Most people cherish Tomatoes for their red color, but this one is famous for its dark black or purple tint. It adds multiple colors to your veggie garden.
There is an interesting story behind the existence of this variety; this hybrid was cultivated simply because someone wanted to eat an indigo Tomato.
This is an indeterminate Tomato plant variety that’s rich in anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are responsible for blackish-purple pigment on the ripe Tomatoes.
The main pigment behind the coloration of these Tomatoes is ‘anthocyanin,’ the very same pigment that causes blueberries to turn blue.
This is a warm-season veggie that can serve as an afternoon or evening or midnight snack.
Tomato lovers eat them right after plucking from the vines or in salads. Let’s discuss more about this AAS national winner to understand the plant care requirements for it.
Table of Contents
Midnight Snack Tomato Plant Care
This annual has average growing needs. But you have to pay attention to staking these because it helps them grow more fruits. Full sun is a must for Midnight Snack Tomatoes because it helps them develop the dark color. They grow in temperatures between 50 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (10-31.7 degrees Celsius).
Midnight Snack Tomato Basic Plant Care
Soil
Midnight Snack Tomato plant should be planted in well-draining rich soil that is enhanced using compost.
The soil should also have excellent water retention properties to keep it moist.
The soil pH should fall between 5.5 to 7.
If you struggle with weed growth in your garden, a layer of organic matter or mulch can fix this issue. Mulching also helps in retaining moisture within the earth, especially during warm weather.
The seeds should be sown in a seed tray indoors for 5-6 weeks before transferring them outdoors.
Once the seedlings are 3 to 4 weeks old, they should be transferred to small containers. Make sure the soil remains moist to help the seedlings grow.
To transfer the seedlings to the garden, prepare an 8 inches deep garden bed by removing grass and other unwanted plants.
Water
You should water this Tomato variety evenly to protect them from rot. Watering it twice a week is enough in average growing conditions and environment.
This Tomato variety should get 1-2 inches of water per week.
It is best to water the Midnight Snack Tomatoes early in the morning to reduce the risk of diseases. This allows the water to dry during the day.
For Tomatoes growing in the garden, you can use a drip irrigation system or hose to avoid wetting the foliage.
Light
They need full sun to reach the maximum size and develop the right color.
Even as a seedling, this plant needs plenty of sunlight. A sunny window still is the best location for young seedlings.
If natural sunlight is insufficient, you can use fluorescent lights.
The lights should be placed at the height of 3 to 4 inches. Make sure the young plants receive 16 hours of artificial light.
They also need 8 hours of darkness for healthy growth, so turn off the lights at night. The height of the fluorescent lights can be adjusted as the plant grows.
Temperature
If you are starting the seeds indoors, the ideal temperature for germination is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius).
Once the threat of frost is over and the outdoor temperature is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius), the seedlings are ready to go out in the garden.
Temperatures lower than this can damage the young plant.
The Midnight Snack Tomatoes can tolerate temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) but not more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
Humidity
This plant enjoys high humidity, so make sure the air moisture level is at least 65% or more.
Fertilizer
Feeding for Midnight Snack starts once the seedlings are 3-4 weeks old.
You can prepare a starter solution half strength of a vegetable fertilizer.
The young seedlings should be also be fertilized after transplanting. A balanced vegetable or Tomato fertilizer works best.
Do not overfeed with a nitrogen-based fertilizer; otherwise, your plant with struggle with fruit production, and you will end up with a bunch of leaves.
I always feed my Midnight Snack Tomatoes with a balanced or phosphorus-based fertilizer for better fruits.
Repotting
You repot the Midnight Snack Tomatoes if it’s showing signs of root rot.
After the plant removal from its pot, remove the soil from the root ball using your hands. This reduces the chances of root damage and encourages good root development.
When moving to a new location, make sure 2/3 of the plant is below the soil because it is vital to plant deep in the potting soil or garden bed.
This helps the Midnight Snack Tomato in developing stronger roots.
Pruning
These indeterminate Tomatoes require staking to produce fresh fruit all year long.
If you are using stakes, you can prune the side shoots. But if you are growing the Midnight Snack in cages, it will most probably require no pruning.
I would recommend pruning and removing the foliage from the bottom 6-10 inches of the plant for better airflow.
Trim all the leaves that look sick and distorted. The ideal time to prune is early in the growing season.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate the Midnight Snack is using root suckers.
Some say it’s easier than growing them from seeds.
- You can use the pruned suckers for propagation. The suckers grow between the main stem and branches. The cuttings should be taken at the beginning of the growing season because the plant is full of energy at this time.
- Only use suckers that are at least 3-5 inches in length. Prune them using a clean pair of shears.
- Now trim the leaves from the lower end and place the sucker in water. Using warm water will help in rooting.
- Do not worry if the sucker cutting has wilted because it will recover within few days as long as you keep it away from direct sun. Once the leaves have recovered, move the cutting to a bright location.
- Change the water regularly and use lukewarm water to avoid root shock.
- These sucker cuttings can start rooting within one week.
- You can transfer the cuttings to soil pots once the roots are 1 inch in length. Follow the usual plant care mentioned in this article and let them establish a strong root system before moving them to the garden.
Blooms
There is no significant information about blooms on this Tomato variety.
Growth
These Tomatoes take about 65-70 days to reach maturity. Proper spacing between individual Tomato plants is necessary for healthy growth and air circulation.
For this variety, I would recommend plant spacing of 25 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm).
This plant has an indeterminate growth habit. Cages or supports are essential for these Tomatoes to reach their maximum size, especially once they enter the fruiting stage.
Read up on how to use cages for Tomatoes.
Once mature, this plant spreads 3-4 ft. (0.9 – 1.2 m) and reaches a height of 6-7 ft. (1.8 – 2.1 m).
The foliage is green, and the fruit varies in shades of red, purple, and black.
The cherry-shaped fruit measures about 1.5 inches in size. The fruit has a glossy texture.
These colorful Tomatoes have a sweet and savory taste which makes them an ideal snack vegetable.
View this post on Instagram
Common Problems for Midnight Snack Tomato
Blossom End Rot
This causes dark black or brown spots on the blossom end.
The fruits on infected Midnight Snack Tomatoes will ripe prematurely.
This rot occurs when your plant cannot successfully absorb the calcium. The main reasons for this are:
- Root injury
- Calcium deficiency
- Water stress
- Overfertilization with nitrogen
The fruit cannot recover from this rot, therefore remove the infected fruit and improve the growing conditions. Mulching will help in avoiding water stress.
Anthracnose
This fungus affects the Midnight Snack Tomato fruit. You will notice round spots on the skin, which will gradually turn dark and increase in size. The affected area will be sunken.
The main reason behind the spread of this fungus is high air moisture and temperature. This fungus can also overwinter in an unclean growing environment.
You can avoid this fungus in the following ways:
- Do not use overhead watering for the Midnight Snack Tomatoes
- Mulch the soil and improve the air circulation near the plant
Pests
Aphids are the most common pests for Midnight Snack Tomatoes. They usually feed on the lower face of the leaves and host several other diseases.
They also secrete a sticky substance that can attract ants.
To treat these sucking pests, use insecticidal soap, strong water sprays, or biological control methods such as predatory insects.
Cracking
Improper supply of water during the fruit formation stage results in fruit cracking.
Heavy rainfall or overwatering can result in an overload of moisture, which causes the fruit to crack.
These cracks should be avoided because they can host fungus leading to blight and rot.
Never overwater the plant; it’s best to water the Midnight Snack Tomatoes deeply twice a week than adding little water every other day.
Early Blight
The initial symptom of this blight on Midnight Snack Tomatoes is the brown rings on the leaves near the base of the plant. If left untreated, the leaves can fall off.
The fruit will also be smaller in size and has sunburns. The blight fungus will hide and overwinter in the weeds and debris.
The best solution for this problem is to practice clean gardening habits and discard diseased plant matter.
Discourage weed growth in your garden and provide adequate spacing in between plants.
Tips for Growing Midnight Snack Tomato
- If you are growing multiple rows of Midnight Snack Tomatoes, make sure they are spaced at 3-4 ft apart.
- A deep root system helps the Tomatoes in nutrient uptake and stability during the fruiting stage.
- Harden off the Midnight Snack seedlings by transferring them to a shaded location for one week. This will help them accustom to the new growing conditions. However, make sure they are protected from harsh wind and sun.
- Practice crop rotation and do not plant the Midnight Snack in the soil used for growing Tomatoes or potatoes in the previous season. This reduces bacterial and disease spread.
- Hardening the seedlings will also help them withstand transplant shock and improves the cell structure.
- To prevent overloading, pick the fruits as soon as they are ripe.
- The potting or garden soil should remain moist but never saturated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Midnight Snack Tomato Plant Care
What is the best way to grow Midnight Snack Tomatoes?
This Tomato variety is versatile; it can be grown in containers, raised garden beds, or vegetable gardens. So if you are low on space, grow them in pots, but I prefer rowing them outdoors in my garden for maximum yield.
What are the best companion plants for Midnight Snack Tomato?
The best companions for this Tomato variety are garlic, carrot, chives, onions, etc. You can even grow them next to flowering plants like marigolds.
Is caging necessary for Midnight Snack Tomatoes?
Cages will protect your Tomatoes against toppling when they are heavy with fruits. They can also prevent rotten or under-ripe fruits. Therefore, I would highly suggest making an effort to install cages or stakes for your Midnight Snack Tomato plant if you want bigger, cleaner fruits.
My Tomato plant is not producing fruits after flowering; why is that?
Your plant is not reaching the fruiting stage because of heat or water stress. Even a cold temperature can stress it. Make sure you maintain the correct temperature and moisture level to help the plant produce the tasty cherry Tomatoes.
How long will the seeds turn into seedlings?
If the growing conditions are right, the seedlings will appear in 7-14 days after sowing the seeds.
Is the foliage of these Tomatoes edible?
The foliage of most Tomato varieties is toxic for humans and animals because it contains alkaloids.
My Midnight Snack Tomatoes have not developed the black color; what is wrong?
Its because they were not exposed to direct sunlight during the growing stage. Direct sunlight is essential to achieve the indigo color of these special Tomatoes.
Conclusion
The distinct colors are the reason for the popularity of the Midnight Snack Tomato.
They have a rich color and flavor, which makes them a statement cultivar.
If you want to experience the Midnight Tomato plant’s beauty, make sure there is no compromise on sunlight.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.