Tomato Nightshade is a striking, almost jet-black mini-plum tomato that will certainly be the talk of your garden. At any stage of ripening, its dark skin remains nearly black, with a subtle red blossom end and a star-shaped red calyx, adding to its dramatic appeal. The deep red flesh contrasts beautifully with the inky exterior, creating a visually stunning and delicious fruit. With a perfect balance of flavour that isn’t overly sweet, this tomato is ideal for fresh salads. The small, 20g cherry-plum fruits are perfect for snacking and make a unique, colourful addition to any dish, offering a mild, well-balanced taste with a Brix of 8. Height: 1.8m (6ft) Spread: 40cm (16in) Consider planting tomatoes alongside French marigolds to help repel whitefly, and pair them with vegetables, herbs, chives, or mint to keep aphids and other pests at bay.
Growing Information
Pot up and grow tomato plants on in warm frost free conditions.
Outdoor cultivation: Grow on until large enough to plant outdoors. Wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting tomatoes – around early June depending upon location. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days. Choose a sheltered position in full sun on fertile, reliably moist, well drained soil. Alternatively grow tomatoes in patio bags and containers in good quality compost such as John Innes No. 2.
Greenhouse cultivation: When growing in a heated glasshouse tomato plants may be transplanted at the end of May or when the first flowers are showing, if earlier. Allow 3 plants per growbag, or one per 25cm (10″) pot, or plant tomatoes directly into the greenhouse soil. Cordon types should be transplanted at a distance of 60cm (24″) apart.
Cordon/indeterminate varieties: Drive a (5ft) cane into the soil adjacent to each plant to support them as they grow, and tie each main stem to its support with soft garden twine.
Bush/determinate varieties: These may require a smaller cane to support the weight of the plant and its fruit. Dwarf bush varieties, such as ‘Basket’ types, do not require any staking.
