Tomato : Black Russian (Heritage)

Vegetable

• Crops in : 78 Days
• Ideal for : Children

Description

Cordon (Indeterminate). These medium sized black tomatoes grow on compact plants bearing plenty of dark mahogany-brown fruits, with a delicious blend of sugar and acid. Tomato Black Russian has a distinctive, complex flavour that has to be tasted to be believed. (Lycopersicon esculentum).

Heritage tomatoes: Thompson and Morgan over the past 100 years have found several tomatoes from their own trials and through travelling around the world seeing and tasting varieties both old and new. We have put together a range of good old fashioned tomatoes from those forgotten years that we consider have stood the test of time. All are unusual in colour and shape having a wonderful flavour of how tomatoes used to be, making a welcome addition to any kitchen garden.

Sowing Instructions

Germinate at 18-20C (64-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a layer of vermiculite, 3cm (1¼in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination.

For Indoor Crops: Sow seeds from late winter to early spring. Plant finally into growbags or pots in the greenhouse, or conservatory.

For Outdoor Crops: Sow seeds during early spring. Acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days prior to final planting after all risk of frost.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final situation when 20cm (8in) high, 45cm (18in) apart.

Aftercare

Provide adequate support and tie regularly. Remove all side shoots as they appear, leaving one main stem. Feed regularly with a general tomato fertiliser. Provide a sunny, moist, fertile and well drained site. Remove main growing tip in late summer to hasten ripening.

Nutritional Information

Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants and are rich in Vitamins A and C and lycopene, all helping to stimulate your body’s immune system.