Are you looking to add a beautiful and delicious tomato variety to your garden? Look no further than the Black vernissage tomato plant. This heirloom cultivar is known for its striking coloring of red, green stripes, and black color and its contrasting sweet, slightly smokey, and peppery flavors. Read on to learn more about caring for these tomato plants!
Table of Contents
Black Vernissage Tomato Overview
The black vernissage tomato can grow in many environments worldwide but is said to originate from Ukraine near Russia. Additionally, they are found to be growing plentifully in Cascade and Virginia.
The black vernissage tomato is also referred to as the black tomato or black cherry tomato due to its coloring. This species belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes other foody plants like potatoes and eggplants, and is part of the Solanum genus. Tomatoes used to be independent in the genus Lycopersicon, but many scientists agree it now belongs in the Solanum genus. The species name for the black vernissage tomato is Lycopersicum.
Other vernissage cousins in the heirloom tomato family include the cherry roma, Cherokee purple, and the gold medal.
Cherry roma: This heirloom variety offers sweet and spicy flavors from their plum-sized fruits.
Cherokee purple: Noted for its sweet flavor, this dark pink variety is perfect for many meals.
Gold medal: Beautiful cold coloring with reddish streaks make this variety a community favorite.
| Botanical Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Origin | Ukraine |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | When the soil appears dry |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining |
| Temperature | 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Propagation | Stem cutting or black vernissage seeds |
| Re-Potting | When the plant is three times the height of the container |
| Pests and Diseases | Common insect pests and fungal disease |
| Toxicity | Toxic roots and leaves to humans and pets |
Black Vernissage Tomato Features
Black vernissage tomatoes can grow to four to eight feet outdoors in the right conditions. This plant produces stems and leaves similar to most tomatoes and has beautiful one-inch yellow flowers that bloom. Once pollination occurs by insects or self-pollination, the striking tomatoes will appear.
The crowning glory of the black vernissage tomatoes is the fruit itself which comes in a mosaic of red, black, and green stripes. The tomatoes have thick walls and smooth, crack-free skin. Tomatoes can vary in size and shape but are usually two to four ounces heavy and have a sweet yet smokey peppery flavor great for rich-tasting sauces and dishes. Black vernissage tomatoes are not grape tomatoes but rather an heirloom cultivar.
Black vernissage tomatoes are delicious, but avoid ingesting the roots and leaves as this can cause ulcers and irritation. A great benefit to having this species of tomato is that deer do not tend to enjoy this plant as a snack, but watch out for rabbits.
Black Vernissage Tomato Care Guide
Caring for black vernissage tomatoes is a breeze following the care guide below. This species of tomato prefers a warm environment with plenty of full sunlight. These black tomatoes enjoy moderate watering and humidity.
Using fertilizer is a great idea to help these plants grow and produce healthy fruit, and planting in the proper well-draining soil is key for success. Read on to learn more!
Ideal Growing Place
The black vernissage tomato is an immensely popular species in outdoor garden spaces. Black tomato plants can grow and thrive in the climate conditions are right. If you do not live in an area suitable for growing this plant outdoors, you can try to grow it inside.
If you grow indoors, the biggest thing to remember is that this plant needs about eight hours of bright direct light daily. Water properly and ensure your soil is rich and well-draining to support your plants.
Vernissage tomatoes are an indeterminate type of tomato, meaning they will continue to produce tomatoes all season long. The best time to plant black vernissage seeds and sow them is during March and April, with tomatoes becoming ready to harvest from July to September.
Water
Watering your vernissage tomatoes regularly is an important aspect of black vernissage tomato care. Overwatering can be dangerous and lead to root rot underground, but underwatering can cause damage to the plant as a whole. The best rule of thumb to follow is water once the upper layer of the soil feels dry.
Sunlight
Full direct sunlight for about eight hours daily is recommended for these tomato plants. Not only does full sunlight help your plant perform photosynthesis, but it helps your tomatoes ripen and obtain their beautiful color.
Temperature
Black vernissage plants prefer warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this species is from 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures get too hot and outside of this range, it can cause scorching of your plant.
Soil
A well-draining and rich organic soil works wonders for the black vernissage. Well-draining soil helps the plant absorb necessary water but allows excess water to filter through so the roots remain healthy.
Humidity
Average humidity is acceptable for the black vernissage, and too much can be harmful. Extra moisture on the plant and the leaves is the perfect breeding ground for fungal disease.
Fertilizer
Adding fertilizer to your plant’s care is important when the plant is first planted into the ground or pot. After this initial dose, you can ease up on fertilizing until the plant begins to produce fruit. After fruit appears, you can give fertilizer about every two weeks until the plant declines its growth and fruit-bearing.
Pinching/Pruning
After your plant has been in the ground or pot for about two to three weeks, you can begin pruning. These initial weeks give the plant plenty of growth, so you will want to remove dead or dying leaves and stems and any suckers found between the main stems below the fruiting clusters.
Potting and Re-potting
When growing tomato seeds and plants, it is best to move up pot sizes once the plant is about two to three times taller than the container it is in.
Growth Zone
Black vernissage tomatoes can grow successfully in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 11 but are also commonly found in Virginia and Cascade. It is originally cultivated in Ukraine and can grow in various environments if the climate conditions are right.
Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems
The great news is that the black vernissage is resistant to most common pests and garden insects. Fungal disease can appear on the leaves and stems if there is too much humidity or moisture lingering on the plant. Be sure to look out for these issues when watering or pruning.
Propagation
Black vernissage propagation can be easily done with the stem cutting method. First, locate an area of the stem with a node and some leaves, then using garden gloves and sterilized shears, slice a cutting about four to six inches long. Plant this in soil with a gentle watering and leave it in a warm place to propagate. You can also sow seeds and use seed trays to grow this plant from scratch.
Black Vernissage Tomato Mature Timeline
If you are planting these tomatoes from seeds, here is the timeline you can expect for maturity.
Week 1-4: place your seeds in a pot or seed tray, water, and place in a warm, bright environment.
Months 2-3: The tomato plants will begin sprouting, and root development is occurring quickly.
Months 4-6: Your plant is reaching maturity and will begin bearing fruit.
Black Cherry Tomato Plant FAQ
How Old Does Black Vernissage Tomato Have to Be Before They Bloom?
It will usually take about four months for the tomatoes to be old enough to produce their yellow flowers that will become fruit.
Does This Plant Produce a Black Tomato?
The black vernissage tomato produces a mixture of black, red, and green tomatoes.
What Are Black Vernissage Tomatoes Used For?
When ripe, these tomatoes are heavily used in sauces, salads, sandwiches, and purees.
Where Can I Purchase The Black Cherry Tomato Plant?
Popular stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart offer tomato plants and seeds, while you can also order online.
You May Also Like: Beefsteak Begonia Plant Care Guide
Is Black Vernissage Tomato a Fast Grower?
In the right conditions, the black vernissage will grow quickly and produce fruit after about four to six months from seed.
What Do Black Vernissage Tomatoes Taste Like?
Black vernissage tomatoes have a sweet, smokey, and peppery taste making them versatile in many recipes.
How Long Do Black Vernissage Tomato Blooms Last?
Tomato flowers usually stay open for seven to ten days, allowing pollination. Once pollination occurs, the fruit will start developing.
Is Black Vernissage Tomato Rare?
While this species of black tomatoes is unique in coloring and taste, it is very accessible to purchase.
Is Black Vernissage Tomato Pet Safe?
The leaves and roots of this plant are toxic to humans and animals.
The Bottom Line
The black vernissage tomato is a unique plant species that produces wonderfully flavorful fruit. Not only are the plant and fruit beautiful, but they are also incredibly useful in the kitchen. After reading through our care guide, you will become an expert on this species and can successfully add this tomato plant to your garden!
Last Updated on September 3, 2022 by Gustaf Johansson
