Japanese Trifele Black Tomato Seed
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking rich, complex tomato flavors.
Experience the exceptional Japanese Trifele Black tomato, a unique heirloom variety celebrated for its deep, complex flavor. This indeterminate, potato-leafed plant yields pear-shaped fruits, measuring 2.5 to 3 inches, with distinctive green-streaked shoulders that mature to a rich, dark mahogany or near-black hue. Its meaty interior offers an unparalleled taste. Ready in 80-85 days from transplant, these tomatoes exhibit excellent crack resistance. As a non-GMO, open-pollinated seed, it's perfect for saving and replanting. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene and other antioxidants.
$10.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+3%
Above average
Days to Maturity
8085
/ - days
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking complex, gourmet flavor profiles
- Market gardeners and chefs prioritizing visual presentation
- Gardeners wanting a continuous harvest throughout the season
Who should skip it
- Gardeners lacking space or time for heavy staking
- Beginners struggling with consistent irrigation management
- Growers in regions with short, cool summer seasons
Performance breakdown
Flavor Complexity
Deep, mahogany-hued flesh delivers a rich, unparalleled heirloom taste profile.
Harvest Reliability
High crack resistance ensures a consistent yield throughout the growing season.
Seed Viability
Strong germination rates provide a reliable start for home gardeners.
Heirloom Authenticity
Open-pollinated genetics allow for easy seed saving and future planting.
Growth Versatility
Indeterminate, large-scale growth requires dedicated garden space rather than containers.
Nutritional Density
Packed with lycopene and antioxidants for a healthy garden-to-table harvest.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
80-85 days
Botanical Name
Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Seed Life
3 years
Seed Depth
1/4 inch
Soil Temperature for Germination
70-90°F
Minimum Germination Rate
80%
Seeds per Gram
Approximately 280-320
Plant Type
Indeterminate
Features
- Incomparable, complex, and rich flavor
- Very crack-resistant fruit
- Potato-leafed plant structure
- Open pollinated for seed saving
- Heirloom variety, a time-tested favorite
- Ripens to a darkened, nearly black base
- High in antioxidants like lycopene
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Japanese Trifele Black Tomato seeds. Gardeners note remarkably high germination rates, translating directly into successful gardening experiences. The plant's robust nature and impressive yield are frequently highlighted, often describing the fruit's rich, complex flavor as a standout feature. This variety is considered a reliable performer, making it a favorite for those seeking unique, high quality heirloom tomatoes.
Know before you buy
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season until the first frost. Because of this, you will need to provide sturdy support like a trellis or cage to manage its ongoing height.
No, this variety is not recommended for containers. As an indeterminate plant, it grows quite large and requires the space and root depth typically found in a garden bed.
You can expect to harvest your first tomatoes 80 to 85 days after transplanting your seedlings into the garden. Ensure they are planted in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight to meet this maturity window.
Yes, because this is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, you can successfully save the seeds from your harvest to replant in future seasons. They will grow true to the parent plant, provided they haven't cross-pollinated with other tomato varieties in your garden.
The fruit is ready to pick when the skin transitions from its green-streaked shoulders to a deep, rich mahogany or near-black color. The fruit should feel firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed.
For the best germination results, plant your seeds 1/4 inch deep in soil that is kept between 70 and 90°F. Maintaining this temperature range is crucial, as the seeds have a minimum germination rate of 80% under optimal conditions.
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