How to Grow Black Krim Tomato
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Black Krim Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim'
vegetableBlack Krim is a popular heirloom tomato variety originating from the Crimea region, known for its dark purple-brown fruit with complex, rich flavor. The indeterminate plants produce medium-sized fruits (6-8 oz) with a meaty texture and few seeds. This variety is prized by gardeners for its exceptional taste and striking appearance.
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Example Black Krim Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Krim Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Krim Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Krim Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-3 true leaves, pale green coloring, delicate stems
Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily under grow lights; keep soil moist but not saturated; maintain 65-75°F temperature
Vegetative
4-6 weeksFast-growing indeterminate plants with expanding leaf canopy, deep green foliage, no flowers yet
Harden off transplants over 7-10 days; plant in enriched soil; stake or cage early; pinch suckers on indeterminate types; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced formula
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow star-shaped flowers appearing in clusters along stem; plant continues vertical growth
Maintain consistent watering and temperature (65-85°F); avoid excessive nitrogen which delays fruiting; support with stakes/cages; mulch to regulate soil moisture
Fruiting
4-5 weeksSmall green fruits developing from flowers, gradually enlarging to full size (6-8 oz), beginning color change from green to dark purple-brown
Continue consistent watering; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium and phosphorus; prune excess foliage only to improve air circulation; apply 2-3 inches of mulch
Harvest
6-8 weeks of harvest windowFruits reach full dark purple-brown color with slight give when gently squeezed; rich, complex aroma develops
Pick at full color for peak flavor; can harvest at light pink stage and ripen indoors; use pruners to avoid damaging plant; continue watering for subsequent fruit sets
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick daily; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); remove affected foliage
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects; prune affected leaves
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; water only at soil level; apply copper fungicide; mulch to prevent soil splash
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Remove infected leaves immediately; improve drainage and air flow; apply sulfur or copper-based fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove affected leaves; maintain air circulation; apply fungicide; don't work with plants when wet
Uses
Fresh eating and premium recipes
CulinaryBlack Krim's complex, rich flavor with subtle smoky and slightly salty notes makes it exceptional for slicing, fresh salads, and elegant plating. The meaty texture and few seeds are ideal for dishes where tomato is the star. [source]
Sauce and preservation
CulinaryThe dense flesh and rich flavor concentrate beautifully into sauces, salsas, and preserved products. Perfect for making homemade tomato paste and canned sauces. [source]
Garden aesthetics and exhibition
HouseholdThe striking dark purple-brown color and unusual appearance make Black Krim a showstopper in vegetable gardens and farmers markets. Visually distinctive for photography and garden display. [source]
Antioxidant nutrition
MedicinalDark-colored tomatoes contain elevated levels of anthocyanins and lycopene, powerful antioxidants with potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe prolific flowering of indeterminate Black Krim plants attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully colored (dark purple-brown) and slightly soft to touch for peak flavor. Can be harvested at light pink stage and ripened indoors at 68-77°F. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Use pruners or scissors rather than pulling to avoid damage. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight; never refrigerate until fully ripe as cold diminishes flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Krim originated in the Crimea region of Russia and was brought to the United States by Russian immigrants; 'Krim' refers to the Crimean peninsula
- 🌱 The dark purple coloring comes from anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blueberries and red wine, which develop more intensely in hot, sunny climates
- 🌱 Black Krim is an indeterminate variety, meaning it continues growing and producing fruit throughout the season until frost, unlike determinate varieties that produce all fruit at once
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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