Tomato Indigo Rose Seeds

Solanum lycopersicum

Indigo Rose is a striking tomato producing small salad-sized to large cherry fruits approximately 5–7 cm across. Fruit exposed to sunlight develops dramatic deep purple to almost black shoulders, while the remainder ripens to a rich red. The dark colour comes from naturally occurring anthocyanin pigments.

Developed through conventional breeding at Oregon State University, Indigo Rose was released in 2012 as one of the first widely available tomatoes bred to contain high levels of anthocyanins in the fruit. These pigments are antioxidants also responsible for the blue, purple and red colouring of foods such as blueberries and blackberries.

Plants are vigorous, productive and indeterminate, yet adapt well to growing in large containers with adequate support. For the best flavour, allow the fruit to ripen fully, waiting until the shaded portions have developed a deep red colour and the fruit has softened slightly.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Good sunlight encourages development of the characteristic dark pigmentation. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 80 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.