Tomatoes Black Prince. Description of the variety, photos, reviews

Features of the plant

The black tomato variety is well adapted not only to cold but also to warm climates; it can be grown outdoors or in a greenhouse. Black Prince tomatoes are of the indeterminate type. The plant has no growth restrictions. Like all tall varieties, it requires garter.

Inflorescences are formed after 7-9 leaves. Up to 4-5 tomatoes are formed on one brush. The fruits are round in shape, some are slightly elongated at the end. Tomatoes are aromatic and contain a high amount of sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose). The maximum weight of each fruit reaches 250-300 g.

The unusual brown color is obtained by mixing lycopene (a carotenoid pigment that determines the color of fruits) with colored plant glycosides (anthocyanins) and natural organic pigments.

The fruiting phase of the Black Prince is quite long. It is advisable to eat tomatoes fresh; they are not suitable for long-term storage and transportation.

How to properly pick off leaves and shoots on tomatoes and does this affect the level of yield?

Arsene Lupine

Affects. The more stepsons you “skip”, the more green small tomatoes there will be, but the smaller the harvest will be in terms of total weight, and secondly, you won’t get ripe tomatoes on the bush. The stepsons are removed as they form at the stage of 1-3 leaves, if you missed it and the stepson already resembles a tree, nevertheless, it is twisted (very carefully) so as not to tear off the skin from the main trunk of the tomato. It is categorically impossible to trim the stepson (the stump dries out and rots). A stepson is a side shoot formed in the axil of the main shoot and leaf; if the main shoot ends in an inflorescence, then the uppermost stepson is not removed; the continuation of the plant will come from it. Sometimes they leave one or two stepsons and the main shoot in order to get more tomatoes. But this is justified with increased nutrition of tomatoes, if you are sure that everything is added in excess. You cannot leave more than two stepsons. They intercept food and shade the entire plant. Leaves are removed starting from the bottom and the more the better. Without a doubt, all leaves in contact with the ground, or yellow ones, are removed; the tomato should resemble a palm tree, where flower shoots (without leaves) are left on the bare trunk and only at the very top a bunch of leaves, which in turn are also pinched (1/3 torn off). The tomato looks wild - I understand (I went through this myself), but don’t be afraid, the real productivity of the tomato increases by DOUBLE after such an operation. The operation to remove stepsons and foliage should be carried out REGULARLY, if of course you want a high yield.

Igor Pronin

At a distance of 25 cm from the earth's surface. It's not worth further. The fruits will develop exponentially.

VITALI >>

Tomato bushes need to be cut off the tops and tied with something so that the bush does not grow anymore, this will increase the fruits and fruit production

Liliya Fedotova

Stepchildren must be removed - they are broken out when they reach 3-4 cm! The leaves also need to be removed: as soon as the brush is tied, all the leaves under the brush can be cut off, and so on. Otherwise, the leaves will take away all the nutrition and the tomatoes will be small!

OLKA

I don’t agree with Kirill that the stepsons need to be twisted! I cut off the stepsons and leave the stumps 1 cm. Nothing rots and stepsons do not grow in this place again!

Elena Sosedova

The fact that stepchildren need to be removed is not even discussed, the procedure is mandatory. But there is one more trick to speed up the ripening of fruits in the middle zone, and in open ground. When fruits begin to appear on an already formed tomato bush, you need to pick off the leaves above each cluster of fruits, and so on step by step throughout the entire bush. As a result, you will have a main trunk with red clusters of fruit, but without a single leaf. In this case, the tomatoes ripen completely. The main thing is to remove the fruits before August 10, when cold dew falls at night.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

When choosing this variety, you should keep in mind that tomatoes have many more positive aspects than negative ones. If you want to achieve good results, you will have to make some efforts, but the harvest will exceed all expenses and efforts.

On an industrial scale, the disadvantages of the variety look significant, but when grown in private plots, vegetable growers will not pay attention to them, provided that other tomato varieties are cultivated.

How to properly pick tomatoes?

Before you plant tomatoes, first of all you need to decide for yourself how you will form the bush. Indeterminate varieties, with unlimited growth, up to 2 meters or more in height, are usually grown in one stem, determinate, semi-determinant (low) - in 2-3. You can decide on the variety by reading the information on the packet of seeds. On a bush with one stem, the fruits will ripen faster, since less energy will be spent on the development of green mass in the plant. They, of course, must either be tied to a trellis or on a support.

Basic fruit qualities, yield

Black Prince tomatoes are mid-early ripening varieties. The first harvest is obtained 115-125 days after emergence. Subject to agrotechnical conditions, the fertility of one bush is 3-3.4 kg, and when growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, you can harvest 5 kg or more.

Fruits of tomatoes of the Black Prince variety. Photo.

Characteristics of the plant and its fruits:

A ripe tomato below is dark red in color, then transitions to a burgundy-brown hue. Dark brown greenery is visible at the stalk. The inside of the tomato is deep red or burgundy. Has numerous seeds. The fruits are rich in beta-carotene and have no allergenic properties.

The nuances of growing in open ground and in a greenhouse

When growing tomatoes, remember that every year you need to either change the location of the greenhouse (if it is portable), or disinfect the soil using potassium permanganate or boiling water and change the top layer of soil (if the greenhouse is stationary).

In a greenhouse, pinch the bush after 7 clusters, in an open garden bed - after 5, so that the fruits have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.

When growing indoors, pay special attention to ventilation and frequency of watering. Don’t be lazy and check how dry the soil is before each watering.

Features of care

Caring for young plants involves timely weeding, watering, and forming the right bush. 2-2.5 months after planting the seedlings, subject to agrotechnical standards, the first harvest can be harvested.

Watering

Tomato roots do not like waterlogging. But drying out doesn’t do them any good either. Water balance should be maintained. Before each watering, first inspect the soil. Cracked substrate needs watering, and if the soil is still wet, then irrigation should be postponed.

Pour water under the root, avoiding water getting on the leaves, this can lead to the development of infections. Watering is carried out in the early morning or late evening. Irrigating bushes in sunny weather during the day can cause burns to various parts of the plant.

In rainy weather, watering is stopped completely, regardless of the stage of the growing season. Excessive moisture leads to the development of late blight. During this period, it is advisable to feed the tomatoes with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

Top dressing

14 days after planting the seedlings, a complete complex product, such as Kemira-Universal, Mortar or Red Giant, is applied. The preparations do not contain chlorine and can be used at any stage of the growing season. Mineral fertilizers are supplemented with organic matter. Infusions of mullein, bird droppings, green manure or food waste are suitable as a nutrient mixture.

The next feeding is carried out at the stage of flowering and ovary formation. Then the procedure for adding nutrients is carried out every 2 weeks, alternating mineral supplements and organic ones.

Stepsoning

Black Prince tomatoes, like other tall varieties, are prone to excessive growth of stepchildren. Their excessive growth leads to thickening of the bush, which negatively affects the formation of ovaries.

Systematic removal of excess shoots will create conditions for rapid fruit formation. When removing stepchildren, it is recommended not to break them down to the ground, but to leave a small stump, and then the side branches will not grow.

Soil care

In young plants, adding additional soil under the root promotes the growth of adventitious and lateral roots. This is done using hilling. In the initial growth stage after watering, when the soil dries out a little, loosening is carried out.

In subsequent stages of the growing season, when the bush grows, loosening is not advisable. Tomato roots develop in the surface layers of the soil and therefore can be easily injured. During the dry period, the root system is mulched. Straw, sand, and mown grass are suitable as mulch.

Tying up bushes

In open ground, pinching the stem is done at the stage of formation of 5-6 clusters. For a full harvest, the bush is formed into 1-2 stems. When forming a bush with 1 stem, the plant is tied up when it grows to 30 cm. All overgrown stepsons below are removed. The stem, left to grow, is tied every 20 cm of growth.

When forming a bush with 2 stems, the second one is formed from a stepson that will grow under the first flower cluster. It is also tied as a separate bush.

Rules for growing tomatoes Black Prince

There are two ways to grow Black Prince tomato bushes:

• sowing seeds in open ground (suitable only for regions with warm climates);
• using seedlings (used everywhere).

Planting seedlings

To sow seeds, it is important to prepare planting boxes and soil in advance. Containers must be at least 10-12 cm deep.

For sowing seeds, you can use improvised containers or special containers.

They must be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to avoid the risk of seedlings becoming infected with fungal infections. The substrate can be purchased at the store or prepared yourself. To do this take:

• 1 part of turf land;
• 1 part sawdust;
• 7 parts peat.

A self-prepared substrate needs to be calcined in the oven, but a purchased one can be used immediately.

Before sowing seeds, they should also be prepared:

• sort through and leave only intact and large specimens;
• Throw the selected seeds into a container of water - those with an embryo will sink to the bottom;
• for disinfection for 15 minutes. dip them in a 2% solution of potassium permanganate.

Seeds are sown in early to mid-March. To do this, grooves 2 cm deep are made in the substrate, and the seeds are laid out at a distance of 3 cm from each other. There should be at least 5 cm between the rows. After which they are carefully sprinkled with soil, watered, covered with glass and left to germinate in a warm, dark place.

Every day the soil is moistened with a spray bottle.

On the 10th day, the first shoots will appear, after which the containers are moved to a well-lit place and several times a day for 20-30 minutes. remove the glass so that the sprouts are hardened.

Caring for young seedlings comes down to timely watering and maintaining a constant room temperature of no more than 25 °C. You need to water once a day with water at room temperature and only at the root.

As soon as a couple of true leaves appear, you need to carry out the first fertilizing with complex fertilizer for nightshade crops. When there are already 3-4 leaves, the seedlings are planted in separate pots, and after the appearance of 6-7 pieces. fertilize a second time.

Transfer

Transplantation of seedlings into open ground in warm regions is carried out in mid-May. Where the climate is cold, this date is postponed to the end of May or the beginning of June. Seedlings can be planted in the greenhouse in late April - early May.

Seedlings of the Black Prince variety must be replanted, adhering to a certain scheme shown in the photo below. Otherwise, the bushes will be crowded, since the tomato is tall.

There must be at least 1 m between rows, and 60 cm between bushes, this rule is mandatory

The depth of the planting hole should be sufficient to accommodate the root system of the seedling, the width should be 50 cm. Fertilizers are added to the bottom: 100 g of wood ash and 50 g of ammonium nitrate.

Aftercare

The Black Prince tomato variety is quite moisture-loving, so it is important to provide sufficient watering, however, take into account precipitation. Too waterlogged soil will cause the plants to become sick and the fruits to crack. It is recommended to water the bushes in the morning or evening so that the sun does not burn the foliage.

It should be fed once every two weeks, using organic fertilizers (humus, manure) and mineral fertilizers (“Gutamat +7”, “Fertika universal-2”).

To control weeds, as well as prevent fungal diseases, the bushes are mulched to a height of 7 cm with hay, straw or compost.

Plantings need staking at every stage of growth. At the same time, both the trunk and the fruit clusters are tied up, since they can break under the weight of the tomatoes. To do this, use twine and a bar or twine and stakes.

It is also important to form the bush correctly. Usually it is led into one stem, less often - into two, all other lashes are removed. The stepsons are cut out using garden shears, leaving a stump of 2-3 mm, the lower leaves are torn off. And in mid-August, the main vine is pinched to stop the bush from growing upward.

Disease exposure, handling

The level of resistance of Black Prince tomatoes to fungal and viral diseases is noted as above average. Tomatoes are rarely infected with late blight.

Diseases found on tomatoes of this variety:

• Apex rot. It spreads in wet weather and mainly on large fruits. The disease is identified by yellow, watery spots that later turn black. Subsequently, black spots are visible, the tomato becomes small, and then rots. The reason is high humidity and late harvest.
• Blackleg. Spreads through pathogens transferred from soil and plant residues. When the disease occurs, the root collar becomes darker, and over time the plant rots. The drug Trichodermin and moderate watering will help.
• Black rot. Develops with increased air humidity and heavy rain. Tomatoes are affected by Pycnidia fungi. The fruits initially show depressed spots, which later become covered with black dots. The tomato softens and rots.
• Bacterial cancer. It develops thanks to bacteria transferred from seeds, weeds, and garden tools. The disease can be seen when brown cankers develop on the stems and spots are visible on the fruit, which then crack. Prevention of the disease consists of treating seeds with Fitosporin. Signs of cancer that appear on adult bushes cannot be treated. The plant is dug up and burned.

Pest and disease control

The Black Prince tomato variety, despite its good immunity, still requires preventive treatment with special preparations to reduce the risk.

Tomato bush affected by late blight

The following methods are used to combat the disease:

• spraying with store-bought drugs - Revus, Ridomil Gold;

• Irrigation with homemade products: pour 1 tbsp into 200 g of chopped garlic. warm water and leave for 24 hours. Strain the garlic mixture, dilute it, and spray the bushes.

In addition, juicy Black Prince tomatoes are often attacked by slugs. To get rid of this scourge, it is enough to periodically treat with a soap solution prepared in a ratio of 1:5.

Harvest time and rules

Tomatoes of this variety are not stored for a long time. It is advisable to use them fresh or immediately process them. They are suitable for preservation, but in this case they lose their attractive appearance, soften and crack. Not suitable for transportation due to thin skin. It is not recommended to overexpose tomatoes on the bushes; this affects their quality.

This variety has its own characteristics: seeds germinate much less frequently and take longer than other varieties. It should also be taken into account that before planting in open ground, bushes with an already formed crown in seedling containers must be kept outside for at least 2 weeks.

The best soil for this variety is a mixture of soil and a small content of humus, sand and wood ash.

It is better to add ash in the autumn so that it is neutralized by the time the tomatoes are planted and does not burn the roots. During the growing season, you can add ash solution, but it is better to do this in the form of an extract from ash.

Despite all the difficulties in growing Black Prince tomatoes, this variety has excellent taste and is able to decorate and diversify the menu of any table.

Reviews from gardeners

Tatyana, 66 years old, Tver region.

I have been growing “Black Prince” on my site for a very long time and am extremely pleased with the result. The fruits are always large and fleshy. I most often roll them up for the winter in the form of adjika or lecho. I make several jars of just canned whole tomatoes. Very tasty and everyone at home loves it!

Ekaterina, 52 years old, Kursk

I have two little grandchildren who are beginning gardeners. We grow “Black Prince” tomatoes together, so they are very easy to care for and do not require special skills or equipment. The children themselves harvest the crops and sometimes eat tomatoes straight from the bushes, because we do not use any chemicals in caring for them. Kids love the sweet dessert taste of tomato and its unusual black color.

Peter, 58 years old, Orel

Every summer I sow “Black Prince” tomatoes in my garden plot; they do not require special attention, and caring for them does not take much time. This variety pleases with a good harvest; you can get a bucket from each bush. There is more than enough for our large family.

Positive and negative qualities

If you evaluate all the characteristics of the Black Prince variety, you can highlight both advantages and disadvantages.

The yield of the variety is average, so it cannot be classified into any group of characteristics. Sensitivity to cold is also not a categorical disadvantage, since the crop can be grown in greenhouse conditions.

Types of fertilizers and their composition

There are two types of fertilizers - foliar and root.

1. The first ones are applied to the leaves. This should be done in the evening, when sunlight will not burn the plants.
2. The second method is applied to the roots. After watering, fertilizer is applied under the roots to nourish the plant.

Nowadays you can find many ready-made fertilizer formulations. They balance all the substances necessary for successful growth in the right quantities. Ready-made mixtures always come with instructions that indicate the scheme for fertilizing tomato bushes.