Indigo Rose Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Indigo Rose'
vegetableA high-anthocyanin tomato bred at Oregon State University that turns deep purple-black wherever sunlight hits the skin. The shaded underside stays red when ripe. Flavor is rich and plummy with good balanced acidity. A novelty that is also genuinely delicious.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~80 days
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
24-36 in
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Planting Depth
Bury stem 2/3 deep
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Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; again at first flower; light feeding monthly through harvest
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 at transplant; low-nitrogen tomato formula once fruiting
🌱 Growing Guide
Grow exactly like other indeterminate slicers. Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost, transplant after soil is warm, and cage or stake firmly. Full sun exposure is essential to trigger the purple pigment in the skin. Fruits will not color well in dense shade. Water consistently and avoid nitrogen overload, which favors leaves over fruit.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Mar 4
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 18
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Basil — Improves flavor and repels common pests
- French Marigold — Nematode suppression in soil
- Nasturtium — Trap crop for aphids away from tomatoes
- Parsley — Attracts beneficial insects that prey on caterpillars
❌ Keep away from
BrassicasFennel
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Check for frass on leaves daily; handpick or use Bt spray
Reflective silver mulch deters winged aphids; strong water spray knocks off colonies
Increase humidity around plants; neem oil spray every 7 days in hot weather
Consistent watering and calcium-containing fertilizer
🌾 Harvest & storage
Ripe when the purple-black top color is deep and the red bottom is fully red. The fruit will give slightly when pressed. Purple color fades to brown after ripening on the vine too long. Pick daily once the season peaks.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Exceptionally high in anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in blueberries), plus lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium.
⚠️ Toxicity & safety
Eat the ripe fruit only. Tomato leaves and stems (and large amounts of very unripe green fruit) contain solanine-type compounds and are not for eating.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.