Black Russian tomatoes

[baggyman]

I've got a Black Cherry in my greenhouse and it seems to wilt a bit in the heat.... Think I'll move it outside and see what happens.

[gojiberry]

I am growing black cherry, first time for a black one. Still only at flower stage, the plants aren't as strong looking as the rest of the toms. Am growing in a tomato house.

Ian

[bramble]

Growing Kumato here this year. grew it last year and it had a lovely flavour,. The foliage looked wilted the whole summer but it continued to fruit just the same. Looking forward to seeing how it does this year.

[Flummery]

My black cherry (only growing one - like a variety!) is in the greenhouse and seems to be doing well there. It's certainly not wilting or struggling. In fact I was surprised how robust the plant and flowers are considereing it's a small tom. Most others toms I have are some in the greenhouse and some outside.

[Madasafish]

Black Krim in greenhouse doing well. Ukraine tomatoes ditto.

Never tried them before so will post when I eat first one...

[Lizzi]

Black Russian Tomatoes...Help!

I need help AND I'm very jealous! This is the 2nd year I have attempted to grow these tomatoes without success.

They flower, they fruit but then the skin splits...what am I doing wrong? I think I need to move back to the UK

You can probably tell I am a newby

[Angelique21]

Bland??

I have been eating these tomatoes since I was a little girl! My Grandad grows them without fail every year and I have never seen them in the local shops. I love them! I agree the larger ones can sometimes be a bit watery and plain if left too long.. but I guess it's all down to how you choose to eat them and your taste, they're generally best when they're not left for too long. I personally like to have them as a mains in a big salad on a nice summers day.. or to just eat them like apples in the hand - to keep refreshed! I will be attempting to grow them myself this year so hopefully they turn out as great as his! I really do love them!

[RedThorn]

Have a look at the no of toms registered with the EU(if memory serves, was over 1500 varieties and this does not include all the non registered Victorian varieties). They are a very personal choice in flavours. I personally liked them too Good luck with the growing and hopefully they're as good as your grandpa's

[Clara29]

I know this is late for a reply but perhaps someone else will find it useful: I am growing these for the first time this year. Some of the flowers were indeed a bit odd: almost like what I think is called something like fasciation when two stems or flowers become fused. The fruit are just ripening and are big and strangely lumpy and bumpy, and are reddy/purply blush in colour. I think they taste scrummy: the skins are thin, the flesh very sweet, they slice thinly and make lovely salads with shallots, or strong cheese and tomato sandwiches! I will definitely be growing them again next year.

[solway cropper]

I'm growing Black Russian this year and I find the taste is excellent....quite sharp with nice acidity. It's all down to weather and growing conditions and they might taste quite different in another year.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I was advised here last year to try them on toast with a strong cheddar, it was delicious. SWMBO now insists I grow them for just that purpose if for no other.

Potty

[vikkib]

I've grown these for the first time too this year, sadly yesterday my plant broke free of it's tethers and snapped the stem in two places!

Hoping the fruit will still ripen!

[peanut]

I love Black Cherry and have always grown it in the greenhouse. I'm also growing Black Russian for the first time this year.

[Bren In Pots]

Just wondering what's the difference between black Cherry and black Russian toms.

[bearded bloke]

Probably the size Bren,I am growing Cremee de Noire (very similar to black russian) & they are about the size of a small fist