Bristol Black

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Velvety, wine-dark raspberries of Bristol Black arrive with a beguiling sweetness and a faint, wild-berry perfume that lingers on the palate.

Each berry is firm yet tender, with a deep black-red sheen and a juicy, aromatic snap that makes them irresistible straight from the garden and a standout for preserves and desserts. Grow Bristol Black for a rich harvest window around 75 days—an elegant, near-ink-colored treat that turns every picking basket into a jewel-toned display.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bristol Black’s firm-tender berry texture and faintly vinous perfume make it a rare raspberry for spoon-eating—each berry pops without turning to mush. Use it for preserves and desserts where that black-raspberry aroma can stand up to vanilla and dairy, not get drowned by heavy spices.

Best Uses

eating straight—berries stay intact while still bursting
jam or preserve where the perfume carries and the seeds read as pleasant texture
baking into tartlets or thumbprint cookies to keep their color and chew
macération with sugar to make a glossy berry syrup for pancakes or yogurt

Flavor Profile

wine-dark sweetness wild-berry perfume with a tangy edge firm-but-tender bite juicy, aromatic snap

Kitchen Pairings

vanilla lemon zest dark chocolate whipped cream Greek yogurt ricotta

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Bristol Black tomato plants developing brown, concentric leaf spots and what should I do?

Bristol Black tomatoes commonly suffer from early blight (Alternaria), which shows brown spots with ringed “target” patterns on older leaves. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow, and water at the soil line (not overhead). If it keeps spreading, start a labeled fungicide regimen early, covering both sides of leaves and repeating as directed on the label.

How often should I water Bristol Black tomatoes during the 75-day growing period?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently moist at about 1–2 inches depth, watering roughly every 2–3 days in warm weather (less often if it rains or soil stays cool). Avoid letting the soil fully dry out or staying soggy—Bristol Black fruit can crack and plants can invite disease when moisture swings. Use a slow trickle/soaker hose and water in the morning so foliage can dry quickly.

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

Harvest when the fruits are fully colored to deep purple-brown/black and the shoulders no longer look green. They should feel slightly soft to the touch and detach with a gentle twist when mature. For best flavor, pick at eating ripeness (don’t wait for a hard, under-ripe feel).