Black Krim – a Russian beefsteak tomato with robust flavour and dramatic colour
What is Black Krim?
Black Krim tomato seeds grow into a rich, decorative beefsteak tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with a dark red-purple colour and a full flavour profile. A variety for anyone who wants to grow tomatoes from seed and get powerful flavours for summer meals.
Background and name
The variety comes from the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine and has spread around the world for its unique colour and complex flavour. A true gourmet tomato.
Appearance and growth habit
Black Krim is a tall-growing (indeterminate) tomato whose side shoots need pinching out. It produces large, slightly flattened tomatoes with beautiful green-black shoulders. Weight about 250–400 grams.
Flavour and uses
Powerful, full flavour with a deep umami note. Excellent in burgers, on the barbecue or in a tomato sauce with plenty of taste.
Ripening time, resilience and storage
A mid-season variety that ripens after about 75 days. Tolerates heat well and is fairly resistant to splitting. Keeps well for a couple of days after harvest at room temperature.
Pollination tips
In a greenhouse, shake the flowers gently to improve fruit set.
How to grow Black Krim
Sow in March–April at 22–25 °C. Pot on once the first true leaves have developed. Plant out in a greenhouse or a sunny spot outdoors. Pinch out side shoots and tie in. Ripens about 75 days after planting out.
Price is for 10 tomato seeds
Sow in seed compost and keep it lightly moist until the seeds germinate. Pot on into larger pots of nutrient-rich compost once the seedlings have their first true leaves. Harden off before planting out. Does best in a greenhouse or a warm spot outdoors. Give support, pinch out side shoots regularly and water evenly for the best results.
