{"id":931,"date":"2026-08-26T12:18:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T12:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/?p=931"},"modified":"2026-10-25T19:02:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T19:02:34","slug":"dark-galaxy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/dark-galaxy\/","title":{"rendered":"Dark Galaxy Heirloom Tomato Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-top\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;931&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Share your rating&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;5\\\/5 - (1 vote)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Dark Galaxy Heirloom Tomato Review&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;142.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 142.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            5\/5 - (1 vote)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<h2>Quick Summary of Dark Galaxy<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83c\udf0d <strong>Origin:<\/strong> Originally bred in the USA by Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms. He released this variety into the world at an early stage (F3\/F4 generation), warning that it was slightly unstable. This forum thread is a fascinating deep-dive into how Russian growers stabilized different lines of it over a decade!<\/li>\n<li>\ud83c\udf3f <strong>Plant Habit:<\/strong> Indeterminate (tall vine), though usually tops out around 5 &#8211; 6 ft (1.5 &#8211; 1.8 m). <strong>Pro-Tip:<\/strong> After years of testing, growers found that this variety hates heavy pruning. It yields exponentially better when allowed to grow out 4-5 leaders (stems).<\/li>\n<li>\ud83c\udf45 <strong>Fruit Characteristics:<\/strong> Visually stunning. Size varies depending on the genetic line you get, ranging from ping-pong ball size at 1.5 &#8211; 2 oz (40 &#8211; 60g) up to medium oblate slicers at 3.5 &#8211; 5 oz (100 &#8211; 150g). The skin looks like a tiny galaxy: a rusty-red base covered in golden speckles (stars) and deep purple\/black anthocyanin splashes on the shoulders. <em>Important: The amount of purple heavily depends on direct sunlight exposure.<\/em><\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udc45 <strong>Flavor &amp; Culinary Use:<\/strong> A classic, sweet tomato flavor (typical of anthocyanin lines). They are juicy, firm, and excellent for pickling \/ canning whole in brine.<\/li>\n<li>\u23f3 <strong>Genetics &amp; Stability:<\/strong> Because it was released early, growers report two main lines emerged over time: one with smaller, round fruits, and another with slightly larger, oblate (flattened) fruits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"add-review-cta\" style=\"margin: 20px 0; padding: 15px; background: #f9f9f9; border-left: 4px solid #4CAF50; border-radius: 4px;\"><strong>\ud83c\udf45 Grown this variety?<\/strong> <a href=\"#wpdcom\">Click here to add your own photos and review below!<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- TABLE OF CONTENTS --><\/p>\n<div class=\"toc-box\" style=\"background: #f4f9f4; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #c8e6c9; border-radius: 4px; margin-bottom: 25px;\">\n<p><strong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 1.1em;\">\ud83d\udccc In this thread:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 20px; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<li><a style=\"color: #2e7d32; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#first-impressions\">\ud83c\udf45 First Impressions &amp; Yield<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #2e7d32; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#genetics-debate\">\ud83e\uddec The Genetics Debate: Unstable Crosses vs. Stable Heirlooms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #2e7d32; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#flavor-performance\">\ud83d\udc45 Flavor Profile &amp; Outdoor Performance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #2e7d32; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#pruning-strategy\">\u2702\ufe0f Pruning Strategy: Why Dark Galaxy Hates Being Pruned<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"first-impressions\" style=\"margin-top: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px;\">\ud83c\udf45 First Impressions &amp; Yield<\/h3>\n<p><!-- POST 1 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">SvetaR (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (27,468 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I got the seeds from Popenko. The description from his catalog read:<br \/>\n&#8220;Round, rusty-red with golden spots and speckles and purple splashes spreading from the shoulders, up to 2.5 oz (70g).. classic tomato flavor.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Here is what actually grew for me.<\/p>\n<p>The plant reached about 5.5 ft (160 cm). Definitely an indeterminate, it didn&#8217;t terminate on its own.<br \/>\nIt set fruit beautifully without dropping any blossoms, even though many other varieties skipped 3-4 trusses for me this season.<br \/>\nAveraged about 7 tomatoes per cluster.<br \/>\nInside, the flesh is red, and the taste is your classic tomato flavor.<br \/>\nIt&#8217;s gorgeous, literally looks like a tiny galaxy with constellations on the skin.<br \/>\nVery vigorous vine and completely disease-resistant for me.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited November 12, 2016 by Drosera<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/152\/11894-121116093557.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/152\/11894-121116093557.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy rusty red tomatoes with golden speckles and purple shoulders\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>SvetaR said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The height was about 5.5 ft&#8230; It set fruit perfectly, without skipping&#8230; Mainly 7 tomatoes per cluster.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Gorgeous! Did they actually hit the advertised weight (2.5 oz \/ 70g)?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">SvetaR (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (27,468 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I didn&#8217;t own a kitchen scale back then. But eyeballing it &#8211; yeah, pretty close. The fruits at the very end of the cluster were a bit smaller.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited November 12, 2016 by Drosera<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">SvetaR (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (27,468 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I&#8217;ll add a photo of the clusters on the vine. Only managed to find a picture of the green ones, though.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited November 12, 2016 by Drosera<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/152\/11894-121116093523.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/152\/11894-121116093523.jpeg\" alt=\"Unripe Dark Galaxy tomatoes showing anthocyanin purple expression\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>SvetaR said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ll add a photo of the clusters. True, I only found green ones.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Thanks for the photo. Fascinating color expression! \ud83d\ude18<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">D<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Dona70 (Tatyana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,692 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>My Galaxy seeds came from Redko. They turned out oblate (slightly flattened), incredibly beautiful, and super tasty. Weight was around 3.5 &#8211; 5 oz (100 &#8211; 150g). When sliced open, the flesh is intensely red and very meaty; there were surprisingly few seeds. I really regret not taking a picture of the cut&#8211;it\u2019s stunning. The plant only got to about 3 ft (1 m) tall for me, even inside the greenhouse. As for maturity, it&#8217;s definitely mid-late. I harvested the first fully ripe cluster on September 1st. I&#8217;d rate the yield a solid B+ (4 out of 5). I am definitely planting it again next year, and in larger numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">Z<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">ZhavoronoK (Ekaterina) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (3,619 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I caught myself just staring at them constantly. Such a unique color pattern, a true little cosmic tomato! \ud83d\ude04 Easily my favorite of the season in terms of pure beauty.<\/p>\n<p>Mine were definitely smaller than Tatyana&#8217;s (Dona70), though. \ud83e\udd37<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/86\/13265-270815043032.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/86\/thumb_13265-270815043032.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato showing gold speckles\" width=\"106\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/98\/13265-091115105947.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/98\/thumb_13265-091115105947.jpeg\" alt=\"Close up of anthocyanin purple on tomato skin\" width=\"106\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"genetics-debate\" style=\"margin-top: 25px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px;\">\ud83e\uddec The Genetics Debate: Unstable Crosses vs. Stable Heirlooms<\/h3>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Anela (Elena) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (3,216 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>But why are they turning out so different? Popenko&#8217;s are perfectly round, but Redko&#8217;s are different?? Mine from Redko look exactly like Dona&#8217;s oblate ones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">SvetaR (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (27,468 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Anela said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But why are they different from Popenko (round shape) and from Redko?? Mine from Redko are like Dona&#8217;s photo.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Good question! They even ended up with different skin coloring for us. But as for why; your guess is as good as mine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">D<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Drosera (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (5,413 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Yekaterinburg, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Almost all of the recently introduced purple &#8220;varieties&#8221; are actually still unstable crosses.<br \/>\nTrue heirloom varieties aren&#8217;t created that fast in just a few years.<br \/>\nDuring the F2, F3 generations, genetic segregation occurs, which is exactly why you&#8217;re seeing different mutations in shapes and colors popping up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">T<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">tomatinka (Vera) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (14,911 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Tyumen Region, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I completely agree with Sveta! And this applies to all the new super-exotics hitting the market. We are basically growing segregations and mutations that are being passed off as stable varieties. \ud83d\ude22 And the cat is out of the bag, no way to stop it now&#8230; \ud83d\ude1e<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Anela said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But why are they different from Popenko (round shape) and from Redko??<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Brad Gates actually released this developing line into the world at the F4 stage. Hence the genetic variations, which he explicitly warned buyers about:<\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Although this variety is only 3 generations old, it appears stable with the exception of some size variance.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">D<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Dona70 (Tatyana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,692 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Alisa said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Brad released this developing line into the world at the F4 stage. Hence the variations&#8230;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Well, if it grows true to type and gives me the exact same shape next year, I&#8217;ll be thrilled&#8230;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Dona70 said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the same shape repeats for me, I will be happy&#8230;.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>If you saved seeds from the biggest fruit with the most ideal shape, then you&#8217;ve got a decent shot at it growing true.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">D<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Drosera (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (5,413 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Yekaterinburg, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Alisa said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you took seeds from the biggest and most beautiful one in terms of shape, then there is a chance of repetition.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>You have absolutely the same chance of repetition as you would if you saved seeds from any random ugly fruit on that same plant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Drosera said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Absolutely the same chance as if taking seeds from any other fruit on that plant.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>I believe your statement is true for already established heirlooms, but not for unstable crosses currently at the F5-F8 stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">D<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Drosera (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (5,413 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Yekaterinburg, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Stable variety or segregating line,\u00a0 it doesn&#8217;t matter.<br \/>\nAcquired physical traits of a specific fruit are not genetically inherited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alisa <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,406 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Drosera said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Variety or hybrid &#8211; it doesn&#8217;t matter.<br \/>\nAcquired traits are not inherited.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Then what is the point of breeders selecting and rogueing lines for 8-11 years to stabilize new varieties?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">SvetaR (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (27,468 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Alisa said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you took seeds from the biggest and most beautiful one in terms of shape, then there is a chance of repetition.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>I saved my seeds from an average-sized fruit, but I specifically chose the one with the most vibrant skin coloring. Just putting that out there for anyone I mailed seeds to!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Anela (Elena) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (3,216 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/102\/13349-191215145244.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/102\/13349-191215145244.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato cluster\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"flavor-performance\" style=\"margin-top: 25px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px;\">\ud83d\udc45 Flavor Profile &amp; Outdoor Performance<\/h3>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">F<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Fotinia (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (8,948 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Tambov, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>What do they taste like? Is the variety resistant to foliar diseases?<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited December 26, 2015 by Drosera<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">N<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Nadfi (Nadezhda) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (801 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Fotinia said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What do they taste like? Is the variety resistant to diseases?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The taste is typical for anthocyanin varieties. It doesn&#8217;t succumb to disease easily, and it has a nice sweet flavor with that characteristic earthy aftertaste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">F<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Fotinia (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (8,948 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Tambov, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Nadfi said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Typical for anthocyanin varieties. Not prone to sickness, sweet taste with a characteristic aftertaste.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Very helpful information, thank you! \ud83d\ude18<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">L<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">LiliyaYa (Liliya) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (11,777 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Rostov-on-Don, Russia (USDA Zone 6)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>This variety completely charmed me!<br \/>\nGrown unprotected outdoors, reached about 6 ft (1.8m) tall, set clusters without dropping blossoms despite our intense heat, and ended up being one of the very first to ripen. Absolutely stunning tomatoes-the unripe green fruits have dark black spots and stripes, which turn into golden sparks as they ripen. Hands down the most beautiful tomato of my season!<br \/>\nI really enjoyed the taste too: sweet tomato flavor, definitely not bland, and very juicy.<br \/>\nSeeds came from Katya-ZhavoronoK, thank you so much for sharing! \ud83c\udf3a<br \/>\nI have nothing but positive things to say about Dark Galaxy. Added it to my permanent grow list and will be planting it every year.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/14526-130716040253.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/thumb_14526-130716040253.jpeg\" alt=\"Unripe Dark Galaxy tomato with black anthocyanin spots\" width=\"120\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/14526-130716040223.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/thumb_14526-130716040223.jpeg\" alt=\"Ripening Dark Galaxy showing gold sparks\" width=\"120\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/14526-130716040334.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/thumb_14526-130716040334.jpeg\" alt=\"Ripe beautiful Dark Galaxy tomato\" width=\"120\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/127\/14526-290616080032.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/127\/thumb_14526-290616080032.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato sliced open\" width=\"160\" height=\"120\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Sofiya 27 (Sofiya) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (2,154 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>My Galaxy is from V. Redko. Grown in a greenhouse, reached about 5.5 ft (1.7m) tall. I thoroughly enjoyed this tomato. Incredibly gorgeous; the base color shifted from bright red to a deep brick-red, and honestly, every single fruit has a unique color pattern,, no two are alike. The flavor is a solid tomato profile with noticeable sweetness. Because of the extreme heat, I barely pruned it, intentionally leaving a thick canopy for shade. As a result, the fruits are on the smaller side, ranging from 2 &#8211; 3.5 oz (50 &#8211; 100g), but there are tons of them on every truss.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/13683-130716072636.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/131\/thumb_13683-130716072636.jpeg\" alt=\"Unripe purple Dark Galaxy tomatoes\" width=\"160\" height=\"120\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/134\/13683-250716235647.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/134\/thumb_13683-250716235647.jpeg\" alt=\"Brick red and purple Dark Galaxy tomatoes\" width=\"160\" height=\"89\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">L<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Lana_s_Kavkaza (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (19,262 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Pyatigorsk, Russia (USDA Zone 6)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>This variety naturally has wispy, sparse foliage, so in the extreme Southern heat, it desperately needs shade cloth. It also doesn&#8217;t put out many suckers, and I instantly regretted pinching them off. I really should have let it grow out to 3 or 4 main stems. Still, the plant is a beauty! Seeds from Anela, thank you!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Shevyachok (Lyudmila) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (12,037 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Omsk Region, Siberia, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I am eagerly waiting for fruit on this variety. But so far, it&#8217;s acting like a stubborn brat. It was the very first indeterminate to flower in my garden on June 7th. Today is July 9th, and it hasn&#8217;t set a single fruit yet. Aside from that, it&#8217;s a very pretty vine! I guess I&#8217;ll keep waiting!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Shevyachok (Lyudmila) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (12,037 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Omsk Region, Siberia, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Just like some other late-blooming indeterminates do, it flowered and flowered for weeks, and then suddenly decided to set fruit on all the trusses at once. Counted 36 little tomatoes on the vine today.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/185\/22760-030817022024-1853122442.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/185\/22760-030817022024-1853122442.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy plant suddenly setting many fruits\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">E<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Ellis_Cu (Tatyana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (126 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kolomna, Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Seeds from ForumHouse. I have 5 plants growing right now. They are all in different microclimates, but the one thing they have in common is that they get shade or partial shade. It definitely sets fruit much better in partial shade. However, wherever the foliage heavily shades the fruit, you don&#8217;t get the dark speckling.<\/p>\n<p>The coloring is incredibly inconsistent\u2014on three plants the tomatoes have almost no stripes, on another one they look exactly like a peach, and for the last two it&#8217;s too early to tell since the fruit sets are still the size of ping-pong balls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Alena SPb (Alena) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (225 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd St. Petersburg, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>And here is my Dark Galaxy. Easily the crown jewel of my garden. The taste, the outer appearance, the sliced interior, everything is just amazing!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">L<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Ludochka (Lyuda) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (76 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Ryazan Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>This is my second year growing it outdoors in the ground. Seeds from Gusev. Completely disease-resistant! Even with this brutal summer we had, it didn&#8217;t let me down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">amarant (Alla) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (4,069 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Nizhny Novgorod, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Grew Dark Galaxy for the first time this season.<br \/>\nI had two plants in the greenhouse: one was in full baking sun, and the second ended up in partial shade. Both topped out around 5.5 ft (160 cm). The first plant threw out perfectly round tomatoes, slightly larger than a ping-pong ball. On the second plant, all the fruits were slightly oblate and noticeably larger. The skin coloring, however, was identical on both and perfectly matches the variety description. Extremely beautiful, tasty, and productive tomatoes.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited August 29, 2017 by amarant<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060441-190298876.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060441-190298876.jpeg\" alt=\"Round Dark Galaxy tomatoes\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/189\/13612-240817140843.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/189\/13612-240817140843.jpeg\" alt=\"Oblate Dark Galaxy tomatoes\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060619.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060619.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomatoes showing speckles\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060441-190332630.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/190\/13612-290817060441-190332630.jpeg\" alt=\"Ripe harvested Dark Galaxy\" width=\"512\" height=\"288\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Shevyachok (Lyudmila) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (12,037 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Omsk Region, Siberia, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>This beauty finally ripened! Extremely delicious!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/191\/22760-070917235205.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/191\/thumb_22760-070917235205.jpeg\" alt=\"Ripe Dark Galaxy tomato held in hand\" width=\"160\" height=\"120\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">T<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Tatunya (Tanya) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (13,818 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Istra District, Moscow Region (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Isn&#8217;t &#8216;Blue Chocolate&#8217; the exact same thing as this? Unfortunately, I probably won&#8217;t get to taste test it properly, as only one fruit is ripening on the vine right now. The seedling almost died, took forever to recover, and I was going to cull it. But I decided to spare it, and since I had no room left, I shoved it into a tight corner on the edge of the bed. Shockingly, it still fruited. \ud83d\ude15<\/p>\n<p>I planted Dark Galaxy, and honestly, early in the season when we had an abundance of other varieties, it didn&#8217;t impress me. But we just ate some of the late harvests, and I actually really liked it! Firm flesh, holds up very well in storage. I remember harvesting them when they were only 25% ripe, which means we ate the ones that ripened off the vine in cardboard boxes indoors. Looks like I will be repeating it next year specifically for late-season consumption.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">E<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Ellis_Cu (Tatyana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (126 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kolomna, Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Dark Galaxy definitely segregates. I&#8217;m currently growing 2 distinct forms of it, as far as I can tell. One throws large fruits, the other is noticeably smaller. This year the large one produced tomatoes so big I was genuinely amazed.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;ll grow anywhere, but it definitely performs best under a polycarbonate roof. And the more sunlight hits the skin, the darker the purple anthocyanin gets. However, the plant itself really prefers to be slightly shaded, and the fruits swell up larger in those cooler spots.<\/p>\n<p>The flavor is just regular tomato, but honestly, for a visual pattern like that, all sins are forgiven. Even if the plant only produced 2 tomatoes all year, I would still grow it.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the smaller form (it slowly gets bigger year after year as I save seeds).<\/p>\n<p>And here is the large form (in the photo, that marker is 1\/2 inch (1.5 cm) thick, just to give you a sense of scale).<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited January 27, 2021 by Ellis_Cu<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/207863031_.jpg.bec4ea77bff11837f94274b81946cca6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/1400298082_.thumb.jpg.d35478ee82846bb749bdfbbc9025f930.jpg\" alt=\"Small round form of Dark Galaxy tomato\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/121656596_2643614525890535_929398441773735691_n.jpg.57adc55cd0f00c59be374c63a60e7a9c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/121656596_2643614525890535_929398441773735691_n.thumb.jpg.cbfaecdaa67bd5e54e63918ea7bcc6f4.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy cluster\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/330503230_.jpg.6c0a24159d03354e9a16713da38f8e01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/1637882515_.thumb.jpg.7fcd68efc91fd61e0eac58701457ee3f.jpg\" alt=\"Large oblate form of Dark Galaxy showing segregation\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">G<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">guseva_tlt (Olga) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (15 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Well, my Dark Galaxy from Popenko wasn&#8217;t very impressive at all. Just a few dull speckles and the faintest hint of blue on the shoulders. \ud83d\ude1e<\/p>\n<p>Now I&#8217;m debating what to do. What will grow if I plant these saved seeds? Is there a chance that if I put it in a better location next year, the tomatoes will look prettier? Or should I just cut my losses and buy fresh seed from a different vendor?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">S<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Sparite (Ekaterina) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (1 post)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Unknown<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>The skin coloring on Dark Galaxy depends heavily on UV lighting. The more direct sunlight the fruit catches, the darker the purple anthocyanin gets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">L<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Lisenok (Elena) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (13,990 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Ryazan Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/235\/67-120818082454.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/235\/67-120818082454.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomatoes grown by Lisenok\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/235\/67-120818082641.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/235\/67-120818082641.jpeg\" alt=\"Close up of Dark Galaxy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">L<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Lana_s_Kavkaza (Svetlana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (19,262 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Pyatigorsk, Russia (USDA Zone 6)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Re-uploading the photos, the old links broke.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.svetlanaf-ecosemena.ru\/image\/cache\/data\/incoming\/ecosemena.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/11\/dark-galaxy-d182d0b5d0bcd0bdd0b0d18f-d0b3d0b0d0bbd0b0d0bad182d0b8d0bad0b0-1209.jpgssl_1_amp;w_450-500x500.jpeg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.svetlanaf-ecosemena.ru\/image\/cache\/data\/incoming\/ecosemena.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/11\/dark-galaxy-d182d0b5d0bcd0bdd0b0d18f-d0b3d0b0d0bbd0b0d0bad182d0b8d0bad0b0-1209.jpgssl_1_amp;w_450-500x500.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy re-uploaded photos\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.svetlanaf-ecosemena.ru\/image\/cache\/data\/incoming\/ecosemena.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/11\/dark-galaxy-1209-2.jpgssl_1_amp;w_450-500x500.jpeg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.svetlanaf-ecosemena.ru\/image\/cache\/data\/incoming\/ecosemena.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/11\/dark-galaxy-1209-2.jpgssl_1_amp;w_450-500x500.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy re-uploaded photos part 2\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">G<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Grig (Marina) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,978 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Altai Territory, Siberia, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>The vine was absolutely smothered in small, stunningly beautiful tomatoes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/1264102434_.jpg.8f8157751c829aef06bf194fab7c4306.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/686886306_.thumb.jpg.899c79571a3927714abf0c6125a06d94.jpg\" alt=\"Bush heavily loaded with Dark Galaxy tomatoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">V<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Vitana (Natalya) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (6,777 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Udmurtia, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I&#8217;m growing Dark Galaxy for the second year now. The visual appeal, the taste;;it has it all! I can easily forgive the small fruit size because of it.<\/p>\n<p>This year, one of the tomatoes actually swelled up to a decent size:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/189\/16852-260817151631.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/newforum\/galleries\/189\/16852-260817151631.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato grown by Vitana\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/small.347350370_3.JPG.3e69711a72b511829451405e3d12a3f0.JPG\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/small.347350370_3.JPG.3e69711a72b511829451405e3d12a3f0.JPG\" alt=\"Large Dark Galaxy fruit on scale\" width=\"184\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/large.28499462_DSCN3996.JPG.264abace5cb311433c639feb2f7d5cdf.JPG\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2018_12\/large.28499462_DSCN3996.JPG.264abace5cb311433c639feb2f7d5cdf.JPG\" alt=\"Sliced Dark Galaxy tomato showing meaty interior\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"pruning-strategy\" style=\"margin-top: 25px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 5px;\">\u2702\ufe0f Pruning Strategy: Why Dark Galaxy Hates Being Pruned<\/h3>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">V<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Valtwelve (Valeriy) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,846 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Between Samara and Ufa, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>In the greenhouse, I had 2 plants pruned to a single leader. Outdoors in-ground, I grew 1 plant pruned to 2 stems. The greenhouse plants grew super vigorous, while the outdoor one stayed much smaller. It definitely loves heat and will continue setting fruit even in scorching temps. The stems are very thick. The leaves are large, but the canopy itself isn&#8217;t too dense. It&#8217;s a heavy feeder and responds well to fertilizer. The canopy density on a single-leader plant is about 40-50%. The spread of a single stem is at least 16 in (40 cm) wide.<\/p>\n<p>The flavor is wonderful, very tomatoey. It&#8217;s not a pink tomato flavor, not yellow, and not brick-red\u2014it has its own unique profile, maybe a distant hint of cherry sweetness: a solid 5 out of 5. But it makes me wonder: is it really worth planting a whole vine just for fresh eating? It&#8217;s a bit too sweet for general salads, IMHO, and there are far better varieties for making juice. Seeds were from V. Redko.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited August 4, 2020 by Valtwelve<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/1881603239_04_08_20.jpg.59279f212a1a2df998a87631d2098415.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/1384856487_04_08_20.thumb.jpg.ddcba9ee4f0e780772e31c7ba59c3eb1.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato grown in open ground\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/2043595966_09_07_20.jpg.240e7af72634ed1acbe19c8230ccaa33.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/54819207_09_07_20.thumb.jpg.9c37cfce4575d5e81025ff18417242a2.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato grown in greenhouse\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/2071839869_01_08.jpg.cb9421e17ad409a05e5060f6a46a7522.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/595761534_01_08.thumb.jpg.88907a0c4e19973b87049cbfa9714ea1.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful galaxy skin pattern\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/996996714_.jpg.7b6274f01bc4e7d48b09288304aa4c7c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/308222754_.thumb.jpg.453f2ca6760c230b991cb34956e06075.jpg\" alt=\"Harvested tomatoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/336173889_3.jpg.25fd4ff6fbc65450547d0970aea4ade0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/1411882013_3.thumb.jpg.3f7cfe0cad701537ff09468b64cc8fc1.jpg\" alt=\"More harvested tomatoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/105329427_17_04_20.jpg.0e1ec81fa4960cb014ce6660252f43b2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/490581347_17_04_20.thumb.jpg.30fe9b1fa9ce0abf76f5835b6675c70a.jpg\" alt=\"Seedlings of Dark Galaxy\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/1917267896_.jpg.937eeb85019266c792f06c60c42cbb57.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2020_08\/1402812480_.thumb.jpg.82c5336b3680d12f4869dcc367f17fc4.jpg\" alt=\"Planting details\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">E<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Ellis_Cu (Tatyana) <span class=\"author-stats\">\ud83d\udc64 User (126 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kolomna, Moscow Region, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Dark Galaxy definitely segregates. I&#8217;m currently growing 2 distinct forms of it, as far as I can tell. One throws large fruits, the other is noticeably smaller. This year the large one produced tomatoes so big I was genuinely amazed.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;ll grow anywhere, but it definitely performs best under a polycarbonate roof. And the more sunlight hits the skin, the darker the purple anthocyanin gets. However, the plant itself really prefers to be slightly shaded, and the fruits swell up larger in those cooler spots.<\/p>\n<p>The flavor is just regular tomato, but honestly, for a visual pattern like that, all sins are forgiven. Even if the plant only produced 2 tomatoes all year, I would still grow it.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the smaller form (it slowly gets bigger year after year as I save seeds).<\/p>\n<p>And here is the large form (in the photo, that marker is 1\/2 inch (1.5 cm) thick, just to give you a sense of scale).<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited January 27, 2021 by Ellis_Cu<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/207863031_.jpg.bec4ea77bff11837f94274b81946cca6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/1400298082_.thumb.jpg.d35478ee82846bb749bdfbbc9025f930.jpg\" alt=\"Small round form of Dark Galaxy tomato\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/121656596_2643614525890535_929398441773735691_n.jpg.57adc55cd0f00c59be374c63a60e7a9c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/121656596_2643614525890535_929398441773735691_n.thumb.jpg.cbfaecdaa67bd5e54e63918ea7bcc6f4.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy cluster\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/330503230_.jpg.6c0a24159d03354e9a16713da38f8e01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2021_01\/1637882515_.thumb.jpg.7fcd68efc91fd61e0eac58701457ee3f.jpg\" alt=\"Large oblate form of Dark Galaxy showing segregation\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">N<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">neLENtyayka (Elena) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (2,774 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Kemerovo, Siberia, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Dark Galaxy<\/p>\n<p>Beautiful. Productive. Completely unimpressed by the taste&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220824_122449.jpg.52551923a6367f74e711c076eeeef175.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220824_122449.thumb.jpg.bc06d88a164a66c27acdfa2790bede16.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato grown by Elena\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220824_122454.jpg.e29067d65af8c4110cff8f7da406b507.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220824_122454.thumb.jpg.1f129e7be17ea94e1093833c3f396dd9.jpg\" alt=\"Beautifully speckled tomatoes\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220910_131655.jpg.1a47dd8ee2787329c5f67467562cb641.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220910_131655.thumb.jpg.f2b9cb9b4d2abd1dcb6749241765961d.jpg\" alt=\"Sliced Dark Galaxy\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220910_131703.jpg.90144d4ebe864ace13924d2f5c944768.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/IMG_20220910_131703.thumb.jpg.11e6e0e57f972f353ddf8e1e9247170b.jpg\" alt=\"Red interior of Dark Galaxy tomato\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">V<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Valtwelve (Valeriy) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,846 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Between Samara and Ufa, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>I am making a significant amendment after 3 years of growing Dark Galaxy. Namely: it turns out this variety absolutely despises heavy pruning and yields exponentially more when allowed to grow out 4-5 leaders (stems), meaning almost zero sucker pinching. Of course, this only works if you feed it heavily.<\/p>\n<p>It also turns out that, given the massive yields from this method, they are actually fantastic for canning whole in brine. I didn&#8217;t take any photos this year, unfortunately, even though I had plenty to show off. The attached photo is from last year, grown to 2 stems, I believe. I will keep planting it; the variety is solid, I like it, and it&#8217;s definitely a keeper for me. Looking at photos from other gardeners in this thread, I also notice there\u2019s a totally different Dark Galaxy line out there that looks nothing like mine. Again, my seeds were from V. Redko.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited November 17, 2022 by Valtwelve<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/178112498_14_07.jpg.7dbe2f5fee3ca341f2db398458929d82.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2022_11\/579560273_14_07.thumb.jpg.da5c31d32ac0e325e834b90796412cb9.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomatoes heavily loaded on the vine when pruned to 4 stems\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">V<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Valtwelve (Valeriy) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,846 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Between Samara and Ufa, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>Still going strong with this variety. Even though May was bitterly cold, my 2 plants out in the open garden pushed through and managed to produce. Photo taken 08\/01\/2024.<\/p>\n<p><em>Edited August 5, 2024 by Valtwelve<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2024_08\/1149498187_01_08.jpg.d0ff2ab134dd6407bfb34f5a52ceebf2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2024_08\/325188044_01_08.thumb.jpg.6d5e708125ffe153294296c251181582.jpg\" alt=\"Dark Galaxy tomato bush surviving a cold spring\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2024_08\/1264261473_1_08.jpg.a180520e1de3285a6925ab16e41e25e2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/uploads\/monthly_2024_08\/1107916698_1_08.thumb.jpg.be21009a221eea95c0ac682596cdb05e.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of resilient Dark Galaxy vine\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">A<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Ariya (Mariya) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (2,762 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd North of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia (USDA Zone 3)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<p>In the photo, those fruits look completely pitch black. Are they really that dark, or is it just the lighting in the picture?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"forum-post\">\n<div class=\"author-header\">\n<div class=\"forum-avatar\">V<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-meta\">\n<div class=\"author-name\">Valtwelve (Valeriy) <span class=\"author-stats\">\u2b50 Pro Grower (1,846 posts)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"author-geo\">\ud83d\udccd Between Samara and Ufa, Russia (USDA Zone 4)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-content\">\n<blockquote><p><strong>Ariya said:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In the photo the fruits are completely black. Are they really like that, or is it just the photo?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>That\u2019s just because they are growing in the outdoor sun-more direct UV rays mean heavier anthocyanin expression, plus they haven&#8217;t ripened yet. Once they fully ripen, the bottoms will turn red with golden star speckles, and the black anthocyanin will recede and look much less intense, just like in the other photos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Summary of Dark Galaxy \ud83c\udf0d Origin: Originally bred in the USA by Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms. He released this variety into the world at an early stage (F3\/F4 generation), warning that it was slightly unstable. This forum thread is a fascinating deep-dive into how Russian growers stabilized different lines of it over &#8230; <a title=\"Dark Galaxy Heirloom Tomato Review\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/dark-galaxy\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Dark Galaxy Heirloom Tomato Review\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,66,89,443,94],"tags":[410,257,421,19,50,33,422],"class_list":["post-931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anthocyanin","category-bicolor","category-black-purple-tomatoes","category-exotic","category-heirloom-other","tag-american-heirloom","tag-anthocyanin","tag-brad-gates","tag-dark-tomato","tag-high-yield","tag-indeterminate","tag-wild-boar-farms"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=931"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6370,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931\/revisions\/6370"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomat-pomidor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}