Carbon

Described as exceptionally rich and sweet, one of the darkest tomatoes, a repeated taste-test winner. This is the recurring catalog and grower description, not a measured claim.

An open-pollinated dark beefsteak of obscure, poorly documented origin, listed in the Seed Savers Exchange by the early 1990s. It won the Best Tasting Tomato Award at the 2005 Heirloom Garden Show.

• Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.
• Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.
• A moderate grow, no special tricks but worth steady attention.
• Prone to cracking and splitting after wet spells.
• One of our picks for the cold, short-season gardens of New England.

Sold out, or after a change? The closest alternatives, and how they differ.

Cherokee Purplebut darker, one of the blackest beefsteaksPaul Robesonbut larger and even darker

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Tomato Growers Supply Company

• Slicer vs Beefsteak Tomatoes

Is Carbon determinate or indeterminate?

Carbon is an indeterminate variety. Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.

How long does Carbon take to ripen?

Carbon ripens in about 80 days from transplant. Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.

Is Carbon an heirloom or a hybrid?

Carbon is open-pollinated, so seed saved from it comes back true to type.

What can I grow instead of Carbon?

A close swap is Cherokee Purple, but darker, one of the blackest beefsteaks.