Black Russian tomatoes

[pmc]

I`m growing these for the first time. They are doing really well & I`ve got a couple of trusses, but I`ve also got a big flower - looks a bit like a small chrysanthemum growing from the top. What`s is this?

[momol]

Hi Pmc,

It is normal to have one or two of those big flowers but they will also produce irregular (sometimes veryy interesting) shape fruit which is usually bigger then the other normal flower.

[queen of the cobs]

hmmm, interesting - I'm growing these for the first time as well - I'll look out for that.

[Flummery]

I grew them about 10 years ago. Interesting was the word, but I found them disappointingly bland. I like a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness in a tom.

[momol]

hmmm, interesting - I'm growing these for the first time as well - I'll look out for that.

Hi Queeny,

Which black toms are you growing this year ?

[pmc]

I`ll let it be & see what I get. Thought they might be interesting in a salad but if they`re boring I won`t bother next year.

[momol]

I`ll let it be & see what I get. Thought they might be interesting in a salad but if they`re boring I won`t bother next year.

Which black toms are you growing, Pmc ?
They are pretty famous and said to be tasty, too bad I can't confirm that. My last year black toms were all blighted. I am growing them again his year. Mine are Black Cherry and Japanese Black Trifele. The last one has also produce 2 unique looking fruit (from big flowers), very pretty and cute.

[smallblueplanet]

I have to say pmc that its all down to personal taste, however I've never tasted a 'bland' black tomato and I've tried a few varieties.

[pmc]

Momol, I`m only growing 2 Black Russian - my first time for black ones. Seems like the verdicts out on the taste. Have to wait & see

[momol]

Pmc,

I haven't grow Black Russian ,hope they taste good .

Most black toms don't like overheated, if you grow them in pots, move them some where cool during summer, when it is too hot they just stop fruiting.
Will love to hear your Black Russian taste test !

[pmc]

Oops, didn`t know they like it cooler. I`ve got them in the greenhouse in a grow bag.

[Alison]

I'm growing black russian also, no idea of taste as yet as they are only just starting to flower, however the plants are very healthy looking.

[mcsee]

Black Russian are a nice tomato and usually the first ones sold in the stores here each year. Treat them the same as any other tomato and pick on the firm side of ripe and they'll do fine.

If you want a better black tomato, try 'Black From Tula'.

[Flummery]

Black cherry is tasty - tough skins but I've got good teeth! I'm growing black cherry and Black Krim this year. Obviously some people like Black Russian, but then many people like Gardner's Delight and I find that sweet but bland. You can't really recommend a flavour to someone else unless you know exactly what they like!

[queen of the cobs]

All I know is that a kind grape sent me some seeds marked 'black cherry' and one came up.

Should they not be in the greenhouse then? What about in a back garden?