Variety characteristics:

• W1380 Black Jade is a distinctive specialty cherry tomato producing glossy, deep purple to nearly black fruits. The tomatoes display an unusual range of shapes, varying naturally from round and short oval to elongated grape and teardrop forms.
Fruits average approximately 0.7 oz each and develop an attractive polished finish with purple, violet and black tones. The darkest coloration generally appears on areas receiving the strongest sunlight, while shaded portions may retain lighter violet or burgundy undertones. Shape and color intensity can vary with temperature, sunlight, fruit position and growing conditions.
Black Jade offers pleasant fresh-eating quality and a dramatic appearance for mixed tomato salads, snack plates, lunch boxes and colorful garden displays. Harvest when the fruits have reached full size, the purple-black color is well developed and the flesh begins to soften slightly.
This specialty selection produces a relatively modest crop and is best suited to home gardens, raised beds, greenhouses and patio containers rather than large commercial plantings. Support the plants with a stake, cage or trellis to keep the fruit clusters elevated and evenly exposed to light.