Black Prince tomatoes stand apart from the standard red slicers with their striking dark-bronze skin and a flavor profile that balances sweet and smoky. Originating from Siberia, this indeterminate heirloom thrives in cooler temperatures, delivering heavy yields of medium-sized fruits that deepen to a near-black hue in full sun. For gardeners seeking a visually dramatic, early-bearing plant that performs well in unpredictable climates, Black Prince offers a reliable and conversation-starting harvest.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time dissecting seed catalogs, analyzing regional growing data, and cross-referencing thousands of owner experiences to identify which open-pollinated varieties consistently outperform their peers in both flavor and resilience.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a gardener new to dark-fruited tomatoes, this guide cuts through the hype to help you find exactly what fits your space and season. This is your practical, no-nonsense resource for finding the best black prince tomatoes that will actually thrive in your garden conditions.
How To Choose The Best Black Prince Tomatoes
Choosing the right Black Prince tomato entry point depends on whether you start from seed or live plant. The Siberian genetics make this variety forgiving, but smart selection saves you weeks of lost growth. Focus on three factors: starter format, plant maturity at delivery, and the supplier’s commitment to true variety genetics.
Live Plants vs. Seed Packets: Timing Your Harvest
Live plants from a nursery like Clovers Garden give you a 4- to 8-week head start over direct-seeded crops. This matters most in short-season zones (USDA 3–5) where every warm day counts. Seeds, on the other hand, offer greater variety if you want to grow multiple dark-fruited types and have the indoor setup to germinate them 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Assessing Plant Health and Root Development
A healthy Black Prince transplant should have a stem thickness of at least 1/4 inch and a root ball that fills the pot without circling. Suppliers that emphasize 10x root development or deep root systems produce plants that withstand transplant shock better and establish faster, especially if you are planting into unamended garden soil.
Genetic Purity and True-to-Type Fruit
Black Prince is an open-pollinated heirloom, so seed-saved genetics can drift over time if not properly isolated. Reputable sellers that specify “non-GMO” and “heirloom” on the label usually maintain stock from known source lines. If you see fruit descriptions matching the dark-brown, pear-shaped profile with early maturity, you are likely getting the real Siberian strain—not a mislabeled Black Krim cross.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovers Garden Black Prince (2 Live Plants) | Live Plant | Early transplant, cool climates | 4″ to 8″ tall in 4″ pot | Amazon |
| Gardeners Basics 16 Variety Pack | Seed Pack | Growing multiple heirloom types | 16 heirloom varieties | Amazon |
| Organo Republic 14 Rare Tomato Pack | Seed Pack | Starting a diverse tomato collection | 1,020+ seeds total | Amazon |
| Tomato Growing Kit 8 Varieties | Seed Kit | Indoor/outdoor starter kit | 8 variety heirloom seed kit | Amazon |
| Bonnie Plants Big Boy Tomato (4-Pack) | Live Plant | Classic red slicer alternative | Up to 32 oz. fruit size | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Clovers Garden Black Prince Tomato Plants – 2 Live Plants
This is the gold standard for anyone who wants the genuine Black Prince Siberian heirloom without the 6-week seed-starting wait. Each plant arrives in a 4-inch pot standing 4 to 8 inches tall with a root system the supplier describes as “10x root development”—and the robustness is evident upon unpacking. The deep-brown fruits are smaller than a typical beefsteak but produce in heavy clusters that continue until frost, making this an excellent choice for both container growing on a patio and in-ground rows.
Clovers Garden ships from the Midwest in an eco-friendly, 100% recyclable box with a Quick Start Planting Guide that covers transplant depth, staking, and watering schedules. Because these are live plants, you skip the germination phase entirely and go straight to hardening off—a huge advantage if your growing season is under 100 frost-free days. The indeterminate habit means you will need a cage or stake from day one, but the payoff is a steady supply of smoky-sweet fruits that peak earlier than many other darks.
The grower explicitly avoids neonicotinoids and GMO material, so organic gardeners can plant with confidence. For the gardener who wants the truest Black Prince experience with the highest chance of success in a single purchase, this live plant pair delivers unmatched head start and genetic reliability.
What works
- True Siberian heirloom genetics with early, heavy fruit set
- Healthy root system minimizes transplant shock
- Eco-friendly packaging with detailed planting guide
What doesn’t
- Only two plants per order—may need multiple for large gardens
- Not available as seeds for those who prefer starting indoors
2. Gardeners Basics Tomato Seeds 16 Variety Heirloom Pack
While this pack does not contain Black Prince seeds specifically, it is the strongest multi-variety option if you want to grow a dark-fruited tomato like Black Cherry or Black Krim alongside your other favorites. The set includes 16 individual heirloom packets covering Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, Black Cherry, Brandywine Pink, and San Marzano—all open-pollinated varieties that mirror the same growing conditions as Black Prince. Each packet contains enough seed for several seasons, making this a cost-effective way to trial multiple dark and striped tomatoes in one bed.
Gardeners Basics grows and packages all seeds in the USA, and they include 16 free plant markers so you can track each variety in the ground. The USDA hardiness zone rating covers 3–11, so no matter where you garden, these genetics are adaptable. Because Black Prince is an indeterminate, cool-tolerant heirloom, pairing it with Black Krim and Cherokee Purple from this pack creates a cohesive dark-fruit bed that thrives under the same full-sun, well-drained soil regimen.
The 1.76-ounce package is lightweight, but the value lies in the breadth of genetics. If you are building a collection and want to enjoy Black Prince from live plants while simultaneously testing Black Cherry or Green Zebra from seed, this kit fills that gap perfectly without forcing you to buy individual packets.
What works
- 16 distinct heirloom varieties in one purchase
- Includes free plant markers for organization
- Grown and packed in the USA
What doesn’t
- No Black Prince seed included—only Black Cherry and Black Krim
- Seeds require indoor starting 6–8 weeks before last frost
3. Organo Republic 14 Rare Tomato & Tomatillo Variety Pack
With over 1,020 individual seeds across 14 rare tomato and tomatillo varieties, this pack delivers the highest seed count per dollar of any option here. While the specific varieties are not named in the listing, the “rare” designation suggests at least a few dark-skinned or purple-tinged types that share Black Prince’s anthocyanin-rich pigment. This is the choice for the budget-conscious gardener who wants to experiment with a wide genetic pool and is comfortable identifying and isolating true types at harvest.
Because the seeds are heirloom and non-GMO, you can expect open-pollinated genetics that you can save and replant year after year—a major advantage if you find a deep-colored winner among the mix that performs well in your microclimate. The tomatillo inclusion adds a second productive crop that pairs nicely with Black Prince in salsas and sauces. Plan to start these indoors under grow lights to get the 6–8 week head start needed for northern gardens.
The trade-off is the lack of variety-specific labeling. You won’t know exactly which rare types are inside until the fruits ripen. For the gardener who loves surprise harvests and has space to grow 14+ plants, this creates an exciting season. If you need guaranteed Black Prince genetics, pair this pack with the Clovers Garden live plants for the best of both worlds.
What works
- Extremely high seed count for the price
- Non-GMO heirloom genetics ideal for seed saving
- Includes tomatillo seeds for added diversity
What doesn’t
- Specific variety names not disclosed
- No guarantee of Black Prince genetics
4. Tomato Growing Kit – 8 Varieties Heirloom Seeds
This all-in-one kit targets the beginner-to-intermediate gardener who wants to grow eight heirloom tomato types without sourcing individual packets. The kit is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a flexible option whether you are starting on a sunny windowsill or transplanting to a raised bed. The eight varieties are non-GMO heirlooms, and while the listing does not specify which types are included, the “complete kit” format suggests everything you need for the first season—seed packets, growing instructions, and potentially starter pots or labels.
Because Black Prince is not guaranteed in this mix, you would be relying on the kit to contain a dark-fruited variety among the eight. The indeterminate growth habit of most heirlooms means you will need staking or caging for whatever comes up, and the full-sun requirement aligns perfectly with the standard Black Prince care regimen. The kit’s emphasis on “fresh cooking” hints that the included types lean toward slicing and sauce varieties rather than paste-only types.
The primary risk is genetic ambiguity—without named varieties, you cannot be certain you are getting a cool-tolerant, early-bearing dark tomato. For someone who simply wants to garden with heirloom genetics and is open to discovering the fruits as they ripen, this kit removes the guesswork of buying individual packets. Just be prepared to add a dedicated Black Prince plant if that specific dark fruit is your end goal.
What works
- Complete kit simplifies the seed-buying process
- Works for indoor and outdoor growing
- Heirloom genetics suitable for seed saving
What doesn’t
- Specific variety list not provided
- No guarantee of a dark-fruited type like Black Prince
5. Bonnie Plants Big Boy Tomato Live Plants – 4 Pack
Bonnie Plants Big Boy is not a Black Prince, but it belongs in this guide as the most reliable red-slicer alternative for gardeners who want a high-yield, large-fruited plant alongside their dark-tomato bed. This 4-pack delivers indeterminate vines that grow 6 to 10 feet tall and produce smooth, bright red fruits reaching up to 32 ounces each. The flavor is classic, sweet, and mild—a crowd-pleasing contrast to the complex, smoky notes of Black Prince.
Maturity hits around 78 days after transplanting, which is slightly later than Black Prince’s early-bearing trait, but the extended harvest window until frost makes Big Boy a workhorse for sauces and fresh slicing. Because these are live plants from Bonnie Plants—one of the most widely distributed nursery brands in the USA—availability is excellent at garden centers and online. The 4-pack gives you enough plants to fill a 4×8-foot raised bed or several large containers.
The main drawback for this guide is the absence of dark fruit and cool-climate tolerance. Big Boy performs best in warm, long summers and requires consistent deep watering to reach those 32-ounce sizes. If your garden already has a Black Prince plant for early dark harvests, adding a Big Boy extends your harvest into heavy red slicers for late-summer canning and BLTs.
What works
- Proven large-fruited slicer with excellent flavor
- 4 plants provide plenty of yield for a family
- Widely available and well-known genetics
What doesn’t
- Not a dark-fruited or cool-tolerant variety
- Fruits require consistent moisture to reach maximum size
Hardware & Specs Guide
Indeterminate Growth Habit
Black Prince is an indeterminate tomato, meaning the vine continues growing and producing fruit until killed by frost. Plants can reach 6 feet or taller, requiring sturdy caging or staking from the time of transplant. This growth pattern yields a staggered harvest over many weeks rather than a single flush, ideal for fresh eating throughout the season.
Days to Maturity and Cool Tolerance
True to its Siberian origins, Black Prince sets fruit earlier than many dark heirlooms—typically in the 55–70 day range from transplant. This cool tolerance allows successful fruiting in regions with overnight lows in the 50s, giving northern gardeners a reliable dark tomato option that others struggle to ripen before the first frost.
FAQ
Does Black Prince taste different from standard red tomatoes?
Can I grow Black Prince in a container?
How do I know if I received the true Black Prince variety from seeds?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best black prince tomatoes winner is the Clovers Garden Black Prince (2 Live Plants) because it delivers genetically true, vigorous starts that skip the 8-week seed-starting phase and produce fruit earlier in cool climates. If you want to expand your dark-tomato collection with multiple heirloom varieties, grab the Gardeners Basics 16 Variety Pack. And for a reliable red slicer companion to your Black Prince patch, nothing beats the Bonnie Plants Big Boy 4-Pack.