If you’re looking to grow a one-of-a kind, incredibly beautiful, and amazingly delicious tomato in your garden this year – then you need to grow Black Beauty tomatoes!
Known for their deep, dramatic coloring and rich, complex flavor, Black Beauty tomatoes stand out as one of the best looking and tasty tomato varieties you can grow. And is the variety ever gaining fast notoriety due to its striking appearance and impressive flavor!
Despite their bold look, Black Beauty tomatoes are surprisingly easy to grow when given the right conditions. In fact, with proper planting, sunlight, watering, and support, the plants will reward you with a steady harvest of flavorful fruit all throughout the growing season.
Why You Need To Grow Black Beauty Tomatoes
What Makes Black Beauty Tomatoes So Unique
Black Beauty tomatoes are classified as an indeterminate variety. That means they will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit all season long until frost arrives. The growth habit makes them ideal for gardeners looking for a long, steady harvest instead of a single large flush of tomatoes.
So what makes them so amazing to grow? One of the most unique features of the Black Beauty tomato is its coloring. When the fruit is exposed to sunlight, the shoulders turn a deep purple-black – while the entire underside remains red. The more sun the fruit receives, the darker the color becomes.
This not only makes the tomatoes visually stunning but also increases their antioxidant content. But more than anything else, flavor is where Black Beauty tomatoes truly shine. They offer a rich, slightly sweet taste that is far more complex than traditional red tomatoes. The flesh is juicy yet firm, making it perfect for slicing, salads, fresh eating and more.
Plants typically grow tall and vigorous, often reaching six feet or more when properly supported. They produce medium to large-sized fruits, usually weighing between 8 and 12 ounces. With good care, each plant can produce an impressive number of tomatoes over the course of the season.
How To Start Black Beauty Tomatoes From Seed
Starting Black Beauty tomatoes from seed is almost a must. Why? Because they are usually hard to find as transplants at local nurseries and stores.
Seeds should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before your last expected frost date. This gives the plants plenty of time to develop sturdy roots and strong stems before moving outdoors. Affiliate Link: Black Beauty Tomato Seeds
When starting seeds, make sure to use a high-quality seed starting mix to start your seeds. The lighter texture allows for better drainage and helps prevent damping-off disease. Plant seeds about a quarter-inch deep and gently water them in. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Black Beauty tomato seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For these tomatoes, a seed-starting heat mat can significantly improve germination rates and speed. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light immediately to prevent them from becoming leggy. Affiliate Link: BN-LINK Durable Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting.
Once seeds germinate, use led or grow lights to produce strong seedlings. Grow lights positioned a few inches above the plants work best for slow and steady growth. Do not try to grow in a sunny window. It simply will not give the tomato plant enough light to grow strong.
Before planting outdoors, seedlings must be hardened off. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days, starting with short periods of shade and slowly increasing sun exposure and time outside. This step is critical for preventing transplant shock.
Listen To Our Podcast On How To Starts Seeds Indoors Like A Pro!
Planting In The Garden
Black Beauty tomatoes thrive when planted in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun the plants receive, the darker and more vibrant the fruit coloring will be.
As with all tomatoes, quality plays a major role in growing healthy Black Beauty tomatoes. They prefer loose, fertile soil with good drainage. Before planting, add plenty of compost or well-aged manure to the soil. Tomatoes perform best in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
When planting, bury the tomato plants deeper than they were in their containers. Remove the lower leaves and plant the stem several inches into the soil. Tomatoes form roots along buried stems, which helps create stronger, more resilient plants. See our article: How To Plant Tomatoes Right! 6 Simple Secrets To Grow Your Best Crop Of Tomatoes Ever
Space plants about 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth. Crowding plants can lead to increased disease and reduced fruit production. Install stakes, cages, or trellises at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later in the season.
Caring For Black Beauty Tomato Plants
Consistent care is the key to growing productive Black Beauty tomato plants. Watering should be deep and regular. Provide your plants about one to two inches of water per week depending on weather conditions. Inconsistent watering can lead to issues such as blossom end rot or cracked fruit.
Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Wet foliage increases the risk of disease, especially during warm and humid weather. Early morning watering is ideal, as it allows any moisture on leaves to dry quickly.
Mulch is important as well. Be sure to apply four to six inches of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves or grass clippings) around plants. This will help plants conserve moisture and keep out competing weeds.
Fertilizing should be done carefully. Too much nitrogen can result in lush green growth with fewer tomatoes. Use a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium to promote flowering and fruit development. Affiliate Link: Farmer’s Secret Tomato Booster Fertilizer (32oz) – Super Concentrated – 3:8:7
Pruning can improve airflow and redirect energy into fruit production. Remove any suckers that form below the first flower cluster, especially in tighter garden spaces. Because Black Beauty tomatoes grow tall and produce heavy fruit, proper support is essential. Tie stems gently to stakes or trellises as they grow to prevent breakage and keep fruit off the ground.
Harvesting At Peak Flavor
Knowing when to harvest Black Beauty tomatoes is one of the most important parts of growing this unique variety. Unlike traditional red tomatoes, color alone is not always the best indicator of ripeness. The deep purple shoulders will appear early, but the fruit needs time to fully mature.
A ripe Black Beauty tomato will feel slightly soft when gently squeezed and will have a rich aroma. The underside of the fruit will typically turn from green to a deep red or reddish-brown when fully ripe. Taste-testing one tomato is often the best way to learn when they are ready.
Harvest tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production. Leaving overripe fruit on the plant can slow down new flower and fruit development. Use clean garden shears or gently twist the fruit from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Once harvested, Black Beauty tomatoes are best stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can dull their flavor and affect texture. For the best taste, use them within a few days of picking.
One thing is for sure, growing Black Beauty tomatoes in your garden can be special. From their dramatic appearance to their outstanding flavor, they bring beauty, nutrition, and excitement to the vegetable garden!
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