Black from Tula tomato is a very tasty heirloom tomato. This variety of abundant foliage offers fruits of 7 to 14 ounces (200 to 400 g), slightly flattened and more or less ribbed, dark red with green spots on the top. Continue reading to learn how to grow black from Tula tomatoes.
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Black from Tula Tomato History
Dr. Carolyn Male states in her book “100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden,” specifically on pages 62 and 63, that ‘Black from Tula Tomato’ has its roots in Ukraine. Tula is a Russian city, but this tomato is originally from Ukraine, although it is not yet known why it is named after a Russian city. This tomato variety was first imported in 1996 by a private seed seller from Russia. I think this is enough of a history of the black from Tula tomato. Continue reading to find out how to grow black from Tula tomatoes.
How to Grow Black from Tula Tomatoes
The first thing you need to grow black from Tula tomatoes is quality seeds. Quality seeds are essential to obtain a high germination rate and quality fruit. You can obtain quality disease-free seeds from many online stores. I personally use non-GMO untreated seeds because my crops are organic.
The black from Tula tomatoes needs soil rich in nutrients and with good drainage. The ideal pH for growing black from Tula tomatoes is between 6 and 7. To learn more about the pH of your soil I recommend reading our article about how to measure soil pH.
Start black from Tula seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. You can use seedbeds or pots. Place the seeds in the pot and add a thin layer of soil. The soil layer should be about 1/8″ (3 to 4 mm) thin. Never bury the seeds of this variety of tomatoes too deep.
Water gently and place the seedbed or pot in a warm area. In addition, you can cover your pot with a transparent plastic cover to encourage the germination of the black from Tula tomato seeds. Always keep the soil moist, but never waterlogged. Black from Tula tomatoes seeds take 7 to 14 days to germinate.
When the risk of frost has passed and the black from Tula seedlings are large enough, plant them outdoors or in a larger pot. I recommend gradually exposing the seedlings to the sun a few days before transplanting to avoid shock.
Black from Tula tomatoes are indeterminate tomatoes and will need support or a trellis during growth. It is essential to use some support on your tomato plants for proper growth and development of the tomato plant.
- QUALITY – All seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
How to Care Black from Tula Tomatoes
You already know how to grow black from Tula tomatoes, now I will give you some tips on how to take care of your tomato plants to obtain tasty quality tomatoes.
Black from Tula tomatoes plants should be planted 24” (60 cm) apart from each other to promote air circulation, which is beneficial for tomato growth and to avoid pests and diseases. Locate tomato plants in a place where they receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.
Use a 10-5-15 NPK fertilizer or similar to fertilize your black from Tula tomatoes. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the fertilizer shortly before the first blooms appear on the tomato plant. To learn more about fertilizing tomatoes I recommend reading our article on how to fertilize tomatoes.
Keep the soil of your tomato plants moist but not waterlogged. Apply mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth. It is essential to water properly during fruit development to avoid cracked fruit.
Like other tomato varieties, black from Tula tomatoes are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Some common pests that may affect them include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Diseases that may affect these tomatoes include blight, verticillium wilt, and fusarium wilt. I recommend you read our article about how to use neem oil on tomato plants.
What to Plant with Black from Tula Tomatoes: Best and Worst Companion Plants
| Best Companions | Benefits | Worst Companions | Issues |
| Basil | Enhances flavor and repels pests | Cabbage family | Stunts tomato growth |
| Thyme | Attracts beneficial insects and improves flavor | Fennel | Inhibits tomato growth |
| Parsley | Attracts predatory insects and improves flavor | Potatoes | Both can get blight |
| Chives | Repels pests and improves flavor | ||
| Cilantro | Attracts beneficial insects and improves flavor | ||
| Marigolds | Repels nematodes and other pests | ||
| Petunias | Deters certain pests and adds color | ||
| Nasturtiums | Repels aphids and attracts predatory insects | ||
| Zinnias | Attracts pollinators and adds color | ||
| Calendula | Deters pests and promotes healthy growth | ||
| Carrots | Breaks up soil and provides ground cover | ||
| Peppers | Deter some pests and improve flavor | ||
| Asparagus | Acts as a natural pest deterrent | ||
| Radishes | Deter certain pests and improve soil structure | ||
| Cucumbers | Improve flavor and repel pests |
For a detailed insight into which plants to pair with your tomatoes, I highly recommend exploring our article Tomato Companion Plants for Beginners.
How and When to Harvest Black from Tula Tomatoes
Black from Tula tomatoes are typically ready for harvest about 80–85 days after transplanting. However, the exact timing may vary based on factors such as the climate, growing conditions, and the stage of ripeness you prefer.
Ripe black from Tula tomatoes acquires a deep purple-red or blackish color. The skin should be firm and smooth, with no cracks or blemishes. I recommend using a sharp knife or scissors to harvest the tomatoes so as not to damage the plant. Never pull the tomatoes by hand, or you may damage the tomato plant.
Final Conclusions
Growing black from Tula tomatoes is a unique experience because these tomatoes are quite different from other varieties. I always like to grow different varieties of tomatoes in my garden every year. Each tomato is different in taste and texture. I hope this article will be of great help and that you will have beautiful tomato plants.
