The Black Cat tomato is a new product on the domestic market, but has already gained popularity among gardeners who prefer to grow tomatoes with unusual fruit colors. This species is characterized by high yield, excellent taste and increased resistance to diseases and pests. It can be grown in greenhouses and unprotected soil in many regions of the country.
Tomato Black Cat is slightly susceptible to adverse weather conditions
History of selection
This tomato hybrid was obtained in 2022 thanks to the efforts of agricultural employees involved in the production of high-quality planting material and the development of new resistant varieties. The main goal was to obtain a variety of tomatoes with a dark color, which would be distinguished by a high content of lycopene in the fruit. This component is a strong antioxidant. Therefore, regular consumption of Black Cat tomatoes can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, cancer, cataracts and other diseases.
Important! This hybrid has not yet fully passed all tests, therefore it is not included in the State Register of Russia.
The best varieties of black tomatoes for greenhouses
Also check out these articles
- Romanov breed of sheep
- Description of the breed Toulouse geese
- Description of the apple tree variety Medunitsa
- How to freeze corn for the winter
Black Moor
In greenhouses you can get a rich harvest of tomatoes, so such cultivation is in many ways preferable, especially if the crop is sold.
- "Ashkelon F1" is one of the largest-fruited varieties with dark skin. This is a mid-early hybrid (ripens in 100-105 days), indeterminate. The fruits are round in shape, weighing 220-240 g. The color of the peel is dark burgundy. The skin is dense and glossy. The taste is pleasant and harmonious. It has good commercial qualities and transportability. Productivity is about 20 kg/m. sq.
- "Ashdod F1" refers to early hybrids that ripen in 85-90 days. The fruits are dark brown in color. Weight 130-170 g, almost round in shape. The taste is unique, sweet, slightly fruity. The pulp is dark cherry when cut. Productivity per square is 16-18 kg.
- “Black Moor” is one of the few varieties of black tomatoes that can and even are recommended to be canned. Thanks to their thick skin, they do not fall apart during processing and long-term storage in jars. At the same time, if you choose a good brine, the taste will not only not deteriorate, but will even improve in the jar! The plant grows up to 1.2 m. The fruits are collected in clusters of 18 pieces. The tomatoes are small, 40-50 g each, similar to cream both in appearance and in taste. Chocolate peel. Productivity up to 5.3 kg/sq. m.
- “Black Baron” - ripens in 110-115 days. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters. Tomatoes are chocolate-colored, round, ribbed, weighing 250 g. The taste of the juicy pulp is sweet. Easy to care for. Productivity 6.5-7.5 kg/m. sq.
- “Japanese black truffle” is a variety that ripens in 111-115 days. Grows up to 2 meters in height. The fruits are formed in clusters of 5-6 pieces. Tomatoes 100-150 g. The interesting thing is that if you pick green fruits from the garden, they will be stored well until the end of December! The taste is sour, but it disappears during long-term storage. Productivity up to 4 kg/plant.
Black tomatoes for greenhouses also include the following varieties: “De Barao black” and “Icicle black”.
Description of the tomato variety Black Cat F1
The Black Cat tomato (photo below) is a hybrid, so when planting seeds, the species qualities are not preserved. In view of this, planting material must be purchased annually.
This tomato is one of the indeterminate species, that is, tall. When grown in a greenhouse, the height of the bushes reaches 2.0 m, and in unprotected soil - 1.6-1.8 m. The shoots of the Black Cat are strong, elastic, densely leafy with short internodes. Maximum effectiveness can be achieved when bushes are formed into 1-2 shoots, so it is recommended to remove all upper stepsons in a timely manner. This will redirect the plant’s forces to the formation of a new ovary.
The leaves of the Black Cat are of a standard shape and size, with a rich dark green hue. The peduncle is without articulation. The first fruit cluster grows over 7-9 leaves, and each subsequent one grows after 3.
Important! The pollen of the Black Cat retains its productivity even at high air temperatures.
Black Cat belongs to the category of early ripening species. Therefore, harvesting can be carried out 85-90 days after the appearance of the first shoots, which is much earlier than other tall species.
Each fruit cluster of the Black Cat consists of 4-6 tomatoes
Description of fruits
Hybrid tomatoes are round with slight ribbing and medium in size. The weight of each is about 160 g. The surface of the fruit is smooth and shiny. The color of tomatoes when fully ripe becomes red-brown. The taste of the fruit is sweetish without acid, with a rich tomato aroma.
The pulp is dense, fleshy. When cutting tomatoes, no juice comes out. Inside each there are 2-3 small seed chambers. The skin is thin, durable, and slightly noticeable when eaten. The fruits hold well on the hand and even when fully ripe do not fall off. Black Cat tomatoes can be stored in a cool room for 2 weeks without losing their presentation. In this case, fruit ripening at home is allowed.
Important! The fruits of this hybrid are resistant to burns, so they can easily tolerate direct sunlight even for a long time.
Tomatoes have a uniform color
Description and characteristics of the variety
Tomato Black Cat F1 belongs to early ripening hybrids. Cultivation is possible in greenhouse structures (under film, glass) and in open soil.
The hybrid belongs to the originator Siberian Garden. Refers to tall indents. The height of the bushes reaches 1.8–2 m. The shoots are distinguished by their strength and power.
The first harvest is harvested 98–105 days after germination.
Tomatoes have an even, rounded shape and are approximately the same size. Features of the fruit:
- average weight - 80–100 g;
- coloring: dark chocolate;
- high level of lycopenes;
- strong pulp;
- taste - balanced in sweetness and sourness;
- the skin does not crack;
- ribbing is weak.
Juicy tomatoes are cut into snacks and salads, canned whole, juices and dressings for dishes are prepared.
Characteristics of Black Cat tomatoes
This hybrid has some features that make it stand out from the rest. Therefore, it is necessary to study the main characteristics, which will allow you to get a complete picture of the Black Cat tomato.
Tomato yield and what affects it
This species is characterized by stable productivity, even in hot, dry summer conditions. About 5 kg of fruits are obtained from the plant. Therefore, from 1 sq. m area you can harvest 15 kg of crop.
This indicator directly depends on the timely removal of stepchildren. If this rule is ignored, the plant spends its energy on growing green mass, which negatively affects the yield. Also, for the successful cultivation of the Black Cat, it is necessary to carry out regular feeding, since this hybrid is characterized by rapid growth and early ripening of fruits, and therefore needs regular replenishment of nutrients.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Black Cat tomato is highly resistant to fungal and viral diseases. It is not susceptible to verticillium wilt, tobacco mosaic, and blossom end rot.
But if the growing conditions are inappropriate and there are sharp changes in night and day temperatures, it may suffer from late blight. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out preventive spraying of bushes.
At an early stage, when transplanted into open ground, Black Cat tomatoes may suffer from the Colorado potato beetle. Also, at high humidity and temperature in the greenhouse, whiteflies can infect bushes.
Area of application of fruits
The Black Cat tomato is one of the salad varieties. Therefore, the fruits can be eaten fresh and used in summer salads. This hybrid also tolerates heat treatment well, so it is suitable for preparing winter preparations. Due to their small size, tomatoes can be used for whole-fruit canning, pickling and pickling.
Other uses of fruits:
- juice;
- lecho;
- sauce;
- paste;
- ketchup.
Important! Black Cat tomatoes can be used for drying, as their flesh is quite fleshy and dense.
Advantages and disadvantages
The early ripening hybrid Black Cat differs favorably from other crops in the exotic color of ripe fruits. The vitamin composition of the pulp has undoubted benefits for the human body.
Moderately juicy pulp has delicious gastronomic qualities
pros
- high productivity;
- uniform yield;
- exceptional commercial properties, transportability of fruits;
- original taste;
- stable immunity to diseases and pests;
- endurance in various climatic conditions.
Minuses
- demands on soil composition;
- the need to tie the stems to the supports;
- impossibility of collecting seeds at home.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Black Cat tomato variety
This hybrid has certain pros and cons. Therefore, before you finally make a decision about planting, you need to study them. This information will give you a general idea of the Black Cat tomato.
The hybrid is characterized by rapid growth
Main advantages:
- early fruit ripening;
- increased resistance to many diseases;
- excellent taste of tomatoes;
- good presentation;
- resistance to transportation;
- stable ovary even at elevated temperatures;
- high content of lycopene in fruits.
Flaws:
- seeds cannot be used for subsequent sowing;
- needs regular feeding;
- requires pinching and tying to a support.
Black cherry and small-fruited varieties
Small tomatoes have become very popular in recent decades. And they cost much more than large-fruited or medium-sized ones. And black cherry tomatoes sell well on the market and are purchased by cafes and restaurants. Due to their attractive appearance, you don’t even need to add them to a salad - just cut them in half or serve them whole, garnished with herbs.
Many housewives have adapted to canning small tomatoes. In order not to spoil the workpiece, you need to put less vinegar and salt per liter of water. True, the color of chokeberries is not very attractive after heating, but the taste remains excellent.
Black bunch
A unique tomato, not included in the State Register, hybrid F1. Its fruits are purple, almost the same color as eggplants, with a high content of anthocyanins, round, two-chambered, weighing 40-50 g. The clusters are beautiful, each consisting of 10-12 tomatoes.
The taste is ambiguous; gourmets claim that it contains plum notes with pronounced sourness. Tomatoes ripen well indoors.
The bush is indeterminate, the ripening period is medium, fruiting is long. Productivity per sq. m in open ground - 5-6 kg, for greenhouses - 6-7 kg.
Cherry black
A tomato selected by Gisok-Agro LLC, included in the State Register in 2008. It can be found under the name Black Cherry. Indeterminate, for open and protected ground, mid-season.
Tomatoes are really similar in shape to cherries - round, smooth, shiny, weighing from 16 to 23 g, burgundy-brown, but unevenly colored. The peel is thin, the flesh is tender, and transportability is poor. The taste is rich, sweet. Each bunch contains 15-18 tomatoes. Productivity per sq. m – 7-9 kg.
Black chocolate
Cherry variety created by Agrofirm Poisk LLC. Year of inclusion in the State Register - 2015. Indeterminate, early (which is very rare for the group), intended for open and protected ground. Forms a strong bush with a thick stem, short internodes, small fruits, grouped in clusters of 10-12 pieces.
Tomato Dark Chocolate is part of the “Vkusnoteka” series – a collection of the most delicious varieties from all over the world. In sweet fruits, the sourness is barely noticeable, the aroma is strong and fruity. The weight of the tomatoes is 20-25 g, the color is brown with a purple tint, the shape is round. The pulp is tender and juicy.
Black Moor
Tomato from JSC NPK NK, included in the State Register in 2000. Mid-season, indeterminate, recommended for private farms.
The fruits are regular egg-shaped, smooth, brown-red. The pulp is dense, and the peel is quite durable, weight – 30-50 g. Each brush contains 7 tomatoes or more. Productivity is average - up to 5-6 kg per square meter.
The taste is excellent, with a refreshing sourness. Tomatoes are stored for a long time and transported well. Suitable for fresh consumption and processing.
After forming 7 brushes, it is recommended to pinch the top.
Monisto chocolate
Tomato selection from Gavrish company. In the State Register since 2015. The variety is indeterminate, mid-early, for salad purposes. Designed for indoor soil, but in the southern regions it can be grown in the garden.
Tomatoes - cream weighing 25-30 g, with smooth skin, chocolate color, unripe - with greenish inclusions. Very tasty, sweet, collected in large clusters - up to 30 fruits each. Maturation is friendly. The originator recommends forming the bush into one stem.
Tomatoes with black fruits are no more difficult to grow than red, pink or yellow ones. Their taste is usually sweeter, and the content of nutrients is higher. It’s only after heat treatment that the color of the tomatoes changes to brown, and the juice takes on an unattractive hue. But this does not affect the consumer quality of the blanks.
We recommend reading:
15 best early varieties of tomatoes for open ground
The best low-growing varieties of tomatoes without pinching
Yield tomatoes of Siberian selection with photos and descriptions: top 20
Standard tomatoes: what are they, the best varieties, agricultural technology
Budenovka tomatoes: variety description, photos, reviews
Chocolate tomatoes: photos, reviews, variety features
Great article2 Bad article
Features of planting and caring for tomatoes
It is necessary to grow Black Cat tomatoes using the seedling method. Transplantation of seedlings to a permanent place should be carried out at the age of 45-50 days from the moment of seed germination. Therefore, the optimal period for sowing for further cultivation in a greenhouse is considered to be the first ten days of March, and in unprotected soil - the end of this month.
Planting should be done in wide containers no more than 10 cm high. Soil for seedlings should be prepared using turf, peat, sand and humus in a ratio of 2:1:1:1. Seeds should be buried 0.5 cm into moist soil. Before germination, containers should be kept in a dark place with a temperature of +25 degrees. After the shoots have emerged, they need to be moved to the windowsill and the regime lowered for a week to +18 degrees, which will activate root development. After this, increase the temperature to +20 and keep it at this level until planting in the ground.
Seeds germinate in 5-7 days
At the initial stage of tomato growth, you need to provide twelve hours of daylight. Otherwise, the seedlings will stretch out, which will negatively affect the yield and further development of the bushes.
Black Cat tomatoes should be planted in a permanent place in a greenhouse at the beginning of May, and in unprotected soil at the end of this month or in June. Seedlings should be placed at a distance of 50 cm so that they do not interfere with each other’s development. Immediately install a support nearby so that as the shoots grow they can be tied up.
Important! The planting density of Black Cat tomatoes is 3-4 plants per 1 sq. m.
Tomatoes need to be watered at the roots as needed. In a greenhouse, to avoid excessive evaporation, it is worth mulching the soil at the base of the bushes with humus or peat.
To get a good harvest and on time, Black Cat tomatoes need to be fertilized regularly. The first time to do this is 2 weeks after transplantation. During this period, organic matter or nitrogen-containing mineral mixtures should be used. In the future, fertilizers must be applied at intervals of 14 days. During flowering and fruit set, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers should be used.
Black cat tomatoes should be formed into 3-4 shoots, and the remaining stepsons should be cut off. The bushes need to be cleaned in the first half of the day so that the wounds can dry out before the evening.
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.
Pest and disease control methods
To protect Black Cat tomatoes from late blight, you need to spray the bushes with fungicides once every 10-14 days. For this you can use drugs such as:
- "Home";
- "Ridomil Gold";
- "Quadris".
Also, to protect against the Colorado potato beetle at the initial stage of growth, seedlings need to be treated with Aktara working solution or watered at the root.
The Aktara solution should be prepared immediately before use.
For whiteflies in a greenhouse, you need to use Confidor Extra.
This drug needs to be watered and sprayed on the bushes.
Agricultural technology tomato Dark chocolate
You need to grow Dark Chocolate cherry tomatoes in the country using the seedling method. Sowing begins early; seeds are planted already in mid-March. Before sowing, they must be checked for germination. Otherwise, growing seedlings is no different.
Growing seedlings
To get good strong seedlings, Black Chocolate tomato seeds are planted in disinfected soil, which is then enriched with organic matter and mineral fertilizers.
The distance between the seeds in the container is 2-3 cm. If the Dark Chocolate tomato seeds are good, then shoots will appear in 3-4 days. All this time, the container with the plantings should be kept warm and in good light. To create a greenhouse effect, the container is covered with film.
Attention! To ensure friendly seedlings, the room temperature is maintained at 18-22 °C
Water the seedlings carefully so that they do not get sick with blackleg. The soil in the container should be moist but not wet
The soil in the container should be moist but not wet
Water the seedlings carefully so that they do not get sick with blackleg. The soil in the container should be moist, but not wet. Watering is carried out as needed so that the soil does not dry out.
Use warm water, which is pre-settled
Watering is carried out as needed so that the soil does not dry out. Warm water is used, which is pre-settled.
Tomato seedlings Dark chocolate responds well to fertilizing, which increases the yield and endurance of plants. Experienced gardeners use universal mineral mixtures, which must be diluted strictly according to the instructions.
Landing rules
Tomato seedlings are transferred to the garden bed at the age of 55-60 days. It is at this moment that the plant is ready for further cultivation and formation. As a rule, the optimal time is mid or late May, when the soil warms up well.
Recommended planting pattern: per 1 sq. m no more than 3 bushes. The distance between plants is from 40 to 50 cm. It is not recommended to thicken the plantings; this has a bad effect on the yield and taste of the fruit, leads to diseases, and inhibits plant growth.
Watering and fertilizing
Cherry tomatoes are watered more often than usual, but there is no need to over-water the soil. It is enough to moisten the soil well every 3 days. After watering, be sure to mulch the beds to maintain moisture until next time.
Cherry tomatoes need fertilizing. The Dark Chocolate variety responds well to foliar fertilizers. For this purpose, infusion of ash and superphosphate are used. You should not use fresh organic mixtures or mullein, as this will harm the plants.
The following feeding has a good effect on the growth and formation of ovaries:
- water –10 l;
- whey – 1 l;
- iodine – 15 drops.
Mix all ingredients and spray the bushes well in the evening.
Pinching and tying
Tomatoes of the Dark Chocolate variety are grown on trellises. The central stem is tied up so that the leaves do not lie on the ground, otherwise rotting, late blight, and blossom end rot will begin. Fruit branches should also be tied up; if there are too many tomatoes, they may break.
All stepsons that are located above the flower brush are cut off. In addition, you need to periodically cut out the lower leaves. If this is not done, the bush will grow leaves and shoots, and flowering and fruit formation will be delayed.
Formation
Tomato Dark chocolate needs shaping. Bushes are grown in 1-2 stems. The strongest stepson is left, the rest are removed. This will help increase the yield of the variety.
Protection from diseases and pests
The variety resists major diseases well, but as a preventative measure, the bushes are sprayed with a yeast solution. To do this, to 10 liters of water you need to add 1 packet of dry yeast or 50 g of regular yeast, 2 tbsp. l. Sahara. Mix everything well and let it ferment. Then dilute 1 tbsp. infusion in 10 liters of water and spray the bushes. This feeding helps prevent the appearance of fungal diseases and many pests.
