'Tschernij Prinz' Beefsteak Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum

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Traditional cultivation method & heirloom variety. Regionally adapted landrace. Genetically stable & open-pollinated - 100% free from hybrid breeding, GMOs, and synthetic fertilizers. Organically propagated - Non-proprietary variety.

Local pickup at Benjis Seeds

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Harvest year:

2024

Seed viability:

9 years (species-specific)
Detailed information on germination capacity

Description

Cultivation & Characteristics

Tips & Reviews

'Tschernij Prinz' Beefsteak Tomato – reddish-brown rarity with intense aroma. 

This old Russian heirloom variety produces reddish-brown to deep red beefsteak tomatoes with an exceptionally sweet and aromatic flavor, rich in classic tomato aroma. It ripens mid-season and is well-suited for cultivation in greenhouses, protected outdoor beds, and large containers. The plants are robust, high-yielding, and ideal for self-sufficient gardening.

 

Origin & History

‘Tschernij Prinz' is an open-pollinated beefsteak tomato from Irkutsk in southern Siberia. Likely bred around 1950, it was cultivated for decades in Russian home gardens and has spread worldwide through seed exchange networks. Its distinctive reddish-brown color, rich flavor, and excellent adaptation to cooler climates make it a true asset in any variety garden.

 

 Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows indeterminately as a stake tomato and reaches a height of approximately 170 cm depending on location. It develops strong fruit clusters and bears dark green, regular-leaf foliage.

Fruit details:

  • Size: Large, approx. 200–400 g per fruit

  • Shape: Flattened round, slightly ribbed

  • Color: Reddish-brown with olive-green shoulders

  • Texture: Juicy, meaty, few seeds

  • Flavor: Sweet-aromatic, full-bodied, and spicy

 

Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The aromatic fruits are excellent for fresh salads, as a topping for bread, and for making sauces and soups. Their intense color and bold flavor make them a visual highlight on any plate.

Thanks to its resilience, 'Tschernij Prinz' grows reliably in greenhouses, protected outdoor beds, and large containers. Even under less-than-ideal conditions, it delivers good yields.

Compared to other beef tomatoes, it stands out with its intense flavor, color diversity, and robustness – ideal for those who value distinctive, open-pollinated varieties.

Cultivation_Overview_-_Anbau_im_Uberblick_-_Visao_geral_do_cultivo_-_www

Origin & Cultivation at a Glance

First mention:

Around 1950 - not documented

Breeder:

Not officially known – distributed through preservation initiatives

Origin:

Russia

Propagation site:

Lower Saxony – Germany

Suitable for:

Open field, Greenhouse, Polytunnel, Balcony / pot, Urban gardening, Vertical cultivation

Care requirements:

Medium – requires some attention.

Overwintering:

Not winter-hardy – can be cultivated outdoors as an annual. Can be overwintered in a greenhouse in mild climates.

Suitability for cultivation and use:

Summer crop, Peak season, Self-sufficiency, Biodiversity, Variety conservation, Educational projects / School garden, Direct marketing, Ornamental variety, Fresh consumption
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Cultivation guide for

<tc>Black Prince</tc>

Growing difficulty:

Medium
In subtropical climates, pre-cultivation is possible from January - transplant outdoors from March in full sun, once day and night temperatures remain consistently above 15 °C.
In temperate regions, start indoors from March – transplant outdoors in full sun from mid-May after the last frost.
Sow in deep, well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich loamy soil - 0.5-1 cm deep. Plant spacing: 50 × 70 cm.

Special features:

High-yielding, Sun-loving / sunny, Heat-tolerant

Cultivation tips:

Beefsteak tomatoes are typically grown with a single stem to promote better air circulation and fruit development.
In temperate climates, a rain cover is recommended – a simple roof or plastic tunnel is sufficient.
A sturdy support structure with tomato hooks provides secure hold for the stems, boosts yield, and makes plant care easier.
When transplanting seedlings, plant them deep into the soil up to the base of the seed leaves – this encourages strong root development and supports healthy growth.
Consistent watering enhances fruit quality and promotes healthy plant growth.
At temperatures below 5 °C, plant growth slows significantly - cold stress can hinder development.
Regular harvesting encourages new fruit set and increases overall yield.
Biochar and rock dust improve soil structure and enhance the retention of nutrients and water.

Storage instructions:

Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark, and airtight environment to maximize shelf life and germination.
Detailed information on seed storage
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Plant Profile

Plant details

Botanical name:

<tc>Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Tschernij Prinz'</tc>

Growth habit:

Upright growth, Indeterminate growth habit

Botanical family:

Solanaceae

Plant height:

170 cm

Plant type:

Fruit vegetables

Plant width:

50 cm

Life cycle:

Perennial (grown as an annual)

Root type:

Deep-rooted, Taprooted

Cultivation period:

5-7 months

Hardy to:

5 °C – suitable only for overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse.

Cultural meaning:

Historical, Traditional, Regional landrace

Propagation method:

Generative propagation by seed, Propagation by cuttings in summer

Propagation:

This tomato variety is self-pollinating but can also cross-pollinate via insects. It belongs to the species Solanum lycopersicum and produces bisexual flowers.
To ensure pure seed collection, it is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 10–20 meters or more from other tomato varieties, as insect pollination can lead to unintended cross-pollination.
This tomato plant is perennial and forms clusters of flowers after blooming, which turn into fruit packed with seeds.
Tomato seeds are ready for harvest when the fruits are fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

Sowing & Planting

Germination

Planting

Germination type:

Dark germinator, Warm germinator

Pot culture:

Requires a minimum container size of 15-20 liters.

Sowing depth:

0,5-1 cm

Plant spacing:

50 cm

Germination temperature:

22-28 °C

Row spacing:

<tc>70 cm</tc>

Germination time:

6-14 days

Row spacing for baby leaf:

Not suitable for baby-leaf cultivation.

Pricking out / thinning out:

Thin out seedlings within 2 weeks after the formation of the first true leaf pairs.

Planting time:

Tomatoes should be planted only after the last frost, once temperatures are consistently warm during the day and night. Tomato seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors about four weeks after potting up, once temperatures are consistently warm.

Soil

Soil type:

Deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in humus

Soil pH:

6.0-6.8 - slightly acidic to neutral

Nutrient requirements:

Heavy feeder

Soil moisture:

Evenly moist, Sensitive to waterlogging

Soil preparation:

Loosen soil deeply before sowing, Apply compost before planting., Apply lime to acidic soil., Prepare soil weed-free and with a fine crumb structure., Mulch layer for moisture regulation

Companion planting, Crop rotation & Harvest

Companion plants:

Bean, Carrot, Radish varieties, Onion, Garlic, Lettuce, Lamb’s lettuce, Spinach, Basil, Nasturtium, Calendula, Dill, Marjoram, Tagetes

Incompatible plants:

Eggplant, Physalis, Pepper / Chili pepper, Potato, Corn, Fennel, Pea, Beetroot, Celery, Cucurbits

Crop rotation guidelines:

Do not plant after other nightshades – a minimum crop rotation interval of 3 years is recommended.
Repeated cultivation at the same site increases disease pressure, leads to nutrient depletion, and impairs soil structure.
Ideal previous crops include legumes, onions, root vegetables, and green manure – rotating crops supports healthy soil.
Crop rotation with low-nutrient-demanding plants is recommended to prevent soil fatigue and maintain healthy growing conditions.
Plan a green manure crop between heavy-feeding plants and this tomato variety to restore soil fertility.
Avoid planting directly after heavy-feeding crops – allow the soil to recover and replenish nutrients first.

Harvest time:

Summer, Autumn

Sowing to harvest:

5-6 months

Harvested parts:

Fruits

Suitable for consumption:

Yes - edible raw or cooked.

Intended use:

Salad, Raw consumption, Juice / juicing, Cooking, Roasting, Grilling, Baking, To purée, Pickling, Fermentation, Preserving, Stuffing, Low Carb, Diet cuisine, Decoration

Care & Cultivation practices

Water requirements:

High

Plant care techniques:

Water regularly - even during dry periods, Fertilize, Removing side shoots, Create a climbing support, Maintain weed-free, Inspect regularly for pest infestation

Plant protection:

Well-ventilated location and good drainage recommended., Mulching recommended

Cultivation notes:

May develop mildew in damp weather – an airy location is recommended. Sensitive to waterlogging – use well-drained soil.

Other names

EN - English names:

Beefsteak tomato

DE - German names:

Fleischtomate

PT - Portuguese names:

Tomate carnudo

ES - Spanish names:

Tomate carnoso

FR - French names:

Tomate charnue
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