Organic 'King Aramis' Tomato

Organic 'King Aramis' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a superb dwarf black beefsteak tomato, sweet and incredibly productive

The 'King Aramis' tomato, selected by American breeder Blane Horton , is a determinate dwarf variety that impresses as much with its compact stature as with the spectacular size of its fruit. Reaching approximately 90 cm (3 feet) tall, it produces large, black beefsteak tomatoes weighing 9 to 16 oz in mid-season, perfect for those who want to grow large fruit without taking up too much space in the vegetable garden. Their dark skin, chocolatey hues, and rich, bi-colored flesh create a sumptuous visual effect, while their sweet, juicy, and deep flavor evokes the best traditional black tomatoes.

'King Aramis' offers a concentrated production window of approximately 4 to 6 weeks , ideal for farmers' markets and gardeners who like to harvest a large crop in a short period. Versatile, it's perfect for thick slices, gourmet burgers, homemade preserves, and colorful toppings. A small plant… but an undisputed king among large-fruited dwarf tomatoes.

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/growth : Determinate, compact dwarf and very productive
Plant height : 90 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Dwarf variety producing very large black fruits, concentrated production over 4 to 6 weeks

Fruit color : Black with chocolate brown highlights, bicolored flesh
Fruit shape : Large beefsteak
Fruit size/weight : Very large (9–16 oz)
Type of fruit : Dwarf beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, rich and aromatic

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce compact, sturdy 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. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (level 3) , and light to medium staking , as even dwarf plants may need support to bear such heavy fruit.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the fruit develops its characteristic dark color, with subtle chocolate hues. To advance the harvest, pick the fruit that has already begun to color , then let it ripen at 22°C or higher off the vine. Store it between 12 and 21°C at 95% relative humidity to maintain its juicy texture.

Usage ideas

• Perfect in thick slices for gourmet burgers and sandwiches
• Magnificent in plates of heirloom tomatoes , thanks to its dark color and two-toned flesh
• Excellent in preserves , sauces and rich toppings
• Ideal for small gardens wanting to produce very large fruit without a lot of space

The 'King Aramis' tomato is a compact marvel: a dwarf plant that produces gigantic fruit, a remarkable sweet-black flavor, and ideal concentrated yield. A modern heirloom variety that proves you can grow greatness… even in small packages.