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Description
Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian, commonly known as Black Russian Tomato, is an heirloom tomato variety that originated from Russia. It is a determinate type of tomato that grows up to 5 feet tall and produces medium-sized fruits that are round and flattened at the top. The fruits have a deep, dark color that ranges from purple to black, and they have a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Angiospermae |
| Order: | Solanaceae |
| Family: | Solanum |
| Genus: | Lycopersicon |
Appearance
The Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian plant has dark green leaves that are slightly curled and crinkled. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and flattened at the top, with a deep, dark color that ranges from purple to black. They have a juicy flesh and a rich, sweet taste with a hint of smokiness. The plant typically grows up to 5 feet tall and requires staking to support its heavy fruits.
Care Guide
To grow Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian, you need to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. It is important to water the plant consistently and deeply to ensure that the roots receive enough moisture.Fertilization: The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer that you apply every two weeks.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can improve the soil by adding compost or aged manure before planting.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow and produce fruits. Make sure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some common pests and diseases include:Pests:- Aphids- Whiteflies- Cutworms- Tomato hornworms- Spider mitesDiseases:- Early blight- Late blight- Verticillium wilt- Fusarium wilt- Tomato mosaic virusTo prevent these pests and diseases, you can use natural remedies or chemical treatments. Some natural remedies include spraying the plant with neem oil, using insecticidal soap, or planting companion plants that repel pests. For chemical treatments, you can use pesticides that are specifically formulated for tomato plants.
Habitat
The Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian plant thrives in warm, sunny climates that have well-drained soil. It is a popular choice for home gardens and small-scale farming since it is easy to grow and produces a high yield of fruits. The plant requires regular maintenance, including watering, fertilization, pruning, and staking, to ensure its growth and productivity.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the taste of Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian?
A: The fruits have a rich, sweet taste with a hint of smokiness.
Q: How tall does Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian grow?
A: The plant typically grows up to 5 feet tall.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian?
A: Some common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Some common diseases include early blight, late blight, and verticillium wilt.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Solanum Lycopersicum Black Russian?
A: The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Related Plants
– Solanum Lycopersicum Brandywine- Solanum Lycopersicum Cherokee Purple- Solanum Lycopersicum Green Zebra- Solanum Lycopersicum San Marzano- Solanum Lycopersicum Yellow Pear
References
– The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (2021). Tomato: Solanum Lycopersicum. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/tomatoes- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. (n.d.). Black Russian Tomato. Retrieved from https://www.rareseeds.com/black-russian-tomato- University of Minnesota Extension. (2021). Growing tomatoes. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-tomatoes
