salty-sweet flavor profile
- Heavy mulching maintains soil moisture
- Slightly reduce water during final ripening for more intense flavor
- The Crimean origin suggests some drought tolerance once established
Feeding Schedule
At Planting
Compost + balanced fertilizer
Once
First Flowers
Side-dress with compost
Once
Fruit Production
Low-nitrogen tomato fertilizer
Every 2-3 weeks
Organic Options
Compost at planting and as side-dress. Fish emulsion biweekly during growth.
Minimum Size
10 gallon minimum
Recommended Size
15-20 gallon for best results
Depth Required
At least 18 inches deep
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Black Krim adapts well to large containers
- The dramatic appearance makes an excellent patio feature
- Sturdy support essential
- Consistent watering critical—containers dry quickly
- Feed regularly throughout the season
Support Type
Tomato cage, stake, or trellis
Height Needed
6-7 feet
When to Install
Install at transplanting
Method
Can be grown with multiple stems in cage or single-stem trained up stake. Medium-large fruits need support.
Tips
- Standard heavy-duty tomato cages work well
- Single-stem training produces larger individual fruits
- Support heavy fruit clusters to prevent breakage
- Check and adjust ties as plant grows
Why Prune
When
Begin when 12-18 inches tall
How Often
Weekly during active growth
Technique
Remove suckers below first flower cluster. Allow 2-4 main stems for good productivity.
Remove
- ✗ Suckers below first flower cluster
- ✗ Leaves touching ground
- ✗ Yellow or diseased foliage
Keep
- ✓ Main stem plus selected suckers
- ✓ Leaves shading developing fruit
