Description
25 Seeds per pack
Black Sea Man is determinate.
(Lycopersicon lycopersicum) Black Sea Man Tomato (A.K.A. Russian Black)
Days to Maturity: 75-80 Days
First introduced to the U.S. in the early 2000s, the Black Sea Man Tomato was brought to the attention of American gardeners by the renowned seed company, Seeds of Change. This heirloom variety hails from the Black Sea region of Eastern Europe and is treasured for its unique flavor and robust growth. The variety has since become popular for both its rich taste and striking appearance, making it a favorite among home gardeners and small-scale farmers alike.
The Black Sea Man boasts a deep, dusky red to purplish-brown color, with dark, almost mahogany undertones that give it a dramatic and appealing look. Fruits grow to about 4-6 inches in diameter, with a slightly flattened shape. Each tomato can weigh between 6-8 ounces, making it the perfect size for slicing or using in sauces. The rich, meaty flesh is free from excess water, offering a hearty texture that’s ideal for both fresh and cooked dishes.
Its flavor profile is complex, offering a balance of sweet and smoky with a rich umami finish. Its taste is often compared to other heirloom tomatoes but with a distinctive, slightly earthy depth that stands out in both raw and cooked applications.
Plants typically grow to a manageable height of 4–5 feet, making it a great choice for smaller gardens, while still providing a generous yield of 10-15 fruits per plant. It thrives in full sun and is well-suited to warmer climates, though it adapts well to cooler, short-season areas as well. Black Sea Man is a versatile and resilient plant that is not overly fussy, thriving with regular care and a bit of space for its roots to spread.
In the kitchen, the Black Sea Man Tomato is wonderful for slicing into salads, adding to sandwiches, or transforming into savory sauces and salsas. The firm texture and concentrated flavor make it especially suitable for roasting or grilling. This variety also stores well, retaining its flavor longer than many standard tomatoes, making it a solid candidate for preserving in sauces or canning.
Disease Resistance: Resistant to common tomato blights and pests.
Planting Instructions for Black Sea Man Tomato Seeds
Start Heirloom Tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Plant the Tomato seeds ¼” deep in sterile seed starting mix. Germination occurs in 6-14 days in soil 70-90°F. Once true leaves develop, separate Heirloom / Open Pollinated Tomato plants into 3-4″ pots, placing in full light & cooler temps (60-70°F). Set out hardened off Tomato transplants, in full sun, once soil has warmed, 18-30″ apart, in rows 3-4′ apart. Plant tall, spindly tomato seedlings deeper, the stems will sprout roots and support and strengthen the plant.
To help prevent blossom end rot, put 1 Tbs of lime, ground oyster shells, or crushed eggshells at the bottom of your planting hole. The calcium will help build strong cell walls once your heirloom tomatoes plants start producing fruit. For strong tomato plants, add 1 Tbs of aged compost and 1 Tbs of bone meal to the bottom of the hole as well.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Black Sea Man Tomato?
The Black Sea Man Tomato, also known as Russian Black, was introduced to the U.S. in the early 2000s by the renowned seed company Seeds of Change. It originates from the Black Sea region of Eastern Europe and is highly regarded for its unique flavor and robust growth. This heirloom variety quickly became popular among gardeners due to its rich taste and striking appearance.
How would you describe the flavor profile of Black Sea Man Tomato?
The Black Sea Man Tomato offers a complex flavor profile, balancing sweetness with smokiness, and finishing with a rich umami depth. It is often compared to other heirloom tomatoes but stands out with a slightly earthy flavor, making it ideal for both raw and cooked dishes.
What does Black Sea Man Tomato look like?
This tomato variety features a deep, dusky red to purplish-brown color with dark mahogany undertones. The fruit is about 4-6 inches in diameter and has a slightly flattened shape. Each tomato weighs between 6-8 ounces, making it perfect for slicing or using in sauces, and its appearance is both dramatic and appealing.
What are the growth habits and garden appeal of Black Sea Man Tomato?
Black Sea Man plants grow to a manageable height of 4-5 feet, making them suitable for smaller gardens while still providing a generous yield of 10-15 fruits per plant. The plants thrive in full sun and are resilient, adapting well to both warmer climates and cooler, short-season areas.
What climate conditions are ideal for growing Black Sea Man Tomato?
Black Sea Man Tomato thrives in full sun and is well-suited to warmer climates. However, it also adapts well to cooler, short-season areas, making it versatile for various growing conditions. It performs best with regular care and some space for the roots to spread.
What are the common culinary uses for Black Sea Man Tomato?
This variety is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It’s perfect for slicing into salads, adding to sandwiches, or transforming into savory sauces and salsas. Its firm texture and concentrated flavor also make it ideal for roasting or grilling, and it can be preserved by canning or making sauces.
How should Black Sea Man Tomato be stored and practically used?
The Black Sea Man Tomato stores well, retaining its flavor longer than many standard tomatoes. After harvesting, it can be kept at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, it is ideal for preserving in sauces or canning, maintaining its rich flavor in a variety of culinary applications.
What vitamins or nutrients does Black Sea Man Tomato contain?
Like many tomatoes, Black Sea Man tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate. They also contain antioxidants like lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Does Black Sea Man Tomato have any notable disease resistance?
Yes, Black Sea Man Tomato is resistant to common tomato blights and pests. This makes it a resilient choice for gardeners, as it requires less maintenance and is less likely to succumb to diseases that often affect other tomato varieties.
Linda Traynor (verified owner) –
These are for next year.