Black Krim Tomato - 5 Seeds

The Black Krim tomato is a striking and flavourful heirloom variety celebrated for its rich, deep colour and bold taste. Its large, slightly flattened beefsteak-style fruits ripen to a dramatic blend of deep red, maroon, and purplish-black tones, often with green shoulders—especially when grown in full sun. The flesh is richly marbled, juicy, and tender, with a unique flavour that’s both sweet and smoky, carrying a subtle tang that lingers on the palate. Black Krim is an indeterminate variety, growing on tall, vining plants that require sturdy support to bear the weight of its heavy fruit. As both a visual showstopper and a gourmet favourite, it’s a standout in any garden or kitchen, perfect for slicing fresh into salads, layering on sandwiches, or showcasing in rustic dishes where its complex taste can shine.

Type Heirloom indeterminate tomato

Origin Crimea (Black Sea region of Ukraine/Russia)

Growth Habit Indeterminate (vining) – requires staking or caging

Plant Height 150–200 cm or more with support

Days to Maturity 70–90 days from transplanting

Fruit Size 200–400 grams per fruit

Fruit Appearance

Deep reddish-purple to mahogany colour with green shoulders

Can appear almost black in full sun exposure

Often has ribbed shoulders and a beefsteak shape

Flavour Profile Rich, smoky, tangy-sweet with complex depth — one of the best-tasting heirlooms

Flesh Juicy, marbled dark red, few seeds

Best Uses Slicing, salads, sandwiches, gourmet dishes

Planting Guide

Best season: Spring to early summer (August to November)

Ideal temp: 18–27°C (min night temp >12°C)

Zones: Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN Midlands, Eastern Cape

Frost-sensitive

Sowing Instructions

Start indoors: July to September, 6–8 weeks before last frost

Sow depth: 0.5–1 cm

Germination temp: 20–25°C, 5–14 days

Transplant: When 2–3 true leaves, nights >12°C

Spacing: 50–60 cm between plants

Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0

Growing Tips

Support: Stake or cage – fruits are heavy

Water: Deep, regular watering; don’t waterlog

Mulch: To retain moisture, prevent disease

Feed: Compost + bonemeal at planting, organic fertiliser every 2–3 weeks

Prune: Remove suckers for airflow and fruit focus

Pollination: Self-pollinating, but bees/shaking help

Pests

Leaf miner: Pheromone traps, neem oil

Aphids: Hose off, neem, ladybugs

Whiteflies: Sticky traps, garlic/neem spray

Red spider mite: Mist leaves, neem or miticide

Cutworms: Seedling collars, wood ash

Diseases

Early blight: Remove leaves, copper spray

Blossom end rot: Water evenly, add calcium if needed

Fusarium/Verticillium wilt: Rotate crops, solarize soil

Powdery mildew: Neem or milk spray