Black & Brown Boar is a well-known artisan tomato bred by Brad Gates at Wild Boar Farms.
Fruit type: Medium-sized salad tomato
Size: ~58 cm diameter (larger than cherry, smaller than beefsteak)
Color:
Deep mahogany/brown-red base
Distinct metallic green stripes
Skin: Slightly glossy, sometimes with a subtle shimmer
Flavor:
Rich, complex, sweet + smoky + slightly tangy
Much more intense than standard tomatoes
Texture: Juicy but firm enough to slice
Growth habit: Indeterminate (produces continuously)
💡 Its considered one of the best dark tomatoes for flavornot just looks.
🌿 Growing Instructions
🌡 Climate & Timing
Prefers warm conditions (1830°C)
Start seeds:
Indoors: 68 weeks before last frost
Transplant after frost risk is gone
In Western Cape: sow late winter, plant out in spring
🌱 Planting
Sow 510 mm deep
Germination: 510 days
Transplant when seedlings are sturdy
Spacing:
5070 cm between plants
Good airflow is important
Sunlight
Needs full sun (68+ hours daily)
Sun enhances both:
Flavor intensity
Stripe contrast
💧 Watering
Keep soil evenly moist
Deep watering 23 times per week
Avoid inconsistent watering prevents splitting
🌿 Soil & Feeding
Rich, well-drained soil
Ideal pH: 6.06.8
Add compost before planting
Feed:
Early: balanced fertilizer
Fruiting: higher potassium
🪴 Support & Pruning
Indeterminate needs staking or trellising
Can reach 1.52 m tall
Light pruning recommended:
Improves airflow
Helps fruit size and ripening
🌼 Pollination
Self-pollinating
Gentle shaking can improve fruit set
🐛 Pests & Problems
Watch for:
Aphids
Whiteflies
Early blight
Prevent with:
Good airflow
Avoid overhead watering
Use organic sprays if needed
🍅 Harvesting
Ready in 7080 days after transplanting
Pick when:
Background turns deep reddish-brown
Green stripes soften slightly
Fruit gives a little when pressed
Dont wait for full softnessflavor peaks just before that.
💡 Extra Tips
Flavor improves in slightly drier conditions before harvest
Excellent for:
Fresh eating
Gourmet salads
One of the more reliable fancy tomatoesgood balance of yield and quality.
