Black Vernissage

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Velvety, inky-sweet flavor leads the way with Black Vernissage cherry tomatoes—fruits that ripen to a dramatic mahogany-black with a subtle, smoky depth.

Bite into a firm, juicy pop with a glossy skin and a balanced, garden-fresh sweetness that shines in every bowl. Ideal for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and striking garnishes, these 60-day performers bring gourmet color and rich taste to the patio garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Botanical illustration of Black Vernissage

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	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	9

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Black Vernissage is built for eating cold and fast: the firm, juicy pop and glossy skin make it keep its structure even when you toss it with a light vinaigrette. That smoky-sweet edge loves clean partners like citrus and olive oil—skip heavy cream sauces that would mute the berry-dark flavor.

Best Uses

raw snacking and grazing bowls where the smoky sweetness can stay unmasked
high-contrast salads (cut or halved) that need tomatoes to hold their shape
quick olive-oil “toss and serve” platters for a glossy, lightly dressed burst
striking garnish for roasted or grilled fish where their sweetness plays off char

Flavor Profile

velvety, inky-sweet tomato flavor firm, juicy bite with a glossy snap of skin subtle smoky depth balanced sweetness with a clean garden-fresh finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon zest extra-virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar mozzarella tuna shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Black Vernissage (60-day) during warm, humid spells?

Check leaves weekly for a pale gray-white powder that starts on lower foliage and spreads upward on Black Vernissage. Remove and trash the worst affected leaves early, then water only at the soil line (not on leaves) and increase airflow around plants. If it keeps recurring, spray with a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product, following the label’s reapplication schedule.

How often should I water Black Vernissage during the main growing phase to prevent stress?

From about transplanting/sprout establishment through the next 4–5 weeks, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly before watering again. In full sun, that usually means watering every 2–3 days, but increase to daily during hot, windy weather. Stop frequent light watering once plants set up and instead water deeper to encourage steady growth.

When is Black Vernissage ready to harvest, and what signs should I look for?

Harvest at about 60 days when bulbs/heads reach their stated size for your variety and feel firm with a smooth, well-formed skin. Check by gently lifting one plant—ready roots/bulbs should be fully developed, not soft or hollow. For best quality, harvest on a dry day and avoid pulling if the stems are still loose or the skin hasn’t tightened.