How to Grow Black Prince Tomato

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Black Prince Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Prince'

vegetable

Black Prince is an heirloom indeterminate tomato variety known for its deep burgundy-black fruits with rich, complex flavor. The plants are vigorous and productive, typically yielding medium-sized fruits (2-3 oz) with a meaty interior and few seeds. This Russian heirloom is prized by gardeners for its exceptional taste and striking appearance.

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Example Black Prince Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Black Prince Tomato
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Black Prince Tomato
Around Jul 1

≈ 75 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Prince Tomato dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best flavor and yield)

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Water: Consistent moisture; deep watering 1-2 inches per week, more during hot periods. Water at soil level to avoid foliar diseases. Avoid allowing soil to dry completely or become waterlogged.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches

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Days to maturity: 75-85 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Transplants: plant deeply, burying stem up to first true leaves; seeds: 1/4 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure bone meal calcium source (crushed eggshells or lime) to prevent blossom end rot

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension techniques

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small plants with 2 cotyledons and developing true leaves; typically 2-4 inches tall

Provide bright light (14-16 hours daily under grow lights), maintain warm soil (70-75°F), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin to strongest seedlings.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks after transplanting

Rapid stem and leaf development; plant grows 6-12+ inches tall with multiple sets of true leaves

Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors. Plant deeply (burying lower stem). Water consistently, provide full sun. Begin light fertilizing once established.

Flowering

3-4 weeks

First flower clusters appear; plant reaches mature height and continues vigorous growth. Yellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters.

Maintain consistent watering and avoid nitrogen excess (promotes foliage over flowers). Support with stakes or cages early. Apply balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Prune lower leaves for air circulation.

Fruiting

4-6 weeks

Small green fruits develop and enlarge; continue producing new flower clusters. Fruits gradually change color from green to dark burgundy-black at maturity.

Continue staking/support as needed for heavy fruit load. Maintain deep, consistent watering. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Prune excess foliage cautiously to allow sun to ripen fruit. Remove fruits on upper branches if needed to concentrate energy.

Harvest

6-8+ weeks until first frost

Fruits ripen to deep burgundy-black color; fully ripe fruits are soft to slight pressure with concentrated flavor

Harvest at full color for best flavor. Indeterminate plants continue producing until frost. Pick fruits to encourage continued production. Continue watering and fertilizing throughout season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil parsley marigold nasturtium carrot onion garlic borage dill

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) fennel kohlrabi potatoes

Common Pests

Hand-pick; encourage parasitic wasps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations
Use reflective mulch; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Maintain adequate humidity and moisture; spray with water; neem oil or miticide for severe cases
and (Phytophthora infestans)
Remove infected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; mulch; apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicides preventatively

Uses

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Fresh Slicing & Salads

Culinary

Black Prince tomatoes excel when sliced fresh for salads, sandwiches, and plates due to their meaty texture and rich, complex flavor with slight sweetness and subtle smoky notes. Their striking dark color makes them visually striking on the table. [source]

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Sauces & Cooking

Culinary

The concentrated flavor and low seed content make Black Prince excellent for sauces, salsas, and cooked dishes. Their deep color contributes richness to tomato-based soups, stews, and Italian dishes. [source]

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Nutritional & Antioxidant Value

Medicinal

Dark-colored heirloom tomatoes like Black Prince are rich in lycopene, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. The deep burgundy pigmentation indicates high polyphenol content. [source]

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Seed Saving

Household

Black Prince is an excellent heirloom for seed saving. Collect seeds from fully ripe fruits, ferment them for 3-5 days, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Seeds remain viable for 4+ years. [source]

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Garden Display & Ornamental Value

Craft

The striking burgundy-black fruits and productive plants make Black Prince a beautiful addition to ornamental vegetable gardens and raised beds, attractive to photographers and garden enthusiasts. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when fruits reach deep burgundy-black color and yield slightly to pressure. Black Prince fruits ripen fully on the vine for optimal flavor—avoid picking green. Fruits continue ripening after picking if needed. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. In cooler climates, pick remaining fruits before first frost and ripen indoors at room temperature.

Fun Facts

🌱 Black Prince is a Russian heirloom variety, likely developed in Russia during the Soviet era, and has become increasingly popular among heirloom tomato enthusiasts worldwide in recent decades.
🌱 The dark burgundy-black color comes from high concentrations of anthocyanins and lycopene, the same compounds that give blueberries their health benefits, making it one of the most nutrient-dense tomato varieties.
🌱 As an indeterminate variety, Black Prince continues growing and producing fruit throughout the entire growing season until frost, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking season-long harvests.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom pH Transplant True Leaves

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