Tomato Black Prince - organic seeds

Tomato Black Prince

The Black Prince tomato is an excellent and productive variety originating from Siberia. These medium-sized, round tomatoes have a deep red color and a sweet, non-acidic flavor. They are less prone to cracking and ripen faster than the popular Black Crimea tomato, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. It is a mid-season variety with indeterminate growth, meaning the plant continues to grow as long as conditions permit.

Growing Instructions for Black Prince Tomato: From Sowing to Harvest

Sowing and Transplanting
Sow the Black Prince tomatoes indoors between mid-February and early April. Ensure the seeds are in a warm environment, with a consistent temperature of at least 20°C, ideally 24°C. The seeds should be kept in a well-lit, moist environment. Regular light misting helps keep the seedlings healthy.

Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings have developed 2 to 4 leaves, transplant them into pots. Ensure the seedlings are placed in a warm location (15-20°C). After April 15th, or after the last frost, plant the seedlings outdoors at a distance of 50 x 80 cm in well-draining soil. In colder climates, it's recommended to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse for additional protection.

Maintenance and Health Care for Black Prince Tomatoes

Pruning and Training
For the indeterminate growth of the Black Prince tomato, it’s essential to regularly prune the shoots growing from the leaf axils. This promotes the growth of larger and higher-quality fruits. For determinate or bushy tomato varieties, pruning is not necessary. Instead, mulch and guide their growth.

Root Care and Feeding
Tomatoes require plenty of warmth and organic matter, particularly potassium, to grow well. When planting, bury a portion of the stem to stimulate root development.

Watering and Disease Prevention
Water the tomatoes regularly, but avoid wetting the leaves as tomatoes are sensitive to powdery mildew. Use horse-tail extract, nettle brew, or seaweed powder (lithothamnium) to protect the plants against fungal diseases and enhance plant health.

Harvest and Health Benefits of the Black Prince Tomato

The Black Prince tomato is ready for harvest when the fruits easily fall from the plant. Harvesting time depends on the variety:

• Early varieties: about 2 months after planting
• Mid-season varieties: about 2.5 months after planting
• Late varieties: about 3 months after planting

Health Benefits of Tomatoes
The Black Prince tomato is an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from harmful UV rays. It also contains vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in fiber and low in calories, making them an ideal choice for a healthy diet.