25 seeds
Matures in 80 days, indeterminate plant
Companion planting: Cabbage, cucumber, garlic, chives, basil, lettuce, carrot, asparagus, spinach
Poor companions: Potato and bell pepper
The Black Prince Tomato is a tomato with a dark reddish-brown color. It can reach up to 3 inches in diameter and weigh up to 6 oz.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds in a tray at a depth of 1/4 inch and about 1 inch apart. Keep the room temperature at around 20°C (70°F) until germination. Ensure adequate light with a grow light or by placing them in a sunny window. Keep the soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. When the second set of leaves appears, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and bury the stems as low as possible to promote optimal rooting. Don't forget to acclimate your plants a week before putting them in the garden to harden them. Note: Tomatoes are not cold-tolerant and should not be planted in the garden until all threat of frost is gone.
Plant them in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and once again, bury your plants as low as possible to encourage rooting. If you provide them with a trellis, space your plants about 2 feet apart. However, if you prefer to let the plants spread, space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
Tomatoes often perform better when they have a trellis or support, as it protects them from pests and diseases related to excessive soil contact. As the plants begin to grow, tie them to the support to aid in their development. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) can reduce production, so you'll need to protect the plants if temperatures drop. Water the plants, but try to avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible to prevent yellowing. As soon as frost arrives, all tomatoes, even the green ones, should be harvested. Unripe tomatoes will eventually ripen if stored in a warm place away from direct sunlight.