Indeterminate Tomato 'Black Russian' (Solanum lycopersicum) - Highly productive indeterminate heirloom variety setting large (250-400g) fruits with a rich mahogany to almost black color. It’s a very popular variety among many tomato lovers that appreciate not only its unique color, but also its sweet, rich, complex flavor with a slight touch of acid at the end. This variety is ideal diced added to salads, salsas, eaten sliced and used in sandwiches. The plant can reach up to 2m, so perfect for places with more space. Can be grown in spacious containers, pots or directly in the ground. Matures in 75 days after seeds germination.
Companion plants: basils, marigolds, borage, nasturtiums, peppers, sage, lettuce, thyme.
Growing:
Use moist paper towel method to speed up the germination (optional).
Sow: Depth: 3–5 mm (barely cover). Germination: 5–8 days. Transplant: At 10–15 cm (2 true leaves) to final pot. Pot: 20–25 L (30 cm Ø) with drainage holes.
Soil: Mix: 50% potting soil + 30% compost + 20% perlite/coconut coir. pH 6.0–6.8.
Light: 6-8 hrs direct sun. Keep the pot or plant in a bright, sunny location.
Watering: Regular to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Water when soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizing: No fertilizer until first flower buds appear (around week 7–8). Liquid 5-10-10 weekly (quarter-strength). Calcium boost: Crush eggshells into topsoil monthly.
Polination (Critical in High Humidity):
1. Shake plants gently every morning 9–11 am (mimics wind).
2. Use an electric toothbrush or small fan pointed at flowers for 10 seconds.
3. Spray flowers lightly with water in the morning (helps pollen stick).
Common Problems & Solutions in tropical climate:
1. Blossom-end rot → calcium deficiency + uneven watering → keep soil evenly moist + weekly calcium foliar spray.
2. Fungal diseases (early blight, powdery mildew) → improve airflow, prune lower leaves, neem oil spray weekly as preventive.
3. Fruit cracking → sudden heavy rain after dry spell → mulch heavily + shelter during storms.
4. Whiteflies & aphids → yellow sticky traps + neem oil + dish soap spray.
5. Caterpillars (tomato hornworm) → hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
The TSM Guarantee: It's our promise to ensure that all our products are strictly Non-GMO, and free from any possible harmful chemical compounds. All come from trusted and carefully selected small non commercial farmers worldwide providing fresh, safe supply. Specially sourced for Singapore.
