How to Grow Hungarian Black Tomato
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Hungarian Black Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Hungarian Black'
vegetableHungarian Black is a heirloom tomato variety known for its deep burgundy-black color and rich, complex flavor. These indeterminate plants produce medium to large fruits with dense, meaty flesh that's excellent for fresh eating and cooking. The distinctive dark coloring comes from high anthocyanin content, making them both delicious and visually striking.
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Example Hungarian Black Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hungarian Black 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 Hungarian Black Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hungarian Black Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; can grow in zone 4 with season extension
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2 cotyledons and emerging true leaves; delicate and light green.
Provide bright light (grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings). Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Maintain 65-75°F for optimal germination.
Vegetative/Young Plant
3-4 weeksSturdy transplants 6-12 inches tall with multiple true leaves and strong stems.
Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Plant in warm soil (60°F+) after last frost. Install stakes or cages early. Pinch suckers on indeterminate varieties if desired.
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters; plant grows vigorously with continuous new leaf growth.
Ensure consistent watering and fertilization (reduce nitrogen; increase phosphorus/potassium). Maintain proper spacing for air circulation. Prune lower leaves once fruit sets to improve airflow.
Fruit Development
3-4 weeksSmall green fruits develop and gradually enlarge; plant reaches mature height. Fruits begin color transition from green to dark burgundy-black.
Support heavy fruit clusters with ties or additional staking. Reduce nitrogen feeding. Water consistently and deeply. Remove some foliage if fruits are shaded to improve ripening.
Ripening & Harvest
Ongoing until frostFruits develop rich, dark burgundy-black color with slight softening. Full flavor develops at peak ripeness with deep coloring throughout.
Harvest when fruits yield slightly to gentle pressure and are fully colored. Leave on vine 1-2 extra days after full color for maximum flavor. Continue harvesting throughout season as plants are prolific.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick daily or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Encourage parasitic wasps. Scout plant undersides regularly.
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Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or reflective mulch. Introduce parasitic wasps. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticides or neem oil if severe.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected foliage. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Uses
Fresh slicing and gourmet cooking
CulinaryHungarian Black tomatoes excel in fresh salads, sandwiches, and bruschetta due to their rich, complex flavor with fruity and slightly smoky notes. Their meaty texture and low juice content make them ideal for dishes where tomato quality shines. [source]
Sauces and preservation
CulinaryThe dense flesh and rich flavor make Hungarian Black excellent for homemade tomato sauce, paste, and canning. They produce less watery sauce than most varieties, resulting in more concentrated flavor. [source]
Anthocyanin-rich superfood
MedicinalThe deep burgundy-black color indicates high anthocyanin content, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health. These compounds are largely absent in red tomatoes. [source]
Natural food coloring
HouseholdThe deep pigmentation of Hungarian Black tomatoes can be used to create natural food dyes and colorants for culinary applications. The dark juice produces striking visual effects in dishes. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. Hungarian Black's prolific flowering provides abundant nectar sources 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
Harvest when fruits are fully colored (deep burgundy-black) and yield slightly to gentle finger pressure. Hungarian Black tomatoes are best picked at full ripeness for maximum flavor. Use pruning shears or knives to avoid damaging vines. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Fruits can ripen on the counter if picked at full color but still slightly firm. Store at room temperature (not refrigerated) to preserve flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hungarian Black is an heirloom variety believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, possibly Hungary, with seeds passed down through generations among gardeners valuing its exceptional flavor and striking dark color.
- 🌱 The dark burgundy-black color comes from the same anthocyanin compounds found in blueberries and black grapes, making these tomatoes one of the few vegetables with naturally high levels of this health-promoting pigment.
- 🌱 Despite their dark appearance, Hungarian Black tomatoes are fully ripe and safe to eat when deeply colored; the darkness doesn't indicate underripeness or any defect—it's simply the variety's natural color genetics at work.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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