Black tomatoes: the best varieties with descriptions for greenhouses and open ground with photos

What makes tomatoes black?

Classic tomatoes owe their bright color to the combination of lycopene and carotene. These substances are natural dyes. The leaves and stems of tomatoes are rich in anthocyanins.

Red fruits contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, but they do not contain such a component, but are present only in black tomatoes and give them a dark tint.

Scientists have been trying for many years to develop varieties in which anthocyanins would be present in the fruits, and they were created by crossing the seeds of cultivated and wild plant species.

What are the benefits of black tomatoes?

Tomatoes of purple or chocolate color are rich in ascorbic acid, which protects the body from colds and strengthens the immune system. Anthocyanins present in black tomatoes function as a natural antioxidant:

Relieves inflammation.
Prevents cell degeneration.
Calms the nerves.
Eliminate swelling.

The benefit of black fruits is that when consumed regularly, they strengthen blood vessels and have a positive effect on the heart muscle. B vitamins promote rejuvenation of the body, lycopene prevents the development of cancer.

Potential Harm

Black fruits, like red tomatoes, are not recommended for people who suffer from nephrolithiasis. Tomatoes have a diuretic effect and can dislodge stones. If you have an individual intolerance to one of the components present in the composition, dark tomatoes cause allergies; they do not cause harm to other people, but only benefit.

Specific taste

Some summer residents who planted black tomatoes indoors say that they did not like the fruits because they have little acid and a sweetish taste. Some consider this a disadvantage, others - an advantage.

Most common varieties

The characteristics of black tomatoes interested gardeners and farmers, and many of them, along with classic tomatoes, began to plant plants with fruits of unusual colors.

One of the very first varieties created, Paul Robeson, is not losing ground, valued for its yield and large size of tomatoes. The weight of individual specimens exceeds 300 g.

The mid-season tomato Black Moor is characterized by rapid growth, and although it requires attachment to a support, caring for the bush is not difficult. One cluster bears 2 dozen miniature fruits.

The Gypsy variety pleases with tomatoes:

round shape;
brown color;
excellent taste.

The weight of one tomato is close to 150 g, the bush barely reaches a meter in height. After reading the description of the Black Prince, many gardeners began to grow this variety. Some of them were disappointed because the tomatoes died from late blight due to the lack of treatment, others were satisfied - they reaped a good harvest of very tasty and sweet fruits. The bushes need to be tied up; they stretch to a height of almost 2.5 meters.

The Black Pear variety is planted with pleasure by summer residents. Tomatoes of a dark burgundy color have dense pulp, are suitable for preservation, and are rich in carotene. Indigo Rose, Black sun tomatoes are distinguished by the fact that the fruits that ripen on the bushes do not have a brown or purple tint, but are colored real black.

Black Prince

The Black Prince tomato has a dark brown surface color. The flesh is a rich burgundy color, like beets. Tomatoes are often used to make borscht. The manufacturer characterizes the color of the ripe fruit as brownish-violet:

the berry weighs 170-210 g;
productivity of the Black Prince variety is 7 kg per seedling;
tomatoes ripen in 114-119 days;
plants grow up to 1.7 m. The branches are pinched and stepsoned.

More on the topic: How to grow the Gigant Novikova tomato?

Gardeners value the Black Prince tomato for its large fruit, good yield, and high immunity. The fruits are used universally. The pulp has a sweet taste.

Brown tomatoes look unusual not only on the bushes, but also in culinary dishes. Choose varieties with variegated light or dark colors.

The same agronomic rules apply to them as are typical for red and pink tomatoes. The characteristics of the crop are first studied in order to select a specific growing method.

Dark varieties for open ground

Breeders annually create hybrids that take root well in the greenhouse. However, the best tomatoes grow in a field or bed illuminated by sunlight, have a richer taste, and absorb a unique aroma.

Black Crimea

In the southern regions, summer residents are happy to plant this productive variety. An indeterminate tomato bush is formed into 2 stems and tied to a support. Up to 4 kg of tomatoes ripen on one plant:

dark crimson color;
with thick skin;
fleshy pulp.

The weight of individual fruits reaches 500 g; they are ideal for making juices and sauces, but are not suitable for storage.

De barao black

The late variety, bred by Brazilian breeders, is grown in different countries. It is valued because it is immune to most diseases, bears fruit in partial shade, and can withstand cold weather. From bushes reaching three meters in height, up to 8 kg of small tomatoes with thin skin, colored purple, are collected.

Bison Black

The tomato, created by breeders from Russia, grows in greenhouses in the middle zone; in the southern regions it gives a good harvest in the garden if attached to a trellis. Tomatoes ripen 110–120 days after planting; when ripe, they acquire a purple color; the weight of individual specimens approaches 500 g. They are not stored for a long time; they are used for preparing juice and tomatoes. The plant is rarely affected by diseases and produces about 5 kg per bush.

Black pineapple

Breeders from Bulgaria and Belgium worked together to develop a variety with interesting fruits. The result was tall, branching bushes with erect shoots that required pinching and staking. Black pineapple is different:

good yield;
excellent keeping quality;
large fruit weight.

The flesh of tomatoes is colored in different colors - yellow and green, pink and purple; the tomatoes are covered with brown skin on top. When cut, an interesting pattern appears. The disadvantages of the variety include difficulty in care, since the bush needs to be able to shape and constantly pluck off stepsons. In bad weather, the taste of the fruit deteriorates; they weigh 400–500 g and are not suitable for preservation.

Black truffle

In the south of Russia, gardeners sow seeds for tomato seedlings as early as February in order to enjoy early tomatoes. Varieties with a ripening period of only 90 days include Black Truffle. On bushes up to one and a half meters high, brown pear-shaped fruits ripen with an average weight of 150–180 g. They are valued for their excellent taste, long-term storage, and are suitable for canning, but they do not boast high yields.

Black Baron

Having once planted this hybrid variety, gardeners grow it constantly, although the spreading bushes need to be tied up and the shoots need to be plucked off. The Black Baron responds to the care with a harvest of fruits that surprise with the richness of their taste and delight with their juicy pulp and thick, glossy skin. Round tomatoes ripen gradually, several at a time. Ripe tomatoes acquire a dark burgundy hue and weigh an average of 200 grams.

Black gourmet

The indeterminate tall variety surprises with long-term fruiting. The first tomatoes are harvested in July, the last ones ripen in September. Black gourmet tomatoes, covered with orange skin, have a classic shape and weigh about 100 g. The dark brown pulp contains a lot of sugar, which gives the tomatoes a specific flavor.

Black chocolate

Miniature plants look original in garden beds and serve as table decorations. Thanks to the work of breeders, a tomato with brown-purple fruits, reminiscent of cherry tomatoes, appeared. Dark chocolate is almost not affected by late blight, and with proper care it does not suffer from root and gray rot. Tomatoes surprise with their fruity taste, but are not suitable for canning or storage.

Kumato

The Tomatoes Kumat hybrid was bred in Western Europe, but its original colors and excellent technical characteristics attracted the attention of Russian gardeners. On bushes up to 2 meters high, dense chocolate-colored tomatoes with a green tint ripen. The fruits are rich:

glucose;
provitamin;
ascorbic acid;
fructose.

Tomatoes do not spoil for a long time, but at low temperatures they lose their unique aroma. Kumato variety tomatoes are used to decorate dishes and to extract juice.

Vranac F1

Many hybrids can be grown both in the garden and in the greenhouse. Tomato Vranac F1 is not affected by mosaic and bacteriosis, and is resistant to Fusarium wilt. On one bush, the height of which does not exceed a meter, 200–250 tomatoes ripen in less than 3 months. One fruit weighs up to 20 g, surprises with its rich red color, the skin is covered with dark stripes. This miracle was created by Russian breeders and is perfect for canning.

Chocolate bunny

Despite the low growth, a large number of fruits ripen on semi-determinate tomato bushes. The plant forms side shoots on which one flower cluster is left, each bearing up to 15 plum-shaped tomatoes. When ripe, they weigh about 50 g and acquire a chocolate color. The variety, bred by Bulgarian breeders, is practically not affected by late blight and is resistant to fusarium. Tomatoes have thick skin, begin to ripen in July, and are harvested before frost.

Indigo Rose

The exotic Indigo Rose was introduced in the USA just a few years ago. The hybrid is grown in regions with different climatic conditions; in the north it bears fruit in a greenhouse. A tomato with a height of 1 to 1.5 m has a lot of advantages, including:

Low temperature resistance.
Immunity to fusarium and gray rot.
High yield.

On a bush with curling leaves, about 8 kg of fruits with thin and glossy black skin ripen. Tomatoes have a rich taste; up to 8 pieces are tied on one branch. The juicy pulp has the same color as the classic varieties.

Black Sun

“Elixir of Youth” or Black sun is very popular in its homeland, but in Russia few people know about it. The variety is adapted to mild maritime climates and was created in Italy. The tomato is interesting due to its unusual combination of black shiny skin with red juicy pulp. After heat treatment, the originality of the shades is no longer so noticeable.

In temperate climates, the heat-loving variety takes root only in closed ground.

Black elephant

Mid-season tomato bushes grow up to one and a half meters high. Under the 8th large leaf, the first inflorescence appears, in the place of which tomatoes are set. When ripe, they acquire a flat-round shape and brown color. The size of the fruit corresponds to the name; the weight of individual specimens exceeds 400 grams. Tomatoes are grown in seedlings. Gardeners highly appreciate the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes.

Black sugar

An indeterminate variety with a medium ripening period is distinguished by compact bushes up to 1.4 meters tall. There are about 6 fruits per cluster. Ripe tomatoes have a great taste with fruity notes. The fleshy tomato weighs up to 400 g and is used for making sauces and juices. The variety is different:

amicable maturation,
good transportability;
resistance to heat and drought.

A whole bucket of dark brown tomatoes is harvested per square meter. Seeds for seedlings are sown in the last month of winter.

Black woman

Many gardeners do not plant tall tomatoes because they need to be tied up and pinched, but these varieties have excellent yields. Negro grows well in greenhouses and in open ground, and pleases with beautiful brown tomatoes. They have a rich fruity taste, weigh from 200 to 400 g, are used for making juice, and do not spoil for a long time during long-term storage.

Chocolate block

The variety is distinguished by powerful bushes growing up to 1.5 m in height. Tomatoes are planted to obtain early fruits. The first purple-brown tomatoes ripen in less than 3 months and are large in size; the branches break without tying them up. The weight of individual copies of the Chocolate Block approaches a kilogram, but on average the weight of the fruit is 300 g.

Farmer black

This variety of tomatoes in Russia is not included in the State Register, but gardeners grow it in open ground and harvest a decent harvest of red-brown tomatoes from medium-sized bushes; during storage, the fruits acquire a darker shade and have a pleasant sweet and sour taste.

Kursk black

The mid-season indeterminate tomato was created not by breeders, but by an amateur. The variety takes root in different climate conditions and is distinguished by its beautiful bush shape. When ripe, round tomatoes acquire a dark brown hue, and the flesh becomes cherry; the fruits weigh up to 400 g.

Black raspberry

Tomatoes are grown in open ground only in the south, but summer residents like the variety because the bushes are easy to care for and there is no need to be afraid that they will get late blight or root rot. Black raspberries are immune to fungal and bacterial infections. Dark brown tomatoes transport well, are stored for a long time without cracking, but are very small.

Negro

The mid-season variety acquires a pronounced color after 110 days from the start of germination. The color of the fruit is dark brown with burgundy shades. The weight of the tomato does not exceed 150 g, the taste of the pulp is sweet and sour, dense. The variety is characterized by a flat-round shape, with ribs appearing at the base. Negritenok is grown to enjoy fresh tomatoes, as well as for preparing tomato juices and pastes. Unripe tomatoes are stored well at home; they can last up to 2 months.

The indeterminate bush is quite tall, reaching a height of 1.5 m, and needs to be tied to a trellis or any other high support. Pinching is carried out up to 1-2 stems, no more. About 6 kg of selected tomatoes ripen at a time per planting meter, so the variety is considered high-yielding. Negritenok is suitable for planting in outdoor areas because it is resistant to frost. However, for regions with cold summers and late spring, greenhouse cultivation is recommended. Negro has a number of advantages:

high productivity;
good taste;
strong immune qualities;
attractive appearance;
long shelf life;
Possibility of outdoor seating.

Gardeners do not identify any shortcomings in Negritenok and recommend the variety for planting.

Chokeberry varieties for greenhouses

Tomatoes with unusual colors are gaining popularity among gardeners every year. In the middle zone, tomatoes have to be grown in a greenhouse, but breeders have tried and developed varieties for indoor soil.

Black Prince

To grow in temperate climates, summer residents buy seeds of a Chinese hybrid, which combines:

ease of care;
excellent productivity;
original fruit color.

Tomatoes have thin skin but firm flesh and come in shades ranging from red to deep purple. About half a bucket of fruit weighing 200–400 g is collected from the Black Prince bush. The tomatoes ripen early, do not lose their taste after processing, but are not stored for a long time.

Black Moor

This semi-determinate variety of tomatoes is planted with pleasure by summer residents; even in a greenhouse its height does not exceed one and a half meters. Clusters containing up to 10 plum-like fruits are formed above the 8th leaf. When ripe, tomatoes acquire a dark red hue and become sweet. The presence of thick skin allows them to be used for preservation.

Black icicle

In a tall, medium-ripening variety, Ukrainian breeders managed to combine the intricate shape of the fruit with an amazing taste. To get a good harvest:

The bushes are tied to a support.
Stepchildren are regularly removed.
3 stems are left on the plant.

The Black Icicle tomato is immune to disease and can withstand temperature changes. Ripe tomatoes look like oblong cream, have a cute sharp nose, brown color, and are covered with shiny skin. The dense fruits weigh 100 g and are stored for a long time.

Black pear

The name of the tall, indeterminate variety fully conveys the shape and color of the tomatoes. The tomato is characterized by extended fruiting and is valued for its high yield. On the bush, and it is formed into 2 stems, several brushes are formed, on which the ovary appears.

When ripe, Black Pear tomatoes acquire a sweet taste and dark burgundy color, weigh about 100 grams, have a thick skin, and do not crack during transportation and heat treatment.

Black bunch

The indeterminate variety, created more than half a century ago by Dutch breeders, is still popular today. A tall tomato bush has thick stems and strong shoots. About a dozen tomatoes are formed on the bunches, which when ripe change from green to purple. The weight of the fruit ranges from 30 to 70 g. They do not spoil for a long time, but have a specific taste.

Chernomor

One of the representatives of tomatoes with an unusual color is a determinate plant with a powerful trunk. Large fruits are formed on the branches, the weight of which when ripe exceeds 300 g. About 6 kg of tomatoes, decorated with longitudinal stripes, are harvested from the Chernomor bush per season. They store well because they have thick, dark skin.

Gypsy

The heat-loving variety, named for the dark blush of the fruits, is grown indoors, and only in the south is it planted in a field or garden bed. The tomato has a high yield, loves hot sunny weather, and does not tolerate cold weather. Under favorable conditions from 1 sq. m collect about 2 buckets of dark burgundy tomatoes.

Japanese truffle black

The indeterminate variety, which appeared several years ago, is not known to many gardeners, but those who planted one of the latest new selections were satisfied with their choice. Japanese truffle has an average yield, but practically does not suffer from diseases and is not affected by pests. The pear-shaped fruits have a very beautiful brown color and glossy skin. They look original in a jar and are valued for their excellent taste.

Black Russian

The Black Russian tomato will grow up to 1.5 m in a greenhouse, is attached to a support, and forms up to 6 clusters on the bush. The variety is immune to diseases and tolerates lack of light. Ripe fruits are chocolate-colored and weigh about 300 g. The fleshy and juicy pulp contains a lot of sugar and organic acids.

Black Emperor

An indeterminate yielding tomato, bred in South America, is distinguished by spreading bushes with strong shoots. The clusters bear up to 6 fruits, which ripen within 3 months after germination. Elongated tomatoes have 4 chambers with seeds. The fruits are burgundy in color, covered with glossy skin, and have juicy pulp with a sweetish, delicious taste.

Black Frankenstein

Some summer residents grow Frankenstein Black tomatoes in a greenhouse. The variety of American selection is valued for its high yield and large fruit size. Fleshy tomatoes have granular, juicy pulp, weigh up to 500 g. They are colored purple, almost black.

Cherry

The Black Cherry tomato is distinguished by tall and powerful bushes dotted with clusters of fruit. The variety is demanding of heat and sun, needs watering and fertilizer, but is rarely affected by cladosporiosis and leaf wilting. With proper agricultural technology, up to 5 kg of black-purple fruits with a diameter of 30 mm are removed from one plant. The aromatic tomatoes weigh only 20 g and look very original.

Other twist ingredient options

To prepare brown pickled tomatoes for the winter, it is not necessary to follow all the instructions described in the recipe. To taste, you can replace the ingredients at your discretion by deleting or adding one spice.

And in order for the combination of products to be harmonious, it is worth looking at the list of ingredients recommended for adding to the marinade. When used correctly in moderation, the preparation will turn out aromatic, savory, sweet or salty, spicy or neutral, depending on the taste preferences of the cook and his family.

Additional ingredients you can use:

cloves;
bell pepper;
dried garlic;
parsley;
Dill seeds;
dry mustard;
carrot;
celery;
salad onion;
ground pepper;
lecho pepper;
mint leaves;
slaw;
beet juice;
horseradish root.

The sweetest

The fruits of tomatoes growing under the rays of the sun in open ground are saturated with sugars, have a pleasant smell and are tastier than those ripening in a greenhouse.

The following varieties delight with sweet tomatoes and productivity:

Black Goddess;
Chocolate;
Viagra.

In regions with a cool climate and short summers, tomatoes have to be planted under cover. Among the greenhouse varieties, the Ashkelon F1 hybrid has the most delicious fruits. They have a round shape, glossy dark burgundy skin. Sweet miniature tomatoes from Japanese truffle.

Bull Heart

Breeders have created several varieties of Bull's Heart tomatoes. The Bull's Heart Peach tomato most closely matches the definition of "brown". It is yellow in color with green stripes. The originator is . The peach variety has been cultivated since 2017:

peach tomato is characterized by early ripening, the bush is tall; require registration. Tomatoes are grown everywhere, regardless of climatic conditions;
average weight 350 g. Gardeners grow tomatoes 600 g;
yield 8.5 kg/bush.

More on the topic: What are the characteristics of the Heavyweight of Siberia tomato?

The chocolate version of Ox's Heart is a dark brown tomato. Its surface is dark crimson with a dark spot near the stalk. The pulp is brown-red. The variety is mid-season. It is recommended to cultivate it under film:

average weight 280 g (500 g);
yield 13.1 kg/plant;
The plant has high immunity.

The variety was created in 2022. It is grown without restrictions in all regions. The humidity in the greenhouse must be maintained at no more than 75%. Ventilation is provided for seedlings. Watering is carried out only at the root.

Igor Nikolaev

auto RU

The variety Bull's Heart Black has darker fruits. The culture is early, indeterminate. It is recommended to cultivate it under film covers. Berry weight is 400-700 g. The productivity indicator is high, 13 kg/plant.

The most productive

The long clusters of the Black Moor variety bear up to 18 tomatoes. When ripe, the weight of each dark cherry fruit reaches 45–50 g; up to 6 kg of them are collected from the bush.

The yield is pleasing:

Negro;
Brown sugar;
Chernomor;
Japanese truffle;
Gypsy.

All these tomatoes are tall, tied to a support, resistant to diseases; one bush ripens from 4 to 8 kg of dark-colored tomatoes.

Black pear

One of the most famous and popular varieties among black tomatoes. Ripening time is average. The fruits are small in size, shaped like small pears. The skin is burgundy-brown. Productivity is good. On average, up to 5 kg of vegetables are harvested from one bush.

The best varieties of tomatoes for greenhouses

Advantages:

exotic appearance;
long fruiting period;
resistance to late blight;
keeping quality;
high content of nutrients;
crack resistance;
versatility of application.

Flaws:

sensitivity to soil composition;
the need for careful care.

Black Pear tomatoes are especially good in salads, but are also suitable for canning.

Early ripening

Summer residents plant vegetable crops with different ripening periods. Early varieties are grown even in difficult climate conditions; they do not have time to develop late blight. Early ripening varieties of tomatoes include:

Black bunch;
Chocolate cream;
Congo F1.

Tomatoes of the short hybrid Nergo Pragna are picked 80 days after planting. They have a beautiful purple color, elongated shape, individual specimens weigh 150 g.

Ashkelon

Brown or chocolate tomatoes of the Ashkelon variety are grown in all regions. The originator is . Ashkelon appeared on the seed market in 2017. It is a hybrid, indeterminate plant with an early ripening period. Ripeness occurs in 90-100 days:

the fruit is smooth, round, glossy. The flesh is brown in color. The surface is red-brown. The stalk has a dark spot;
Ashkelon is distinguished by its large fruits, 240-350 g;
More than 20.5 kg are grown per 1 m2.

The plant is unpretentious. According to gardeners, brown tomatoes are immune to infections. They do not suffer from mosaic, late blight, or powdery mildew. To preserve seedlings from root rot, it is important for them to maintain a comfortable microclimate and avoid drafts.

Resistant to late blight

Black cream tomatoes are grown in regions with cool climates. The variety can withstand low temperatures and is immune to most diseases. The fruits ripen early and are covered with a shiny, dark cherry-colored skin. They do not suffer from late blight Black bunch, Vranac F1, Chocolate bunny, Japanese truffle.

How to Grow Black Tomatoes

Exotic tomatoes, like classic varieties, love fertile, loose soil and good lighting. To speed up the ripening time, seedlings are first grown.

Soil preparation

To make the soil light, porous, and retain moisture, leaf soil is mixed with peat, sand, humus, and perlite or sawdust is added. The soil for tomato seedlings is disinfected by steaming, freezing or watering with boiling water.

Seed preparation

Seed material collected independently is sorted to identify empty and weak grains that will not sprout. The seeds are soaked for 12 hours, after which they are placed in a growth stimulator - aloe juice or ash solution. Before planting, the seeds are wrapped in gauze and placed in the refrigerator for hardening.

Step-by-step instructions for sowing

Expanded clay or small pebbles are poured into the bottom of the boxes for growing seedlings to create a drainage layer. Then lay out the prepared or store-bought nutrient soil. The soil is watered, furrows are made every 4 cm, in which the seeds are planted, and sprinkled with soil. The distance between the seed should not be less than 20 mm. The box is covered with film and taken to a room where it is light and not lower than 22 °C.

When sprouts appear, the temperature is reduced to 18. Seedlings should be regularly sprayed with water and watered once every 2 weeks, fed with an ash solution, and illuminated with phytolamps. When 3 leaves appear, the seedlings are plucked.

Aftercare for tomatoes

Grown tomato bushes are sent to the garden bed or greenhouse when warm weather sets in and frosts are no longer expected. 10 days before planting, they are hardened in the fresh air. Caring for black tomatoes involves:

bush formation;
removal of excess shoots and stepsons;
fastening to a support.

Usually, no more than 3 trunks are left on tall tomatoes. Water them every week and thoroughly loosen the soil. Pepper blossoming black tomatoes are sprayed with an ash solution. For fertilizing, universal fertilizers are used; when fruits appear, superphosphate and potassium salt are added. It is necessary to shape tomatoes, regardless of whether they grow in a garden bed or in a greenhouse.

To prevent diseases, bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or urea. When pests appear, they resort to treatment with biological preparations.