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Black Sea Man Tomato Seeds

"Heirloom tomato from the black sea region"

Sun: Full Sun

Days to Maturity: 65 - 80 Days

Fruit Weight: 8 oz. - 16 oz.

Heirloom: Yes

Packet: 15 Seeds

Price: $2.99

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Summary / History

HEIRLOOM - The Black Sea Man tomato is a Russian heirloom that hailed from the Black Sea region of Ukraine and Russia. It was brought over to the United States in 1992 by a Russian woman named Marina Danilenko because private enterprise had been heavily criminalized under Soviet rule, meaning she could not run a private, commercial seed company. As a result, it was popularized in the United States by the Seed Savers Exchange. The Black Sea Man tomato is commonly presumed to be the English translation of the Russian variety "Chernomor" which loosely translates to "Black Sea Sailor" or "Black Sea Man." Many tomato historians and growers believe they are the same exact variety because they share the same exact heritage, appearance, and flavor. Traditionally this flavorful, meaty tomato is sliced thick and eaten over dense, hearty Russian black bread.

Plant Characteristics

The Black Sea Man tomato is a Russian heirloom tomato that is known for its intense, rich, and slightly smoky-sweet taste. The medium to large (8-16 ounces) beefsteak-style tomatoes are 4-5" wide, round to slightly flattened, with deep mahogany-brown or dark red skin with olive-green shoulders. Alongside the deep red to reddish-green marbled interior is a creamy and meaty texture. It contains relatively few seeds and gel, making it perfect for slicing or eating fresh. In its homeland Russia, it is typically enjoyed sliced on Russian black bread. This is a determinate (bush) variety that grows up to 3 to 4 feet tall and features distinctive potato-leaf foliage. Ideal for both gardens and containers but does require robust staking or cages to prevent the vines from breaking. Very productive, heavy-yielding plants yield tomatoes that are ready to harvest in about 75 days.

    • Quick Facts

    • Botanical Name: Solanum Lycopersicum


    • Life Cycle: Annual


    • Light Requirement: Full Sun


    • Planting Season: Warm Season


    • Plant Type: Determinate


    • Features: Heirloom, Container Garden


    • Fruit Size: 8-16 Ounces


    • Days to Maturity: 65-80 Days


    • Plant Spacing: 24-36 Inches


    • Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 Inch


    • Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow


    • Cold Stratification: No


    • Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13


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