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Dark-fruited indeterminate heirloom tomato
Solanaceae
Organic fruiting vegetable seeds
Organic 'Black Krim' tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Product code : BIOVO-0130
Organic Black Krim is an open-pollinated heirloom tomato with large fruit that ripens to dark red and purplish-brown tones. Juicy flesh and a full flavour make it useful for fresh slices, salads, and tasting plates. The indeterminate plant needs a strong cage or trellis, full sun, and fertile soil that drains freely. Start indoors before the frost-free season, harden transplants gradually, and avoid setting them into cold ground. Keep moisture even as the fruit fills out and inspect loaded clusters after wind. Dark colouring alone does not establish ripeness: consider the expected colour change, sound skin, and gentle give together before picking.
- Quantity
- Approximately 30 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Warm-season annual
Discover the plant
Common nameBlack Krim tomato
FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
Specieslycopersicum
CultivarBlack Krim
TypeDark-fruited indeterminate heirloom tomato
Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes
Organic 'Black Krim' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an heirloom open-pollinated indeterminate variety originating in Crimea. It produces large dark red to purplish-brown fruit that may appear nearly black, with dense juicy flesh. Its rich complex subtly salty flavour is prized for fresh tasting. Each selection contains approximately 30 organic heirloom open-pollinated seeds. Plants reach 1.8–2.1 m, spread about 60 cm, and begin maturing near 80 days after transplanting. Its indeterminate habit needs strong support and open access for repeated harvest. Fruit colour develops progressively and may remain greener at the shoulders than a conventional red tomato.
Sow indoors March through April six to eight weeks before last frost approximately 0.5 cm deep. Maintain 21–27°C and even moisture; germination generally takes 7–14 days. Provide intense light immediately after emergence, pot up once true leaves develop, then harden gradually. After frost and once soil warms transplant in full sun into fertile organic-rich well-drained soil. Install a sturdy cage or stake immediately. Mulch only after soil warms and keep the crown clear. Maintain generous spacing so air moves through the supported canopy after rain or morning dew. Recheck every tie after strong wind.
Water deeply and consistently at soil level without saturating the ground, then mulch once it is warm. Tie stems as they grow and monitor cracking blossom-end rot insects and foliar disease. Harvest when fruit develops its characteristic dark colour and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Colour varies with sunlight and maturity and should not be judged like a uniformly red tomato. Pick before frost and discard mouldy slimy or abnormal-smelling fruit. Clean tools between plants whenever symptoms appear. Harvest sound ripe tomatoes carefully and bring developed fruit indoors before forecast frost. Keep picked fruit away from direct sunlight.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
0.5 cm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Space plants approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart to accommodate indeterminate growth and air circulation.
Germination temperature
21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F)
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
March through April indoors Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
How to start tomato seedlings: 'Black Krim' tomato. Sow Black Krim indoors six to eight weeks before the planned frost-safe transplant date, 0.5 cm deep in clean moist seed-starting mix. Mulch after soil warms, leaving space around the stem and preserving access for tying. At final planting, space 'Black Krim' approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart; crowding extra plants reduces access. Brush or gently move seedlings only as part of normal airflow, not as a substitute for adequate light. For the tomato plant, watch for large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit and confirm maturity from colour, firmness, or size as appropriate. Transplant after local frost danger has passed into full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Place the crop before late-season crowding develops, keeping its mature habit in mind: indeterminate, vigorous, and climbing. Guide stems with soft ties and remove only damaged foliage that restricts airflow. The vine needs full sun; nearby walls or taller crops should not compromise it. Water deeply after transplanting and keep the lower foliage clear of soil splash. Keep loaded clusters supported as frost approaches, and remove split or diseased fruit from the harvest area. Pick this tomato at its intended colour and texture, supporting clusters so stems do not tear. Before frost, harvest sound developed fruit for indoor finishing, discard diseased material, and record transplant and first-pick dates for the next Canadian season.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Minimum temperature
10 °C (50 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Large fruit on 'Black Krim' tomato benefits from an even water supply while it expands, since abrupt drought-to-soaking cycles can split developing tomatoes. 'Black Krim' tomato's large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit is carried on indeterminate vigorous and climbing growth, so extend watering beyond the stem as the supported canopy enlarges. The harvest guide for 'Black Krim' tomato is approximately 80 days after transplanting; maintain moisture while younger clusters continue filling. Water 'Black Krim' tomato slowly at the base, soak its root zone, then wait until the upper soil begins to dry before irrigating again.
Soil type
'Black Krim' tomato needs generous, stable soil volume for its large fruit and sustained root activity. Prepare 'Black Krim' tomato's bed for indeterminate vigorous and climbing growth bearing large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit, not only for the small spring transplant. Allow approximately 80 days after transplanting for 'Black Krim' tomato to develop, providing soil volume that stays aerated after repeated watering. Before setting 'Black Krim' tomato, mix mature compost through the area while preserving a crumbly structure rather than a dense amended pocket. For 'Black Krim' tomato, use the supplied pH range of approximately 6.0 to 6.8 as the soil-testing target.
Fertilization
'Black Krim' benefits from balanced fertility before its first trusses. Base extra feeding on tested need, not a calendar. Once 'Black Krim' tomato flowers, favour steady growth over leafy surges. Keep dry fertilizer outside the immediate stem area. For Black Krim tomato, fruit development competes with foliage under excessive nitrogen. Recheck leaf colour before making another application. Fertilizer cannot correct water-related disorders on 'Black Krim'. Read the root zone before reaching for fertilizer. For 'Black Krim' tomato, its root zone needs consistent moisture while fruit enlarges.
Moisture
Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Black Krim' tomato. Use 'Black Krim' tomato’s stated sowing window as a frost-relative cue, not a universal date: indoor sowing six to eight weeks before last frost; transplant after frost. Sow 0.5 cm deep and allow 7 to 14 days for emergence at 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F), then move seedlings promptly into strong light as soon as they appear. Keep young seedlings close to strong light, rotate trays for balanced growth, and pot them on before roots become crowded. After several days of hardening, set 'Black Krim' plants outdoors only when frost danger has passed and nights have become reliably mild. Install a sturdy support at planting and guide new growth before stems become heavy or tangled. Prepare a sunny, well-drained bed; mix mature compost through the root zone and keep the lower leaves clear of soil splash. Check soil beneath the mulch rather than relying on wilt, then irrigate at the base early enough for foliage to remain dry overnight. For container-grown 'Black Krim' tomato, use the supplied guidance—50 to 75 L and 45 to 60 cm wide—and check drainage before growth hides the surface. As yellow flowers open, preserve airflow around 'Black Krim', check ties and supports, and watch the undersides of leaves for early pest or disease signs. Use the supplied harvest guidance—approximately 80 days after transplanting—as a starting point; judge each fruit by developed colour, full size, and a slight yield under gentle pressure. Harvest 'Black Krim' regularly without pulling the vine, and bring sound, well-developed fruit indoors before the first hard frost.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
50 to 75 L; container 45 to 60 cm wide
Growing 'Black Krim' tomato in containers. For 'Black Krim', choose a container matching this guide: 50 to 75 L; container 45 to 60 cm wide. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Water slowly when the upper mix begins drying, continue until surplus drains, and empty the saucer. 'Black Krim' develops the expected harvest form: large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Install a stake or cage at planting when support is needed, without later piercing the root ball. Keep approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart around the crop, especially where neighbouring foliage could shade or trap moisture. Fill the container with fresh, airy vegetable potting mix amended modestly with mature compost, never dense garden soil. Place the tomato plant in full sun, while preserving drainage and airflow at root and leaf level. Rotate the container when one side receives less light, but do not twist loaded stems against their support. This tomato has a habit described as indeterminate, vigorous, and climbing; use this to guide positioning or selective thinning without forcing a cramped plant. Keep lower foliage away from wet mix, secure branches with soft ties, and leave an open route to inspect flowers and pick ripe fruit. As nights cool, check ties and actual root-zone moisture before deciding whether temporary shelter is worthwhile. Pick ripe fruit regularly to reduce the load on stems. As frost approaches, bring usable fruit indoors and inspect any sheltered container plant before placing it near other plants.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
1.8 to 2.1 m (6 to 7 ft)
Width / spread
Approximately 60 cm (24 in)
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Compound, divided foliage with an aroma when bruised; grown as an annual in your region
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Indeterminate vigorous and climbing
Bloom period
'Black Krim' carries small yellow self-fertile flowers in clusters along its flowering stems. Breezes or bumblebee vibration normally release their pollen. Water at soil level so open blossoms remain dry. For 'Black Krim', after successful set, each retained blossom begins developing the large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit. Keep moisture even, avoid a nitrogen surge, and support the canopy before fruit adds weight. In the 'Black Krim' tomato planting, heat, cold, or drought may cause temporary blossom drop; correct the environment before pruning or feeding heavily. Avoid treating every fallen flower as disease. Observe 'Black Krim' tomato through several flower clusters before judging set.
Fruiting
Pollinated flowers progressively form large dark red to purplish-brown fruit, sometimes nearly black, with dense juicy flesh. First harvest begins near 80 days after transplanting. Colour varies with ripeness and sunlight, so also assess gentle yielding. Maintain even moisture to limit cracking. Exact fruit weight and yield are not guaranteed. Harvest cues should match large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit, with a slight yield under gentle pressure but no soft or damaged areas.
Days to maturity
Approximately 80 days after transplanting
Harvest
Generally harvest around 80 days after transplanting when fruit shows its characteristic dark red to purplish-brown colour and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Colour may remain greener at the shoulders and vary with sunlight. Support the fruit and cut its stem with a clean tool. Pick progressively because the indeterminate plant continues producing. Before frost bring developed fruit indoors. Do not eat leaves or stems and discard mouldy slimy or abnormal-smelling fruit.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Rotate 'Black Krim' tomato away from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes rather than treating companionship as disease control. Basil, parsley, chives, lettuce, or onions can share a diversified bed with 'Black Krim' when each crop keeps its own root room. Tie or cage the tomato before nearby herbs make its base harder to reach. Around 'Black Krim', remove any neighbour that begins competing for light, moisture, airflow, or harvest access. In the 'Black Krim' tomato planting, preserve a clear route to the large round to slightly flattened dark red to purplish-brown fruit, and remove neighbours that begin shading fruit or trapping damp air. Reassess the arrangement around 'Black Krim' as both crops approach mature size. Use companion planting to organize succession and diversity, not as a substitute for sound crop care.
Plants to avoid
Avoid waterlogged soil, overhead watering, crowding, and repeated rotations with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or potatoes.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Ripe fruit
'Black Krim' tomato in the kitchen. Black Krim tomato toast — Toast four thick slices of country bread until well browned. Rinse one or two sound ripe tomatoes, dry them, remove the stems, and cut substantial slices. Stir 150 g soft goat cheese, ricotta, or mashed white beans with 10 mL olive oil, chopped chives, and black pepper. Spread the mixture over the warm toast, then layer on the tomato. Add thinly sliced shallot, torn basil, a small pinch of salt, and a few drops of balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately so the bread stays crisp and the tomato's juicy texture and complex flavour remain distinct. If preparing ahead, keep the toast, spread, and chilled tomato slices in separate covered containers until serving. Wash the board and knife after cutting. Do not use tomato leaves or stems. Reject any fruit that is mouldy, leaking, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling rather than trimming around advanced decay. Refrigerate leftover spread and cut tomato within two hours; assembled toast is best eaten fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Black Krim be sown and transplanted in your region?
Sow Black Krim indoors roughly six to eight weeks before you intend to transplant. Place seed 0.5 cm (¼ in) deep and keep the germination medium at 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F); emergence normally takes 7 to 14 days. Give seedlings bright light, shift them to larger pots as roots develop, and harden them in stages. Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed and night temperatures are reliably mild. Set a tall cage or stake at transplanting because Black Krim is a vigorous indeterminate vine that can reach 1.8 to 2.1 m. Its large dark fruit is listed at approximately 80 days after transplanting. Use that interval for planning, then judge actual ripeness from colour, firmness, and the conditions in your garden.
Is Black Krim tomato determinate or indeterminate?
Black Krim is an indeterminate tomato. Its main stem keeps growing and can reach about 1.8 to 2.1 m, while flowers and fruit develop progressively rather than in a single compact flush. Install a tall cage or firm stake at planting and guide the vine with soft ties. The plant spreads about 60 cm, but generous access around it also makes it easier to inspect the large fruit and maintain airflow. Container culture requires much more than a patio pot: allow 50–75 L in a vessel approximately 45 to 60 cm wide, with a stable base and open drainage. Continue tying new growth as needed and harvest ripe fruit regularly. Do not prune or space this cultivar as though it were a short determinate bush.
When should Black Krim tomatoes be harvested?
Black Krim is ready when its large fruit has developed the cultivar's dark red to purplish-brown colour and yields slightly to gentle pressure while remaining sound. Begin checking around 80 days after transplanting. Do not wait for bright standard-tomato red, and do not use the date as the only cue. Support the fruit in one hand while detaching it from the vigorous indeterminate vine. Harvest cracked specimens promptly for immediate use if they are otherwise clean; discard fruit that is leaking, mouldy, or rotten. Later clusters will continue ripening after the first pick, so inspect the plant regularly. Record the colour and feel of your first properly mature Black Krim to guide later harvests under the same local light and temperature conditions.
Can Black Krim be grown in a container?
Black Krim can grow in a container, but this vigorous indeterminate tomato needs 50–75 L of root space in a pot about 45 to 60 cm wide. Choose a heavy, stable container with several drainage holes. Install a strong cage or stake at planting, before roots fill the pot, because vines can reach 1.8 to 2.1 m and carry large fruit. Place the container in full sun after frost danger has passed. Water deeply and evenly, let excess drain, and check moisture daily during hot or windy weather; abrupt drying is harder on a container crop. Keep the support secure and tie stems loosely as they extend. The dark red to purplish-brown fruit is listed at approximately 80 days after transplanting. Harvest ripe fruit regularly to reduce weight on the supported plant.
Can Black Krim seed be saved?
Yes. Black Krim is an heirloom rather than a hybrid, making home seed saving worthwhile when varietal purity is protected. Tag one vigorous plant that shows the expected indeterminate growth and let a characteristic dark fruit ripen fully on the vine. Scoop out the seeds and their gel, use a standard tomato fermentation and rinsing process, then spread the clean seed to dry thoroughly. Store only crisp, dry seed in a labelled paper packet inside a cool, dry container. Nearby tomatoes can occasionally cross through insect visits, even though tomato flowers usually pollinate themselves. Bag a flower cluster before it opens, or use appropriate isolation, if faithful Black Krim offspring are important. Discard seeds from unhealthy fruit, and trial uncertain seed separately before sharing it.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Black Krim can receive visits from pollen-collecting bees while flowering. Its dark fruit colour is unrelated to the floral resource available to those insects. A sunny, ventilated canopy supports flowering conditions; a separate flower border can then provide additional forage without competing with the tomato's root zone or blocking its supports.
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