The ‘Black Krim’ heirloom tomato plant is one of the most unusual tomatoes around. It has a deep, dark red color that looks almost black and a deep reddish-green interior color. It is the most reliable of the “black” tomato plants. This plant is known for producing fruit with a fantastic depth of flavor in most any condition, from cool weather to extreme heat. ‘Black Krim’ is an early producing, flavorful heirloom from the Crimean peninsula of Russia. The taste is rich and earthy–almost smoky. Fruit is beefsteak-sized and sets well in heat. Due to their naturally salty taste, no salt is needed, which makes them ideal if you restrict table salt in your diet.

The Black Krim is an indeterminate tomato plant (keeps growing until first frost), and will grow between 4 and 6 feet in height. The plants require full sun, moderate watering and should be caged or trellised to prevent them from lying on the ground. It takes between 69 to 80 days for fruit to mature after germination, producing medium to large sized fruit, weighing 10 to 14 ounces. These tomatoes tend to become darker the warmer the climate.

  • Height: 4-6 feet
  •  Space: 2-3 feet
  •  Sun Exposure: Full sun location
  •  Days to Maturity: 69-80 days
  •  Feeding: Fertilize with Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer
  •  Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; don’t let soil dry out
  •  Fruit Size: Medium to large; under 1 lb. to sometimes over 1 lb.

‘Black Krim’ tomatoes can be prone to cracking. so consistent watering will help to ease these conditions. Black Krim is an heirloom tomato. Heirloom tomatoes are not as disease resistant as a hybrid tomato; therefore, they can be more susceptible to diseases such as blight, fusarium or verticullium wilts. Keeping the ‘Black Krim’ staked and off the ground, watering the soil only and not getting the plants wet while watering will help prevent these diseases. Growing these in containers is another way of controlling diseases because this allows you to control the environment better then if they were in the ground.

‘Black Krim’ tomatoes are extremely tasty and will add not only great flavor, but visual interest to your salads. These tomatoes are also great for slicing and cooking. I highly recommend you spice up your tomato garden this year and grow a ‘Black Krim’ tomato this season. I know you won’t regret it.