Characteristics of the Black Russian tomato and cultivation techniques

The Black Russian tomato is a product of English selection. It is recommended to grow this variety indoors. The fruits have excellent flavor and contain a complex of vitamins. In cooking, these sweet tomatoes are used fresh, and they are used to make juices and purees.

Advantages of the variety

Black tomatoes are popular among vegetable growers due to their exotic appearance, subtle aroma, and pleasant flavor. Several black tomato plants planted among other tomatoes add variety and reward with a bountiful harvest.

The old classic variety "Black Russian" was developed by English breeders. It is recommended for greenhouse cultivation. Outdoor cultivation is common in southern regions.

The fruits can be stored for a long time. They can be picked at the technical ripeness stage and ripened at room temperature without losing their flavor.

The Black Russian tomato is a mid-season, high-yielding variety. During the growing season, it develops into a tall, open-growing bush, producing foliage.

Indoors, the plant reaches 1.8 m in height, while in open beds, it reaches 1.2 m. To increase yield, remove side shoots from the stem. The bush requires sturdy support.

Clusters of 3-5 fruits ripen simultaneously. The plant yield reaches 4-5 kg, depending on cultivation technology.

Description of fruits:

• Large fruits, weighing 300-400 g, have a flat, round or heart-shaped form.
• There is slight ribbing near the stalk.
• As the fruit ripens, it changes color.
• When fully ripe, they turn burgundy with a chocolate tint.

When cut horizontally, a tomato reveals numerous seed chambers. The flesh is juicy, fleshy, and sweet. It is rich in vitamins and has a high sugar and amino acid content.

In cooking, the fruits are used to prepare salads, purees, sauces, and fresh juices.

Agrotechnical conditions for cultivation

Seeds for seedlings are sown in mid-March. To ensure uniform germination, they are treated with a growth stimulant according to the manufacturer's instructions before being placed in containers with soil.

It's recommended to mix the soil for seedlings with humus and the soil in which the tomatoes will be planted. It's important to plant legumes and cabbage beforehand.

The seeds are sown in shallow holes, then sprayed with water and covered with plastic wrap. The container is placed in a warm location. After the seedlings emerge, they are watered periodically with warm water.

To strengthen their health, plants require additional lighting. For this purpose, electric lamps are used, extending daylight to 16 hours per day.

When the first two leaves have formed, the plants are pricked out. Transplanting of the formed seedlings begins in May. The plants are transferred to prepared holes filled with humus and wood ash.

Three bushes are planted per square meter. The plant requires moderate watering. The plants are sensitive to fertilizer, so it is recommended to apply nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers before flowering.

After fruit set, the bushes are fed with magnesium sulfate or a superphosphate solution. To ensure a high-quality harvest, the bushes are trained into 2-3 stems. Removing excess flowers helps speed up fruit set.

Plants are prone to diseases typical for nightshade crops. Therefore, for preventative purposes, before planting, the soil is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate is added.

Recommendations and opinions of vegetable growers

Reviews from gardeners growing this black tomato variety indicate excellent taste and high yields. The fruits have a long shelf life and are suitable for long-distance transportation. Among the disadvantages, the necessary shaping of the bush is noted.

Anatoly Orlovsky, 57 years old, Ufa:

"Among my favorite tomato varieties, Black Russian holds a special place. I've been growing it for many years from seeds I collected myself. The tomatoes are delicate in flavor, soft, juicy, and have a wonderful aroma. The plant requires special treatment against fungal diseases and regular hilling."

Serafima Egorova, 62 years old, Nizhny Novgorod:

"I've been growing the Black Russian tomato for many years because of its exotic appearance and sweet flavor. The tall plant produces abundant fruit, so I installed special supports in the greenhouse. When growing this variety, you need to be aware of the risk of late blight. Therefore, I periodically apply a preventative treatment with a mixture of copper sulfate and slaked lime."