Indigo Rose
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Open-pollinated cherry from USA, 2012. The first widely released high-anthocyanin tomato: near-black where the sun hits it. Ready in about 91 days from transplant.
- Open-pollinated
- 91 days to maturity (from transplant)
- Indeterminate
- Cocktail-size fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Cherry 1–2 oz (35–55 g) · Round (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Plant height
- 5–7 ft (150–210 cm) (estimated) Tall
- Spacing
- 24 × 35 in (60 × 90 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground
- Container growing
- Not suited to pots
- Skin
-
- Purple
- Interior
-
- Red
Plant size and habit
Tall · Indeterminate
5–7 ft (150–210 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Indigo Rose is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 5–7 ft (150–210 cm).
Flavor
“The first widely released high-anthocyanin tomato: near-black where the sun hits it.”
Growing calendar
- Sow indoors
- Transplant out
- Harvest
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Fresh & salads
- Snacking
- Novelty color
- Gift worthy
- Market favorite
Origin
Indigo Rose was released in 2012 by Jim Myers's breeding program at Oregon State University. Myers described it as the first improved tomato variety in the world with anthocyanins in its fruit, bred from wild tomato species crosses begun in the 1960s. Anthocyanin develops only where sunlight strikes the fruit, so the shaded underside stays red and is the reliable ripeness cue.
Sources
- Indigo Rose, Tatiana's TOMATOBase (infobox: midseason, indet., regular leaf, blue/black, round, small, open-pollinated, USA; history: developed by Jim Myers at Oregon State University, PVP status granted 2014) ↗
- OSU unveils new purple tomato, 'Indigo Rose' (Oregon State University Newsroom, Jan 27 2012 press release: released 2012, bred by Jim Myers, OSU horticulture; first improved variety with fruit anthocyanins per Myers; 91 days average first-ripe date after transplant; open pollinated; ripens from shiny blue-purple to dull purple-brown with base turning green to red) ↗
Where to buy seeds
| Shop | Offer | Price | Packet | Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Growers Supply Company | Seeds | $3.25Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Pack (20 seeds) | Check availability | Buy |
| True Leaf Market | Seeds | $3.99Checked Sep 16, 2026 | 10 Seeds | Check availability | Buy |
| Botanical Interests | Seeds | $5.49Checked Sep 16, 2026 | Packet size not listed | Check availability | Buy |
Links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices checked Sep 16, 2026; not live.
All photos
-
Indigo Rose tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Indigo Rose tomatoes -
Indigo Rose tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Indigo Rose tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Indigo Rose tomatoes -
Indigo Rose tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How long does Indigo Rose take to mature?
Indigo Rose is ready in about 91 days from transplant.
Does Indigo Rose need staking?
Indigo Rose is an indeterminate plant that keeps growing and setting fruit until frost; it needs a stake, cage, or trellis for the whole season. Expect a plant of 5–7 ft (150–210 cm).
Can Indigo Rose be grown in a container?
Indigo Rose is better suited to open ground or a greenhouse bed than a container.
Is Indigo Rose resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Indigo Rose.
See also
Other cherry varieties people put next to this one.
Grows like this one
Indeterminate, late, full sun. Same support, same calendar.
