Black Krim

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your spoon into the first glossy slice of Black Krim—its smoky, wine-dark flesh carries a rich, sweet-tang balance with a hint of old-world depth.

Beefsteak-sized fruits are wonderfully meaty and juicy, with a slightly irregular, heirloom charm and a tender, satin-like texture that shines in the garden. Grow Black Krim for bold, showy summer harvests that beg to be showcased in fresh salads, vibrant sauces, and savory roasting-style preparations.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	8

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Black Krim’s beefsteak flesh is built for spoons and serious slicing: meaty, satin-textured, and smoky-wine tang stays coherent instead of turning watery. Use it where you want concentration—broil/roast briefly or build a chunky sauce—so the sweet-sour balance reads on the palate.

Best Uses

thick slices with flaky salt for a spoon-ready summer bite
high-heat quick roast (or broiler) to concentrate the sweet-tang without collapsing
thick chunked tomato sauce where the flesh stays intact
salad with minimal dressing so its smoky edge doesn’t get drowned out

Flavor Profile

smoky, wine-dark tang meaty, juicy beefsteak texture sweet front with a lingering savory edge satin-smooth flesh that slices cleanly

Kitchen Pairings

aged balsamic garlic extra-virgin olive oil red onion fresh mozzarella charred bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Black Krim tomato leaves turning yellow with dark spots, and what should I do?

Yellowing with dark, spreading leaf spots is often early blight or Septoria, which flares in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard the affected lower leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the soil line (not on foliage). If it keeps progressing, spray an approved tomato fungicide and repeat according to the label, starting as soon as you see spots (before they reach the canopy).

How often should I water Black Krim tomatoes during the main growing phase (from flowering through fruit set)?

Water deeply about 2–3 times per week during flowering and fruit set, aiming for consistently moist (not soggy) soil. The target is even moisture: let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly, then water until the root zone is soaked. Irregular watering can trigger cracking and blossom-end rot, so avoid quick, daily splashes and instead use slower, thorough watering.

How can I tell when Black Krim tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits are fully colored (deep red to mahogany with a pinkish marbling near the shoulders), and they yield slightly to gentle pressure. For Black Krim, wait until they’re not mostly green—at about 85 days you should see dependable ripening, but pick as soon as they feel ripe because flavor improves as they fully color. Avoid leaving them to over-ripen on the vine during hot, wet spells, which increases cracking and disease risk.