Overview

Discover the fascinating world of heirloom gardening with our premium Indigo Rose tomato seeds. This remarkable variety is celebrated for being the first truly purple tomato, boasting a rich concentration of anthocyanin – the same powerful antioxidant found in superfoods like blueberries. Bred using traditional, non-GMO methods by Jim Myers at Oregon State University, the Indigo Rose tomato seeds offer a unique gardening experience. These seeds trace their lineage back to wild tomatoes discovered in the Galapagos Islands and Chile in the 1960s, bringing a piece of botanical history to your garden. Cultivating these seeds allows you to grow a visually stunning and nutritionally dense fruit, perfect for fresh eating, salads, and culinary creations that demand a touch of the extraordinary.

Each packet contains 50 organically grown tomato seeds, ensuring you start with a healthy foundation for robust plants. The Indigo Rose tomato is not just a novelty; it’s a testament to natural breeding innovation, offering gardeners a chance to grow a fruit that combines exceptional color with notable health benefits. Experience the joy of harvesting your own vibrant, dark-hued tomatoes, knowing they are packed with beneficial compounds. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, these seeds provide an exciting opportunity to explore a unique and rewarding tomato variety.

Key Benefits

Growing Indigo Rose tomatoes from seed offers a multitude of advantages for both your garden and your health. This exceptional variety provides unique characteristics that set it apart:

• Rich in Anthocyanin: The striking deep purple color of the Indigo Rose tomato indicates a high concentration of anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential health benefits, similar to those found in blueberries.
• Visually Stunning Harvest: These tomatoes develop a beautiful, almost black-purple skin where exposed to sunlight, making them a captivating addition to any garden and a vibrant highlight in salads and dishes.
• Non-GMO & Traditionally Bred: Enjoy peace of mind knowing these tomatoes were developed through traditional breeding methods over many years, without genetic modification, making them a natural choice for your garden.
• Excellent Flavor Profile: Beyond their unique appearance and health benefits, Indigo Rose tomato seeds yield fruits with a delicious, balanced flavor that is both sweet and tangy, perfect for a variety of culinary uses.
• Homegrown Goodness: Cultivating your own deep purple tomato seeds ensures you have fresh, high-quality produce free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, right at your fingertips.
• Unique Gardening Experience: Growing this distinctive variety offers a rewarding experience, allowing you to observe the transformation from seed to a truly unique, healthy fruit.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To successfully cultivate your Indigo Rose tomato seeds, follow these essential care and growing tips. Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C) for optimal germination. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light, either from a south-facing window or under grow lights, to prevent them from becoming leggy. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

For outdoor planting, choose a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Provide support such as stakes or cages early in the season to manage the indeterminate growth habit of the Indigo Rose tomato. Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced organic tomato fertilizer once fruits begin to set. Keep an eye out for common tomato pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic solutions. The non-GMO tomato seeds will produce vigorous plants with proper care.

Size & Details

Each packet contains 50 organically grown tomato seeds, providing ample opportunity to establish a thriving crop of Indigo Rose tomatoes. These indeterminate tomato plants will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. The fruits typically mature to a medium size, generally weighing between 1-2 ounces, and feature a unique deep purple to black skin where exposed to sunlight, with a reddish interior. They usually begin to ripen approximately 75-80 days after transplanting. The plants themselves can reach heights of 4-6 feet or more with proper staking and care, making them suitable for various garden sizes. The vibrant coloration and compact fruit size make them ideal for snacking, salads, or adding a pop of color to any dish. Expect a continuous harvest of these striking and healthy tomatoes from mid-summer until the first frost, making Indigo Rose tomato seeds a valuable addition to any home garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many seeds are included in this packet? A: This packet contains 50 organically grown tomato seeds, providing a generous quantity for your gardening needs and allowing for multiple plantings or sharing.
• Q: What makes Indigo Rose tomatoes purple? A: The deep purple color of Indigo Rose tomato seeds is due to a high concentration of anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant pigment. This compound develops in the fruit when exposed to sunlight during ripening.
• Q: Are these seeds GMO? A: No, these are non-GMO tomato seeds. The Indigo Rose variety was developed using traditional breeding methods over many years, not through genetic modification.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Indigo Rose tomato seeds? A: For best results, start your Indigo Rose tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last anticipated frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
• Q: How much sunlight do these tomatoes need? A: Indigo Rose tomato plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the best fruit and develop their characteristic deep purple color.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for Indigo Rose tomatoes? A: These tomatoes prefer rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.8). Amend your garden soil with plenty of organic matter for optimal growth.
• Q: How tall do Indigo Rose tomato plants get? A: As indeterminate varieties, Indigo Rose plants can grow quite tall, typically reaching 4-6 feet or more with proper support like stakes or cages.
• Q: Are Indigo Rose tomatoes good for cooking? A: Yes, anthocyanin rich tomato fruits are excellent for fresh eating, salads, and light cooking where their unique color and balanced flavor can be appreciated.
• Q: What is the USDA hardiness zone for growing these tomatoes? A: Tomatoes are typically grown as annuals in most USDA zones, but they thrive in warmer climates. They are generally suitable for outdoor cultivation in zones 3-10 during the warm growing season.