Purple tomatoes, also known as Indigo Rose tomatoes, are a relatively new and distinct tomato variety that has swept the globe in recent years. These tomatoes have an eye-catching purple-black colour and are high in antioxidants, making them a popular fruit in the world of health and nutrition. This article will go over how to grow purple tomatoes, from planting to harvesting and everything in between.
Planting
Purple tomatoes are typically grown from seed, and selecting a high-quality seed is critical to ensuring a healthy and productive plant. Purple tomato seeds should be planted in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Fill a tray with high-quality potting soil and plant 2-3 seeds in each cell to start your seeds. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently water them. Keep the tray in a warm, sunny location and the soil moist but not wet. Once the seedlings have emerged and developed their first set of true leaves, thin them out so that each cell contains only one healthy seedling.
Transplanting
When your seedlings reach a height of 4-6 inches and develop a few sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or the ground. If you are transplanting into containers, choose a container with a minimum diameter of 12 inches and fill it with high-quality potting soil. Remove the seedling from its original cell gently, taking care not to damage the delicate roots, and place it in the centre of the container. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright spot.
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil if you are planting your purple tomato in the ground. Make a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling and place it in it, ensuring that the top of the soil is level with the surrounding ground. To help retain moisture, water the plant thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base.
Maintenance
Purple tomatoes need to be watered on a regular basis to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To encourage deep and strong roots, it is important to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently. Fertilise your plants with a balanced fertiliser every 3-4 weeks, as directed by the manufacturer.
It is also critical to support your purple tomato plants, as they can grow quite tall and heavy. Stakes, cages, or trellises can be used to support the plant and keep it from falling over due to the weight of its fruit.
Harvesting
Purple tomatoes are ready to pick 75-80 days after planting. When ripe, the fruit will turn a deep purple-black colour and should feel slightly soft to the touch. Harvest your purple tomatoes by gently twisting the fruit off the vine, taking care not to damage the stem or plant.
Storage
Purple tomatoes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to a week after they've been harvested. They can also be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. Wash and dry your purple tomatoes thoroughly before cutting them into slices or wedges and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Transfer the tomatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag after they have frozen solid.
