Black Krim Tomatoes Variety – The Ultimate Guide!

Today we’ll take a look at an interesting black tomato variety called “Black Krim”. I’ll do my best to answer all of the questions that you might have about this lovely tomato variety.

PS: This post might be a bit long, but I tried to be as extensive as possible.

TIP: Use the table of content below to navigate to a part you might be interested in.

1. Black Krim Tomato Origin

Black Krim tomato is an heirloom variety of tomatoes that originated in Krim, a region near the Black Sea in the Crimean Peninsula of Russia. It is believed to have been brought to the United States by Russian immigrants and it’s the first commercially available “black” tomato variety in the United States around 1990.

Today, Black Krim tomatoes are grown in many regions of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Australia.

2. General Black Krim Tomatoes’ Questions

Let’s briefly touch on some general questions that I know most of you might have. Specifically about the profile of Black Krim tomatoes.

What does a black Krim tomato look like?

As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words” 🙂

Even though they are called “black”, they’re mostly dark red and green color. Although I suppose it looks like black a bit. It certainly made my list of black (or nearly black) tomato varieties you can grow.

Are Black Krim tomato determinate or indeterminate?

Black Krim tomatoes are indeterminate, which means that they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until the first frost.

Indeterminate tomato plants will grow taller and require staking or trellising to support their growth, as opposed to determinate tomato plants that grow to a certain height and produce fruit in a shorter period before the plant stops growing.

What do Black Krim tomatoes taste like?

Black Krim tomatoes have a unique, rich, and sweet flavor with a slightly salty taste, which is often described as smoky or earthy.

They have a tender and juicy texture and a thin skin.

The flesh of the tomato is deep red and has a meaty texture with few seeds. Overall, Black Krim tomatoes are highly regarded for their complex and delicious taste.

What are Black Krim tomatoes good for?

Black Krim tomatoes are a nutritious and flavorful fruit that can be can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, sauces, and soups.

They have a rich and complex flavor that adds depth to any recipe.

Where you can get seeds from and how much do they cost?

There are multiple very high quality Black Krim tomato seeds in the market, it very much depends on which country you’re from. But in the US, you can find them relatively cheap – about $4 for about 40 seeds.

The tomato price may fluctuate depending on the time of year and the demand for the seeds, but Black Krim tomatoes are always a great choice and budget friendly.

Black Krim tomato nutrition facts

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one medium-sized Black Krim tomato (about 148 grams):

Nutrient	Amount Per Medium Black Krim Tomato (148g)
Calories	35
Total Fat	0.5 grams
Sodium	5 milligrams
Total carbohydrates	7 grams
Dietary fiber	2 grams
Vitamin A	20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C	40% of the Daily Value (DV)
Calcium	2% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron	4% of the Daily Value (DV)

Black Krim tomatoes are low in calories and fat and a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

They also contain small amounts of other essential minerals like iron and calcium.

3. Black Krim Tomato Plant & Fruit Size

Next step would be the common questions regarding the fruit and plant size. This is especially important when you don’t intent to grow them in a garden or raised bed.

Black Krim Tomato plant height

In terms of how big do Black Krim tomatoes get, I mentioned above that Black Krim tomato plants are indeterminate, which means their height can vary depending on growing conditions and how they are pruned or trained.

On average, Black Krim tomato plants can grow to a height of 5 to 7 feet (or between 1.5 to 2 meters) tall.

However, some plants may grow taller or shorter depending on factors such as soil fertility, sunlight, temperature, and water availability.

Proper pruning and training can help control the height of the plant and encourage a more bushy growth habit.

Black Krim tomato fruit size

Black Krim tomatoes are medium to large-sized fruits (or as gardeners call them “beefsteak”), typically measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) in diameter. The exact size can vary depending on the growing conditions and the specific plant, but the average fruit size falls within this range.

The shape of the fruit is somewhat flattened and irregular with deep ridges and a slightly asymmetrical appearance. The weight of a single Black Krim tomato can range from 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 grams) with some fruits even reaching up to 20 ounces (567 grams).

4. Planting Black Krim Tomato Seeds

Now that we’ve covered some of the basic information about this tomato variety, we can move on to the fun (aka gardening) part of this article.

Let’s learn more about the planting – how and when as well as the spacing.

When to plant Black Krim tomatoes?

The timing for planting Black Krim tomatoes will depend on your location and the climate in your area. As a general rule, Black Krim tomato seeds should be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.

Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F (or around 15.5°C) and there is no longer a risk of frost.

For most regions in the United States, this would typically be in late spring, around mid to late May.

However, if you live in a cooler climate with a shorter growing season, you may need to adjust the planting date accordingly or use season extenders like greenhouses or row covers to protect the plants from cold temperatures.

Black Krim tomato growing temperature

It’s important to note that Black Krim tomato plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and should not be planted outside until the soil has warmed up sufficiently.

Planting too early can result in stunted growth or damage to the plant, so be sure to check the soil temperature and weather forecast before transplanting your seedlings.

How to plant Black Krim tomato seeds?

Assuming you already have high-quality seeds, let’s move to simple instructions on how to plant them.

Choose the right container

Use small pots or seed trays with drainage holes to plant the seeds. You can also use biodegradable peat pots or recycled containers, but make sure they have drainage holes.

Prepare the potting mix

Use a high-quality potting mix that is loose, well-draining, and rich in nutrients. You can also add compost or other organic matter to the mix for added nutrition.

Plant the seeds

Fill the containers with the potting mix and moisten it slightly. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch (6mm) deep and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently with a misting spray.

Provide proper conditions for germination

Place the containers in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C) for optimal germination.

Transplant the seedlings

When the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger containers or into the garden bed. Be sure to harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Can you grow black Krim Tomatoes in containers?

Yes, absolutely! You can. Just like most other tomatoes, Black Krim can be planted and cared for in a container.

Obviously, there are pros and cons to doing it this way (assuming you lack space, which is the common reason why most people go for containers or pots instead of raised beds and gardens), but there’s no problem growing them this way.

One thing you should be careful with – beware of the plastic of the container. Not every plastic is suitable, some might be even toxic.

What container size to choose for Black Krim tomatoes?

The container size you choose for Black Krim tomatoes will depend on several factors, including the size of the plant, the growing conditions, and your personal preference.

Generally, a container that is at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in diameter and depth is recommended for growing one Black Krim tomato plant.

The container should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging (this is crucial!), and be filled with a high-quality potting mix that is loose, well-draining, and rich in nutrients. Adding compost or other organic matter to the mix can help provide additional nutrition for the plant.

Keep in mind that Black Krim tomato plants can grow quite tall and heavy, so it’s important to choose a container that is sturdy and can support the weight of the plant and the fruit.

Providing support such as stakes or cages can also help keep the plant upright and prevent it from toppling over.

Black Krim Tomato Spacing

If you plan to grow multiple Black Krim tomato plants in containers, you’ll need to use larger containers or multiple containers.

Make sure to space the plants at least 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

The same would apply if you plant them in your garden or raised beds.

5. How and when to water Black Krim Tomatoes

Proper watering is important for the health and productivity of Black Krim tomato plants. Here are some tips on how and when to water them:

Water deeply and infrequently

It’s better to water deeply and less frequently than to water shallowly and often. This encourages the roots to grow deeper and develop a strong, healthy root system. Water the plants when the soil is dry to the touch, but not completely dried out.

Water at the base of the plant

Avoid getting water on the leaves and fruit, as this can increase the risk of disease. Instead, water at the base of the plant, aiming for the soil around the roots.

Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray: Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray nozzle to water the plants. This will help prevent soil erosion and damage to the plants.

Mulch the soil

Mulching the soil around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent evaporation, reducing the frequency of watering needed.

Water in the morning

Watering in the morning allows the plants to absorb the water and dry off before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Avoid overhead watering

Overhead watering, such as with a sprinkler system, can increase the risk of disease and should be avoided.

When it comes to timing, it’s best to water Black Krim tomatoes when the soil is dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and conditions, this may be once or twice a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Remember to adjust the watering frequency as needed based on the soil moisture and the needs of the plants.

6. Harvesting Black Krim Tomatoes

Let’s proceed with some of the common harvesting questions people have.

What Do Black Krim Tomatoes Look Like When Ripe?

When ripe they have a deep, dusky purple-red hue with greenish-brown shoulders. The skin is slightly rough and the flesh is juicy with a rich, complex flavor.

How to tell when Black Krim tomatoes are ripe?

To tell when Black Krim tomatoes are ripe, you can gently squeeze them. If they are slightly soft and give to pressure without being mushy, they are likely ripe.

Another way to check is by examining the color – if the tomato has turned from green to a deep, purplish-red hue, it is probably ripe.

Additionally, you may notice that the fruit is starting to wrinkle slightly, indicating that it’s nearing the end of its ripening stage.

What to do if Black Krim tomatoes are not ripening?

If Black Krim tomatoes aren’t ripening, there could be a few reasons. The most common reason is that the fruit hasn’t had enough time to ripen yet, as Black Krim tomatoes generally take around 80 days to mature.

How many days they need until maturity?

Other factors that can prevent tomatoes from ripening include too much shade, excessively low or high temperatures, and poor soil nutrition.

Finally, Black Krim tomatoes typically take around 80 days to reach maturity from the time of planting. However, this can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, soil quality, and amount of sunlight. It’s best to check the seed packet or consult with a local gardening expert to determine the exact days to maturity for your specific growing conditions.

7. Common Problems and Diseases

Black Krim tomato not setting fruit?

If your Black Krim tomato plants are flowering but not setting fruit, the problem may be due to poor pollination or environmental stress.

Try gently shaking the plants to help distribute the pollen, and make sure the plants are getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

Black Krim tomato disease resistance

While Black Krim tomatoes are generally considered to be resistant to many common tomato diseases, they can still be susceptible to certain problems such as blossom end rot, cracking, and fungal diseases like blight.

To prevent these problems, provide the plants with proper care and monitor them regularly for signs of disease. Use disease-resistant varieties when possible and avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Black Krim tomato cracking

Cracking in Black Krim tomatoes can occur due to uneven watering, high temperatures, or over-ripening. To prevent cracking, water the plants deeply and evenly, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe but before they become too soft or overripe.

Black Krim tomato leaves curling

Curling leaves in Black Krim tomatoes can be a sign of environmental stress, nutrient deficiency, or disease.

Check the soil moisture and adjust watering as needed, and provide the plants with a balanced fertilizer to ensure they are getting enough nutrients.

Monitor the plants for signs of disease and take action promptly if necessary.

Black Krim tomato splitting

Splitting in Black Krim tomatoes can occur due to uneven watering, high temperatures, or over-ripening.

To prevent splitting, water the plants deeply and evenly, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe but before they become too soft or overripe.

Bottom line

Well, there you have it. I tried to cover as many questions as I could have think off. I hope this guide was useful 😉 Now go grow some tomatoes 😉