Quite often, the names of crops are directly related to the place of selection. The Black Crimea tomato was indeed created on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula. This is an old Soviet variety of folk selection, preserved to this day in a slightly modified form. The tomato owes its official status to a Swedish breeder who included the plant in the international catalog.
The name of the variety on our territory is often translated as Crimean black and, according to experts, differs significantly from the original version. But various variations of the unusual dark-fruited tomato deserve attention because of their taste characteristics and very beautiful, large fruits.In addition, the smart Swede ensured the popularity of the tomato not only in Europe, but also overseas, in the United States. In our country, the variety can be cultivated outdoors only in the southern regions. In the rest of the territory, its place is only in the greenhouse.
Main characteristics
Numerous descriptions of the Black Crimea tomato indicate its good adaptability to hot summer conditions. It is thermophilic and acquires a characteristic, almost black color at high temperatures and good light.
Description of the variety “Black Crimea”
This is what the variety description looks like:
- mid-early variety, with fruit ripening duration of 80-90 days from the moment of first shoots;
- during this period, a plant with an indeterminate type of bush manages to grow to 180-200 cm in height;
- such growth rates require mandatory strengthening of the trunk by tying it to stakes or a trellis;
- the plant is well leafy, quickly grows green mass, requires proper formation of the trunk, timely pinching of the upper growth point;
- Up to 5-6 pieces of fruit are formed on the brush, weighing 300 to 500 g each;
- the total yield is 4-8 kg of tomatoes per bush.
The plant is thermophilic, responsive to heat, light, watering and quality care. For faster fruit ripening, it is recommended to grow it in one stem. But in regions with a long summer period, a variety of 2-3 stems is cultivated, planting up to 3 plants per square meter. meter of area.
Features of tomatoes
The description of the fruit deserves special attention:
- fruits can vary significantly in weight, the first cluster produces the largest tomatoes, the subsequent ones are much smaller;
- the shape of the fruit is rounded and flattened, with well-defined ribbing near the stalk;
- the color of tomatoes, at the stage of technical maturity, is brown with a brown tint, when fully ripened they acquire a red-brown, almost black color;
- the pulp is dense and very juicy, the color range depends on the degree of ripeness and includes shades of red, green and black;
- the taste is excellent, sweet, with bright tomato notes and a pleasant fruity aftertaste;
- tomatoes have a salad purpose, ideal for cutting vegetables, preparing salads, side dishes, juices, sauces;
- the variety is not very suitable for winter salads and the preparation of pickled and salted preparations;
- A negative characteristic of tomatoes is their short shelf life.
The quality of fruits is significantly influenced by growing conditions. The heat-loving variety has time to ripen in a warm climate in the open air, but in mid-latitudes it will have to be carefully cared for even when grown in a greenhouse.
Agricultural technology and care
When growing tall tomatoes with a fairly short growing season, the plants are grown as seedlings. In warm climates, seeds are sown immediately in a permanent place at the end of May. The method depends on weather conditions, but in most Russian regions, Black Crimea tomatoes are grown in greenhouses.
- Seeds are sown in mid-March, taking into account the duration of their germination of up to 4-5 days and the survival rate of plants when picked and transplanted into a greenhouse. The soil is prepared in advance. It should be light, moisture-absorbing, and rich in the necessary set of useful elements.
- They try to maintain a balance between illumination and temperature conditions. Moderate watering is combined, if necessary, with root feeding. Be sure to monitor the air permeability of the soil, loosening it after the next moistening.These measures should ensure the formation of healthy, strong seedlings.
- Plants are transplanted at the age of 60 days to a permanent place, placing them on 1 square meter. m no more than 3 bushes. If you plan to grow a single-stem variety, then the planting density can be increased to 4 plants per square meter. m area. Seedlings must be tied up or attached to a reliable base.
- Care, as with all indeterminate varieties, will require the removal of excess side shoots, pinching out the growing point after the formation of a sufficient number of flower brushes, usually 5-6 pieces. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the heat-loving plant, providing the plant with nutrition and moisture in a timely manner.
Many techniques allow you to grow tomatoes even in conditions that are not most suitable for them. As reviews from experienced gardeners say, tomatoes with excellent taste are worth the effort.
