Solanum lycopersicum 'Japanese Black Trifele' is a Russian heirloom tomato variety prized for its distinctive pear-shaped fruits with mahogany coloring and green shoulders, despite its name suggesting Japanese origin. The variety produces 4-7 ounce meaty fruits with rich, complex, smoky flavor. Seeds germinate readily in 6-10 days under consistently warm soil conditions (75-85°F) without special pretreatment.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date, planting 1/4 inch deep in moist sterile seed-starting mix. Use a heating mat to maintain soil temperature at 75-80°F for optimal germination. Water carefully from below and allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to prevent damping off caused by fungal pathogens. Remove plastic cover once seedlings emerge (7-10 days) and provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily using grow lights to prevent stretching. Once germinated, move seedlings to cooler conditions (60-70°F) and pot up to larger containers when first true leaves appear. Transplant seedlings 24-36 inches apart after all frost danger has passed. Bury the stem deeply at transplanting (up to the first or second set of true leaves) as tomatoes develop adventitious roots along buried stems, creating stronger root systems. This indeterminate variety requires staking or caging. Federal germination standard is 75%; seed remains viable 4-10 years under proper storage.
Sources: Johnny's Selected Seeds, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Annie's Heirloom Seeds, Restoration Seeds, Thresh Seed Company, UC IPM, PNW Pest Management Handbooks
