About this seed

Kozula 209 (Solanum lycopersicum, family Solanaceae) is a late black beefsteak tomato with 180–300 g fruit, deep purple skin with green shoulders and a smoky taste. The packet holds 10 seeds.

Also known as: Tomato, Tamatar (Hindi), Thakkali (Tamil, Malayalam), Tamata (Telugu), Tomate (Spanish, French, German, Portuguese), Pomodoro (Italian), Domates (Turkish), Pomidor (Polish), Fanqie (Chinese).

Fruit and plant

Vigorous indeterminate vine, about 2 m
Slightly flattened beefsteak fruit of 180–300 g with wide, shallow ribs on top
Deep purple skin with green shoulders
Dense flesh with small seed cavities and few seeds; rich, smoky taste typical of black tomatoes

Sow into soil at 16–29 °C

Tomato seed germinates well when the soil stays in its optimum range of 16–29 °C. At 20–30 °C seedlings typically appear in 6–8 days. Indoors, cover the seed with 3–6 mm of seed-starting mix. These figures are typical for the species, not a test of this packet.

Growing on

Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and plant out after the risk of frost has passed, 50–60 cm apart. Stake or cage the vine: it reaches about 2 m and carries heavy fruit. Give full sun, well-draining soil and consistent watering.

When to expect fruit

A late tomato: fruit ripens in the second half of the season.

What you get

One packet of 10 seeds of Kozula 209. Tomato seed typically stays usable for 4 years or more when kept cool, dark and dry, so seed you do not sow this season can wait for the next.

FAQ

When is a black tomato like Kozula 209 ripe?

When the body has turned deep purple; the shoulders stay green on ripe fruit, so do not wait for them to colour.

Is it early or late?

Late. It ripens in the second half of the season, so start seed on time and choose a sunny spot.