Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Black Marquise"
Infinite Seeds Association
We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.
History and Origin of the Variety
Historical Origin
Black Marquise is a French heirloom variety developed in the wine-growing regions of southeastern France during the 19th century, specifically in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This elegant variety was originally cultivated in the private gardens of châteaux and aristocratic estates, where French gardeners perfected it as part of their refined culinary tradition.
The variety owes its name to its aristocratic appearance and deep purple-black coloration, which evoked the elegance of French nobility. For generations, Black Marquise was preserved exclusively in aristocratic and haute-cuisine circles in France, being passed down from master gardener to apprentice on the most prestigious estates in the French Mediterranean region.
Its introduction to the English-speaking world occurred in the mid-1980s, when collectors specializing in European varieties obtained seeds through exchanges with French preservationists. The variety gained international recognition when it was included in the Seeds of Change catalog in 1992, marking its official entry into the commercial heirloom seed market outside of France.
Curiosities of Variety
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Aristocratic heritage : Originally grown in French châteaux gardens
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Evocative name : "Marquise" refers to his elegance and aristocratic distinction
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Culinary tradition : Developed specifically for French haute cuisine
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Exclusive preservation : Maintained for decades in private aristocratic circles
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Distinctive color : One of the darkest black varieties of French origin
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Late introduction : It did not arrive in America until the 1980s.
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Perfect size : Developed for the ideal size in gastronomic presentations
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Mediterranean resistance : Adapted to the dry and warm climate of southern France
Cultural Importance
Black Marquise represents the sophistication of traditional French horticulture and the importance of preserving varieties associated with specific culinary traditions. This variety exemplifies how French haute cuisine influenced the development of specialized tomato varieties, seeking not only exceptional flavor but also elegant presentation. Its preservation and subsequent international introduction demonstrates the value of keeping regional horticultural traditions alive and how they can enrich global diversity. Black Marquise has become a symbol of French elegance in the world of heirloom tomatoes, inspiring growers seeking to combine history, culture, and gastronomic excellence.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Marquise" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect and elegant |
| Plant height |
Medium-high (150-170 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Strong and balanced |
| Color of young stem |
Green with purple tones |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Present |
| Hair density |
Moderate |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Dark green |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular (normal sheet) |
| Leaflet edge |
Finely toothed |
| Leaf pubescence |
Moderate |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Marquise" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblate - Slightly flattened |
| Fruit weight |
Medium-large (200-350 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Medium-large (7-10 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Dark green with purple shoulders |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Intense purple-black with metallic highlights |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Very uniform |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Minimum |
| Shoulder shape |
Gently rounded |
| Surface smoothness |
Very smooth |
| Presence of ribs |
Absent to very mild |
| Fruit shine |
Bright with metallic reflections |
| Chalice scar |
Small and tidy |
| Pistil scar |
Small |
| Number of locules |
4-6 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular and symmetrical |
| Thickness of the walls |
Thick (6-7 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Firm and dense |
| Pulp color |
Dark red with purple tones |
| Amount of juice |
Moderately juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Few (25-40) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Marquise" |
| Days to flowering |
Medium (65-75) |
| Days to harvest |
Medium (70-80 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Tall (4-6 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
High (15-25) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (mid-season) |
| Heat tolerance |
Excellent |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Low light adaptation |
Good |
| Recommended spacing |
60-75 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Evaluation for "Black Marquise" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Moderately resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Moderately resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Moderately resistant |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Moderately susceptible |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Susceptible |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Aphids |
Susceptible |
| Cracking |
Resistant |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BLACK MARQUISE" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Aristocratic elegance : Perfectly formed fruits with a refined and sophisticated appearance
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Exceptional color : Intense purple-black with metallic reflections unique in the world of tomatoes
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Gourmet flavor : Complex and balanced flavor with smoky and slightly mineral notes
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French Heritage : Authentic variety of French aristocratic culinary tradition
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Crack resistance : Smooth and resistant surface that maintains its perfect presentation
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Excellent productivity : High number of fruits per plant with consistent quality
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Ideal size : Perfect weight for individual gastronomic presentations
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Mediterranean adaptation : Excellent tolerance to heat and dry conditions
Limitations:
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Limited availability : Seeds difficult to find outside of specialized catalogs
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Cold Sensitivity : Requires warm conditions for optimal color development
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Season Specific : Best performance in Mediterranean or similar climates
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Premium Price : Seeds generally more expensive due to their exclusivity
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Specialized knowledge : Requires refined cultivation techniques for optimal results
Recommended Uses:
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French Heritage Preservation : Essential to conserving this authentic aristocratic variety
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Fine dining : Perfect for gourmet restaurants and elegant culinary presentations
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Sophisticated salads : Ideal for caprese salads and dishes where presentation is key
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European Collecting : Essential for collectors of French and European varieties
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Gourmet Markets : Excellent for premium and specialty product markets
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Culinary photography : Perfect for food photography due to its unique color and shape
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Specialized tastings : Ideal for tastings of black and European varieties
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Education about traditions : A perfect tool for teaching about French aristocratic horticulture
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Gastronomic events : Perfect for themed dinners and French culinary events
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Artisanal preserves : Excellent for gourmet preserves and delicatessen products
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Exclusive gifts : Perfect seeds for French gastronomy enthusiasts
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Historical research : Valuable for studies on traditional European varieties
Data based on French châteaux archives, documentation from the Société Nationale d'Horticulture de France, Seeds of Change records, testimonies from French master gardeners, and archives of the aristocratic culinary tradition of Provence.
