Dark Queen tomato seeds. One of the tastiest dark large-fruited tomato varieties.

Dark Queen is one of the most impressive dark tomato varieties created by American tomato breeder Brad Gates. This tomato combines large, decorative, eye-catching fruits with a rich, balanced flavour, which many tomato growers and collectors consider one of the variety’s greatest strengths.

If you are looking for an unusual tomato for your small garden, greenhouse or collection, Dark Queen is definitely worth trying. With their dark pink to purplish-red fruits and green stripes, these tomatoes stand out not only because of their appearance, but also because of their juicy, meaty flesh, excellent flavour and strong, rich aroma.

👑 Why is this variety called Dark Queen?

Although Dark Queen is not black in the classic sense, it belongs to the group of dark tomatoes. This group includes purplish-red, burgundy and brownish tomatoes known for their rich flavour and pronounced aroma.

The origin of the name "Dark Queen" is not officially documented, but it describes the characteristic features of the variety very accurately. The large and beautiful fruits, unusual colouring and excellent flavour make it one of the most impressive dark tomato varieties.

Many collectors and tomato enthusiasts consider Dark Queen one of Brad Gates’ most successful large-fruited tomatoes, standing out especially for its flavour.

🌿 Variety description of Dark Queen

• Dark Queen is an indeterminate tomato variety – a tall-growing tomato that continues growing throughout the season.
• Ripening time: 80–85 days after transplanting into the greenhouse or permanent growing place.
• Fruit weight: 200–500 g
• Fruit shape: large, slightly ribbed, colourful tomatoes
• Colour: dark pink, burgundy and purplish-red with green stripes – the colouring depends on growing conditions.
• Self-pollinating tomato variety
• Original name: Dark Queen
• Suitable for growing in greenhouses and sunny, sheltered locations

🌿 Breeding history

Dark Queen was created by American tomato breeder Brad Gates, who is known worldwide for his unusual, colourful and exceptionally tasty tomato varieties. His breeding work combines decorative appearance, interesting colouring and high flavour quality.

Dark Queen was developed in California, with special attention paid not only to the appearance of the fruits, but also to flavour. The result is a variety that successfully combines large fruits, beautiful colouring, a rich aroma and excellent taste.

🍅 Flavour of Dark Queen

Flavour is the main reason why Dark Queen has become so popular.

• Rich and pronounced tomato flavour
• Good balance of sweetness and acidity
• Juicy, meaty flesh
• Pronounced aroma
• Excellent for eating fresh, in salads and on sandwiches

Unlike many modern high-yielding varieties, Dark Queen is more focused on flavour quality than maximum yield.

🌱 Sowing and growing from seed

In Northern Europe

Sowing time: March – early April.

• Good light or grow lights are needed; for this variety it is very important that the tomato seedling develops strong and healthy.
• Stable temperature and regular watering, as well as maintaining the correct germination temperature, are a good foundation for beautiful, strong seedlings. If tomato seedlings are grown on a windowsill, it is very important to watch for temperature fluctuations and cold air drafts.
• Plant out in the permanent growing place after spring frosts, or in a heated greenhouse.

In Southern Europe

Sowing time: January – March.

In Southern Europe, Dark Queen can be grown both outdoors and in a greenhouse, but for more stable seed germination it is recommended to start it in a controlled environment – indoors or in a greenhouse.

Seed sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm.
Germination temperature: 22–28°C.

It is very important not to overwater or dry out tomato seedlings, because during the germination period various disease problems can begin developing, which may later spoil the whole season’s work.

🌿 Growing characteristics of Dark Queen

To allow Dark Queen to fully reveal its flavour potential, a few conditions are important.

• The tomato plant should be trained to one stem. In southern countries it can be grown with two stems.
• Tomato side shoots should be removed regularly.
• A strong support or durable tying system is needed, because the large fruits create considerable weight on the plant.
• Water evenly, avoiding sharp changes in moisture.
• Be careful with nitrogen fertiliser and nettle liquid feed – excessive feeding encourages leaf growth instead of fruit formation.
• It is important to let the fruits ripen fully on the plant.

🍅 Yield of Dark Queen tomato

• Average tomato yield: 3–5 kg per plant
• In excellent growing conditions: 5–8 kg of tomatoes per plant
• Fruit weight can often reach up to 500 g

To obtain especially large fruits, it is necessary to regulate the number of tomatoes on the plant. This is a deliberate choice in favour of fruit size and flavour quality.

🌿 Good neighbours in the greenhouse

Dark Queen grows well alongside basil, marigolds, parsley, lettuce and chives.

🍅 Is Dark Queen suitable for your garden?

Dark Queen is not a variety for those looking for maximum yield with minimal effort. It is a variety for gardeners who appreciate unusual tomatoes, strong character and truly good flavour. If there is always room in your greenhouse or small garden for a special tomato that can surprise both family and guests, Dark Queen can become one of the most pleasant discoveries of the season.

It is no coincidence that this variety has been popular among tomato collectors around the world for several years. It combines beauty, character and flavour in a special way, making every fully ripened fruit feel like a small celebration in the garden.

🌱 Seeds per packet: 3 pcs.
✍️ Author: Herat Garden Studio
🌍 Seed delivery across Europe and worldwide