Tomatoes annually occupy a leading position in the number of busy beds among the majority of Russian gardeners. The valuable qualities and high yield of the plant from the nightshade family have made it in demand in many parts of the world. Breeders regularly cultivate new varieties, creating unusual, stress-resistant and productive hybrids. The Black Pearl tomato has become another new product; the distinctive quality of the variety is its attractive appearance. The plant is often used to decorate the landscape.
Description of tomato Black Pearl
Currently, cocktail varieties or cherry tomatoes are gaining popularity among gardeners. Breeders are trying to satisfy the increased demand and offer new varieties almost every year. Bulgarian or Chocolate pearls, a string of red pearls - your head is spinning from the variety of shapes, shades and varieties. So how does the Black Pearl variety differ from the rest?
First of all, color. The variety is classified as so-called dark or black. The color of the fruit varies from chocolate shades to dark purple.
Interesting fact! The color of ripe tomatoes directly depends on the air temperature. Anthocyanin is responsible for the dark color. The higher the growing temperature, the more anthocyanin the plants produce. And the darker the tomatoes.
The Black Pearl tomato is one of the largest-fruited cherry varieties. Its flat-round fruits weigh on average about 40 grams.
The plant is indeterminate, tall. The bush reaches a height of 1.5 meters. The powerful stem constantly forms new lashes, on which clusters with 6-10 ovaries are formed in each. The foliage of the plant is average. The leaves are small in size and rich green in color.
Most gardeners in reviews of the Black Pearl tomato variety note its excellent taste. The tomatoes are dense and quite meaty, which is not quite typical for cherry tomatoes. The fruit tastes very sweet, with a bright tomato aroma.
The density of the fruit allows tomatoes to be stored for a long time without losing their attractive appearance and beneficial properties. They also tolerate transportation well.
Harvest juicy cherry tomatoes on your own balcony - Yellow Pearl tomato: full description of the variety
The Yellow Pearl tomato is distinguished by beautiful and bright small fruits that strew the neat bush. The plant during its ripening period looks like a decorative one. They are grown in open ground, in a pot on a windowsill, and in a greenhouse.
| Height | Landing location | Ripening time | Fruit color | Fruit size | Origin | Fruit shape |
| short | Greenhouse, Open ground | Early ripening | Yellow | Small | Variety | Round |
Which regions are best to grow in?
In Russia, the variety is successfully grown in open ground in the south, in the middle zone. Planted in pots and balcony boxes, kept in an apartment on the windowsill. Growing in a greenhouse is impractical: free space in height is wasted. Bushes are placed between indeterminate plants.
Plant characteristics: determinate bush, does not exceed 30 cm. The leaves are large and dark. The fruits are collected in compact clusters of 5–7 tomatoes. Early ripening - 85–95 days after seed germination.
Description of fruits: small, bright yellow or amber, round. Weight - up to 20 g. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour. Used for salads, decorating tables and dishes, adding to culinary recipes, and canning whole.
Advantages and disadvantages
- good taste;
- beautiful appearance of bushes and berries;
- high productivity;
- low light resistance;
- ability to withstand cold snaps and temperature changes;
- immunity to disease;
- early ripeness;
- ease of caring for the bush.
Minuses:
Landing
Sowing begins in mid-March. To grow a house in a pot, seeds are planted all year round.
Prepare the soil by mixing turf soil with humus or compost, peat and fertilizers. Sand or sawdust is added for drainage. If the acidity of the mixture exceeds pH 6.5, add wood ash.
Dilute potassium permanganate until slightly pink, soak the seeds for half an hour. The solution is poured onto the soil. The turf is calcined in advance in the oven and allowed to cool. Disinfected seeds are rinsed and soaked in a stimulant solution for 30 minutes.
The grains are carefully placed in grooves 1–2 cm deep, moistened well, and covered with a layer of soil. Cover with glass and place it near the radiator so that the air temperature is +20–25 degrees. Shoots will appear in 7–10 days
After 7–10 days, shoots will appear.
The containers with the sprouts are opened and moved to a sunny place. They need a temperature of +16 for the first three days to strengthen the roots and prevent stretching. At night the indicators increase to +18, and during the day - to +22.
Water the seedlings with a teaspoon; if necessary, add a weak solution of urea or ammophosphate 1-2 times. With the appearance of 1-2 true leaves, they dive.
Pre-hardened bushes are planted on the garden bed at the age of 50–60 days. Plantings can be thickened.
Characteristics of the variety
Tomato Black Pearl is a mid-early variety with a ripening period of 90 to 100 days. Mass fruiting occurs in July-August. Under favorable weather conditions, it can also cover the first ten days of September.
The tomato variety Black Pearl, described in the article, is assessed by vegetable growers as high-yielding. Despite the small size of tomatoes, up to 9 kilograms of vegetables are harvested from one square meter.
To increase productivity, it is worth pinching the tops and side shoots of the plant, preventing it from growing. Removing stepchildren also has a positive effect on the harvest.
Black pearl tomatoes are most often consumed fresh, in the form of salads or snacks. They also look great preserved, especially in various pickled assortments. Cherry Black pearls do not crack during heat treatment.
"Pros and cons"
Not everyone likes cocktail varieties, considering them too whimsical and requiring attention and care. But their fans leave positive reviews about Black Pearl tomatoes from. Among the obvious advantages they note:
- stable high yields;
- early ripening;
- high taste and attractive appearance;
- keeping quality and transportability of tomatoes;
- tomatoes tolerate heat treatment well and look beautiful when preserved;
- high immunity to diseases;
- unpretentiousness to growing conditions.
For the greenhouse
When grown in greenhouses, tomatoes ripen faster and the yield is larger, especially if the greenhouse is heated. Seedlings can be planted in greenhouses several weeks earlier than in open ground. In such conditions, plants are protected from night frosts and weather changes.
It is better to give preference to greenhouse cultivation, since they have all the conditions for obtaining a rich harvest. Next, we offer the best varieties of black tomatoes for greenhouse cultivation with descriptions and photos.
Black Moor
Semi-determinate variety with medium ripening period. Universal, as it is suitable for open and closed ground. 115-125 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can try the ripened vegetables. Bushes in a greenhouse grow up to 150 cm, and in open ground - up to 1 m. Bushes need to be pinched.
Reviews: this variety produces a rich harvest and responds well to applied fertilizers. The fruits can ripen outside the bush and do not lose their taste when cooked.
Black Baron
A variety with chocolate-colored tomatoes, easy to care for. 110-115 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can taste the ripened vegetables. The bushes grow up to 150 cm. From 1 m2 you get up to 7.5 kg of vegetables. Tomatoes are round in shape with slight ribbing. On average they weigh about 250 g. The pulp is sweet, tasty, almost honey-like. Tomatoes are universal in use.
Reviews: the bushes do not require special care, but still produce a rich harvest of delicious tomatoes.
Ashkelon F1
Mid-early, 100-105 days after the first shoots appear from the ground, you can try ripe vegetables. Large-fruited variety with dark-colored tomatoes. The bush is of an indeterminate type, so pinching and plant formation are required. Tomatoes are dark burgundy in color with dense and shiny skin, round in shape.
Ashdod F1
An early hybrid, which produces ripe vegetables 80-90 days after the seeds sprout from the ground. Tomatoes are dark brown in color, round in shape. They gain weight up to 170 g. The pulp is sweet, with fruity notes, dark cherry color. Up to 18 kg of vegetables are harvested from 1 square meter.
Black Crimea
Early ripening, 70-80 days after the seeds sprout from the ground, you can taste the ripened vegetables. A variety with indeterminate bushes that grow up to 1.8 m in height. Designed exclusively for cultivation in a greenhouse. Has high immunity to nightshade diseases.
Initially, tomatoes are green-brown in color, but as they ripen they turn black. The fruits are round in shape with slight ribbing, flattened at the end and base. On average, they gain weight of about 0.5 kg. Universal in use. They have good keeping quality.
Reviews: according to reviews from gardeners, the variety pleases with a rich harvest and interesting taste of the fruit.
De barao black
Medium late, 115-130 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can try the ripened vegetables. An indeterminate variety, the bushes of which grow up to 3 m high. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it exclusively in high greenhouses. Shows good immunity to nightshade diseases and produces a large harvest. With proper agricultural technology, one plant produces 6-7 kg of vegetables per season.
Dark purple, round-shaped tomatoes gain an average weight of 40-70 g. They have good shelf life and are resistant to long-term transportation. Universal in use.
Reviews: gardeners recommend and say that these tomatoes are ideal for winter harvesting.
Bison black
A universal mid-late variety with a determinate bush type. Plants grow 150-180 cm. The bushes are powerful, so pinching and tying to a support are necessary. Dark purple, flat-rounded tomatoes with slight ribbing gain an average weight of about 300 g.
The pulp is juicy, sweet, with fruity notes. They crack, so they are not suitable for winter preparations.
Reviews: gardeners like this variety for its high yield and excellent taste of the fruit. However, many are unhappy that the fruits crack and cannot be preserved in their entirety.
Black pineapple
An unusual variety with an indeterminate bush type. Plants grow up to 1.4 m in height and require pinching and tying to a support. It is recommended to keep bushes in 2-3 stems.
Purple tomatoes gain an average weight of about 0.5 kg. The pulp is juicy and fleshy. There are few seeds inside. Tomatoes are resistant to long-term transportation, but are not suitable for whole canning due to their large size.
Reviews: according to reviews from gardeners, this variety is distinguished by beautiful tomatoes with a sweet taste.
Black truffle
A mid-early variety, 105-115 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can taste the ripened vegetables. A variety with an indeterminate bush type. Loved by many thanks to the exotic and unusual shape and color of the fruit. The variety exhibits good immunity to viral and bacterial infections.
The black truffle was bred for outdoor cultivation in the south of the country. In central Russia, it can be grown exclusively in a greenhouse.
The fruits are universal in use. They have dense and juicy pulp, but are not suitable for making juice. each bush produces 5-6 kg of vegetables.
Reviews: gardeners love all varieties of Black truffle, except red.
Black gourmet
The greenhouse variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2015. A mid-early variety with an indeterminate bush type that grows up to 180 cm in height. Up to 10 tomatoes ripen on a bunch. It is recommended to form plants into 1-2 stems, each of which must be tied to a support or trellis.
Round-shaped tomatoes gain a weight of 80-110 g. They are universal in use. The dark pulp is juicy and tasty. There are many chambers with large seeds inside. Tomatoes ripen on the bushes for a long time.
Reviews: gardeners note the high yield and excellent taste of the fruits of this variety.
Black chocolate
Mid-early, 110-120 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can try ripened vegetables. The greenhouse variety refers to cherry tomatoes. Indeterminate type of bush. Easy to care for and resistant to nightshade diseases. 12 tomatoes are formed on each brush. Ripe fruits are brown with a purple tint.
Reviews: gardeners prefer this variety due to its excellent seed germination, tasty fruits, which have good shelf life.
Kumato
This variety is popular all over the world. Mid-early, 120 days after sprouts appear from the ground, you can try the ripened vegetables. Indeterminate bushes grow to a height of 2 meters or more. They need nurturing and shaping. It is recommended to pinch the top after the stem has stretched to 2 m.
Tomatoes are suitable for cultivation in a greenhouse or under film cover in open ground. From 1 m2 you get approximately 8 kg of vegetables. Chocolate tomatoes with greenish stripes are the same in size, round in shape, gaining an average weight of 80 g. The pulp is tender, dense, sweet with a fruity aftertaste. The fruits are resistant to transportation and have good keeping quality. Dessert purpose, suitable for fresh consumption, as well as preparing sauces and adding to second and first courses.
Indigo Rose
A late variety that grows in a greenhouse up to 150 cm, and in open ground up to 1 m. In central Russia, only cultivation in greenhouse conditions is recommended, otherwise the fruits will not have time to ripen. It is recommended to form plants into 1-2 stems.
Black tomatoes with a blue tint gain weight of 30-70 g. The pulp is sweet pink, there are few seeds inside. The skin is thin and cracks, making the fruits unsuitable for canning.
Reviews: gardeners mention the high immunity of bushes to late blight and the exotic appearance of tomatoes. However, they do not like the weak taste and late ripening of vegetables.
Viagra
An indeterminate tall greenhouse variety, the first fruits of which ripen 110 days after the sprouts appear from the ground. It is recommended to form the bushes into 1 stem; they also require pinching and pinching the tops. Shows high immunity to cladosporiosis and tobacco mosaic.
Brown tomatoes of a flat-round shape with slight ribbing gain a weight of about 110 g. The pulp is sweet, rich with a strong aroma. From 1 m2 you get 10 kg of vegetables.
Cherry black
Early ripening, you can try ripened vegetables 100-110 days after sprouts appear from the ground. An indeterminate greenhouse variety, the bushes grow to a height of more than 2 m. They must be formed into 2 stems, all shoots must be removed and the tops pinched. After the formation of the 5th inflorescence, all lower leaves are removed 2-3 per week. The shoot is pinched after 8-10 clusters have formed. A square meter of planting yields 3.5 kg of vegetables (according to other sources, 6.5-7 kg).
Brown, round tomatoes gain a weight of 18-20 g. There are 2-3 seed chambers inside. The pulp is juicy and sweet. Universal in use.
Marshmallows in chocolate
A mid-season, indeterminate variety, the bushes of which must be shaped and tied to supports. Shows good immunity to tobacco mosaic. A square meter of planting yields up to 6 kg of vegetables.
Tomatoes are red-brown in color with dark green stripes and gain a weight of 120-150 g. The shape is round, with 4-6 seed chambers inside. The fruit is round and used in salads. The pulp has a greenish tint, juicy and tasty.
Planting and caring for Black Pearl tomatoes
Growing Black Pearl tomatoes begins with preparation for sowing seeds for seedlings. They are sown in the first half of March.
- The soil is prepared using garden soil from the area where tomatoes are supposed to be grown. Spill it with a hot saturated solution of potassium manganese. You can use purchased soil.
- Black pearl tomato seeds are sown in containers filled with important soil in increments of 2-3 cm. A distance of at least 3 cm is left between the rows.
- Mulch the plantings with a layer of peat about 1.5 cm high. Moisten generously with water from a spray bottle.
- Containers covered with glass or film are stored in a warm place.
- After the entrances appear, the seedlings are transferred to a well-lit room.
- Picking in individual pots is carried out at the stage of two true leaves.
- Before transplanting to a permanent location, the seedlings are watered and fed 2-3 times with complex fertilizers high in potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
In greenhouses, tomato seedlings of the Black Pearl variety are planted in early to mid-May in pre-prepared holes at the rate of 3-4 plants/sq. meter. It is advisable to add a mixture of humus, peat and wood ash under the roots for heavy soils or a mixture of humus and compost for sandy loam. Before and after planting, water the soil abundantly.
After planting in a permanent place, Black Pearl tomatoes need care, which consists of:
- in weekly abundant watering with warm, settled water;
- in greenhouse ventilation;
- in timely weeding and loosening of the soil of the root circle;
- in fertilizing with organic fertilizers with the addition of superphosphate or potassium sulfate;
- in removing stepchildren.
Features of cultivation
It is recommended to germinate seed material in March. Black pearl seeds do not require additional treatment with disinfectants, similar to what is done in production before packaging.
When planting seed, you must adhere to the following rules:
- A nutrient mixture is used for germination.
- All that remains is to purchase a nutritious soil mixture in a special store or mix it yourself.
- The depth of planting seeds should be no more than 2 cm.
- For successful germination, it is necessary to maintain acceptable watering.
- Young plants should be provided with good lighting.
- If necessary, seedlings are illuminated with ultraviolet lamps.
- The heat in the room should not fall below 20 degrees Celsius.
- Execution of picking.
- The young plant is picked after the appearance of 2 true leaves.
- Transplantation of seedlings to a permanent place of growth is carried out from May to June, using the transshipment method.
- When placing bushes in the garden bed, it is good to stick to the scheme - 40x60 cm.
Diseases and pests
Since the variety is mid-early and has excellent immunity to diseases, the likelihood of being affected by late blight is low. Most likely, you will be able to get by with simple preventive measures, including:
- autumn cleaning of the greenhouse from all plant residues, especially tomato tops, and pre-sowing treatment with sulfur bombs;
- regular ventilation, loosening and mulching of the soil;
- spraying tomatoes with a solution of Fitosporin or copper sulfate.
Of the pests, the greatest damage to tomato plantings is caused by mole crickets. The sources are compost heaps, where they overwinter and lay larvae. To avoid an unpleasant invasion, use 3-4 year old fertilizer, which is screened whenever possible, and keep the area around the greenhouses clean.
Reviews of Black Pearl tomatoes
Anatoly, 41 years old, Izhevsk Black pearl tomatoes are an excellent variety. I tried growing it back in 2015. They went great at the market. Now I supply only this variety of cocktail tomatoes to stores. They are always in demand due to their excellent taste and presentation. I like that they are stored for a long time and reach the desired point without loss.
Evgenia, 37 years old, Odintsovo I have never grown cherry tomatoes. Everyone in the family claimed that they did not love her. Last year I was given a bag of Black Pearl variety seeds as a gift for a promotion. Planted it. And everyone appreciated it. Both fresh and canned. It’s a pleasure to roll up such original tomatoes. Cherries are smooth, strong and dense. No need to be afraid that they will crack.
