Organic 'Black Seaman' Tomato
Organic 'Black Seaman' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an early-maturing, creamy, full-bodied Russian black tomato, sublime in sandwiches
The 'Black Seaman' tomato is an exceptional Russian heirloom variety, prized for its deep black flavor , early maturity, and beautiful fruit. Determinate—a rarity for a black tomato—it produces a generous crop of large, 12-16 oz. fruits , a rich mahogany color adorned with olive-green shoulders when ripe. Inside, the flesh is dark red with green undertones , dense, creamy, juicy, and boasts a full-bodied, complex, and intense flavor , ideal for sandwiches, gourmet salads, and tasting plates.
Its potato-leaf plants are robust, productive, and well-suited to medium-sized garden containers . Thanks to its early maturity, 'Black Seaman' allows you to enjoy a high-quality black tomato early in the season, making it a valuable choice for gardeners in cooler climates.
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 : Determined, vigorous
Plant height : 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Early Russian black tomato, large mahogany-olive fruit, creamy and full-bodied flesh, ideal for containers
Fruit color : Dark mahogany with olive green shoulders
Fruit shape : Round to slightly flattened
Fruit size/weight : 340 to 450 g (12–16 oz)
Type of fruit : Black beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Juicy, creamy, full-bodied and complex flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix, then maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce strong, compact seedlings.
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Plant in full sun (level 3) and water regularly ( level 3 ). Staking is recommended , even for determinate varieties, due to the heavy weight of the fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has reached a deep mahogany color , with well-defined olive-green shoulders, and yields slightly to pressure. To advance the season, pick at the first sign of blush , then allow to ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store at 12–21°C , with a relative humidity of around 95% , to preserve their creamy flesh.
Usage ideas
• Exceptional in sandwiches , thanks to its creamy texture and powerful dark flavor
• Delicious in gourmet salads , where its mahogany-olive palette shines
• Perfect for tasting platters , rich and complex flavor
• Very good, gently roasted , which further intensifies its full-bodied notes
The 'Black Seaman' tomato is one of the finest early black tomatoes: velvety, full-bodied, elegant, and generous. A Russian heirloom variety that delivers unparalleled depth of flavor right from the start of the season.
