Organic 'Black Krim' Tomato
Organic 'Black Krim' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an icon of the Black Sea, dark, smoky, juicy and strikingly elegant
The 'Black Krim' tomato, originating from the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea, is one of the world's best-known and most highly regarded black varieties. A mid-season, indeterminate variety, it produces stunning 4- to 5-inch globes of deep mahogany with dark green to black shoulders that deepen even further in generous heat and sunshine. Its flavor is intensely smoky, rich, sweet, and almost salty —a unique aromatic signature that sets Black Krim apart from all other heirloom tomatoes.
Very juicy and perfect for slicing, it excels in sandwiches, composed salads, tasting platters, and any preparation that showcases its dark, silky flesh. It also adapts very well to container gardening, making it a versatile, elegant, and accessible variety for gardeners of all levels.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Crimean origin, black shoulders, unique smoky flavor, excellent in a crate
Fruit color : Dark mahogany with green-black shoulders
Fruit shape : Flattened round
Fruit size/weight : Medium to large (4–5")
Fruit type : Sliced tomato
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, rich, deep smoky flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost . Place the seeds 3–6 mm deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to encourage rapid germination (5–10 days). Reduce watering and nitrogen during the hardening-off period to produce strong seedlings.
Transplant outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36") apart and rows 120–180 cm (4–6') . Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (level 3). Sturdy staking is essential to support the heavy, abundant fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has developed a deep mahogany color and becomes slightly soft. To hasten the season, pick at the first sign of blush and then allow to ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store the fruit at 12–21°C , under 95% relative humidity , to preserve its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Exceptional in thick slices , where its juiciness and smoky flavor shine
• Magnificent in salads with heirloom tomatoes , contrasting dark color
• Deliciously roasted gently , concentrating its rich flavors
• Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, bruschetta
'Black Krim' is one of the great queens of dark tomatoes: an inimitable smoky flavor, a dramatic color, and remarkable reliability. An essential heirloom variety for lovers of complex and bountiful black tomatoes.
