Planting Black Krim Tomatoes

Ever bitten into a tomato so intensely flavored, so rich and almost smoky, that it completely redefined what a tomato could be? That's the Black Krim. A dark beauty hailing from the Crimean Peninsula, this heirloom tomato is a must-grow for any serious gardener or food enthusiast. Let's dive into the specifics of growing these beauties so you too can experience tomato nirvana.

Getting Started with Black Krim Tomatoes

Understanding the Black Krim Tomato Variety

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s understand what makes the Black Krim so special. This is an heirloom variety, meaning it's been passed down through generations, prized for its unique qualities. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Appearance: Typically a deep, reddish-purple, almost black color. The shoulders can sometimes be greenish-brown.
2. Taste: Sweet, slightly salty, and with a distinct smoky flavor. This is what sets it apart.
3. Size: Large, beefsteak-type tomatoes, often weighing between 8-12 ounces, but sometimes much larger.
4. Growth Habit: Indeterminate, meaning it will continue to grow and produce tomatoes throughout the growing season until frost. You'll need to provide support!
5. Disease Resistance: Sadly, not particularly disease resistant. We'll need to be vigilant about blight and other common tomato problems.

The Black Krim is an open-pollinated variety, which means you can save the seeds from your tomatoes and they will grow true to type the following year. That's a pretty cool benefit! This makes them great for experienced gardeners who want to preserve heirloom varieties.

Starting Black Krim Tomato Seeds

You have two main options: buying starts from a nursery or starting your own seeds indoors. Starting from seed gives you more control and can be more economical, especially if you plan to grow a lot of tomatoes. Here's the seed-starting process for growing Black Krim tomatoes:

1. When to Start: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Check your local frost dates!
2. Supplies: You'll need seed starting trays, a good seed starting mix (not garden soil!), a heat mat (optional but recommended), and a grow light.
3. Sowing: Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep in the seed starting mix. Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Germination: Place the trays on a heat mat and under a grow light. Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.
5. Care: Once seedlings emerge, keep the grow light on for 14-16 hours per day. Water when the soil surface feels dry. Once the seedlings get their first "true" leaves (the second set of leaves), you can start feeding them with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
6. Potting Up: Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots (e.g., 4-inch pots).

Pro Tip: Harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 1-2 weeks. Start with an hour or two of indirect sunlight and gradually increase the time and sunlight intensity each day. This helps them adapt to the real world and prevents transplant shock.

Planting Black Krim Tomatoes Outdoors

Choosing the Right Location

Black Krim tomatoes are sun-worshippers! They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce those flavorful fruits. Choose a location in your garden that gets plenty of sun. Also, consider the soil. Black Krims prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Preparing the Soil

Soil preparation is key for healthy tomato plants. Here's what to do:

1. Test Your Soil: A soil test will tell you the p H and nutrient levels of your soil. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic p H of around 6.0-6.8.
2. Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test, amend the soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Add Nutrients: Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Consider adding a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Bone meal is also a great addition, as it provides phosphorus, which is essential for root development and fruit production.

Important Note: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot where you grew tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants the previous year. This helps prevent soilborne diseases from building up.

Transplanting Your Seedlings

Once the danger of frost has passed and your seedlings are hardened off, it's time to transplant them into the garden. Here's how:

1. Spacing: Space tomato plants about 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives them enough room to grow and allows for good air circulation.
2. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to bury the bottom third of the tomato plant stem. This encourages the plant to develop more roots along the buried stem.
3. Watering: Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves are ideal.

Caring for Your Black Krim Tomato Plants

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering is crucial for Black Krim tomatoes, especially during fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are excellent options.

Fertilize your tomato plants regularly throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. You can also supplement with compost tea or fish emulsion for an extra boost of nutrients.

Staking and Pruning

Black Krim tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will grow tall and sprawling. They require staking, caging, or trellising to support the heavy fruit and prevent the plants from sprawling on the ground. There are a few options for supporting your Black Krim tomato plant:

1. Stakes: Drive a sturdy stake into the ground near each plant and tie the main stem to the stake with soft twine or fabric strips.
2. Cages: Use tomato cages to provide support for the entire plant.
3. Trellises: Build a trellis to support the plants and encourage vertical growth.

Pruning can also improve air circulation and encourage fruit production. Remove suckers (the shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches) to direct the plant's energy towards fruit development. However, don't over-prune, as the leaves provide shade and protect the fruits from sunscald.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Black Krim tomatoes are unfortunately susceptible to common tomato pests and diseases, such as:

1. Tomato Hornworms: These large green caterpillars can quickly defoliate a tomato plant. Handpick them off the plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
2. Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from tomato plants. Spray them with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
3. Blossom End Rot: This is caused by a calcium deficiency in the soil. Ensure your soil has adequate calcium and water consistently to prevent it.
4. Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot: These fungal diseases can cause leaf spots and yellowing. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent these diseases.

Preventative Measures: The best way to deal with pests and diseases is to prevent them in the first place. Choose disease-resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, water properly, and mulch around the plants.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Black Krim Tomatoes

Black Krim tomatoes are typically ready to harvest 70-80 days after transplanting. The tomatoes will be a deep reddish-purple color and slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist the tomato from the vine, leaving the stem attached.

The taste of a homegrown Black Krim tomato is unlike any other. Slice it up and enjoy it fresh in salads, sandwiches, or bruschetta. They are also excellent for making sauces, soups, and salsas. Their unique smoky flavor adds a depth of complexity to any dish.

Consider growing herbs indoors alongside your Black Krim tomatoes. With the Ahopegarden Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System, you can effortlessly cultivate lettuce, basil, and other fresh herbs right on your countertop. This indoor garden provides the perfect environment for plant germination and growth, thanks to its LED grow light and aeroponic system, offering a convenient way to enjoy fresh produce year-round. You can find this hydroponic planter here: https://amzn.to/3RPpa Sk.

Growing Black Krim tomatoes is a rewarding experience. With a little bit of effort and attention, you can enjoy these delicious and unique tomatoes in your own garden. Happy gardening!