- Open-pollinated
- Beefsteak
- 80 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Dwarf
- Purple
Rosella Purple
Open-pollinated beefsteak from Australia, 2011. Dwarf Tomato Project release: Cherokee Purple-style fruit on a three-foot plant. Ready in about 80 days from transplant.
Single source · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Beefsteak 6–10 oz (170–280 g) · Flattened globe (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- Days to harvest
- 80 days (estimated) from transplant · Mid-late
- Plant height
- 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) (estimated) Compact
- Spacing
- 16 × 24 in (40 × 60 cm) (estimated)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Position
- Handles open positions
- Growing sites
- Greenhouse · Polytunnel · Open ground · Container
- Container growing
- Balcony friendly min. 3 gal (15 L) pot (estimated)
- Difficulty
- Moderate (estimated) 3/5
- Skin
-
- Purple
- Interior
-
- Red
Plant size and habit
Compact · Dwarf
2–3 ft (60–90 cm) (estimated) · Regular leaf
Rosella Purple is a dwarf plant — compact and sturdy on thick stems, still productive over a full season; it does not need staking. Expect a plant of 2–3 ft (60–90 cm).
Flavor
“Dwarf Tomato Project release: Cherokee Purple-style fruit on a three-foot plant.”
Growing calendar
80 (estimated) days from transplant Mid-late
Timing shown for temperate climates; sow indoors 6–8 (estimated) weeks before your last frost date. Look up your last frost date by ZIP code →
Disease resistance
No documented disease resistances — protect this variety with good airflow and crop rotation.
Uses & tags
- Fresh & salads
- Slicing
- Container star
- High flavor
- Gift worthy
Origin
Rosella Purple came out of the international Dwarf Tomato Project. It was developed between 2006 and 2011 from a cross between Budai Torpe and Stump of the World made in 2006 by Patrina Nuske Small in Australia, with a subsequent selection by Craig LeHoullier; Victory Seed Company introduced it in 2011. Growers compare its flavour to Cherokee Purple, on a plant that stops at around three feet, which is the whole point of the project.
Sources
Where to buy seeds
We're adding trusted seed sources for this variety.
All photos
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Rosella Purple tomatoes ripening on the vine under cover -
A truss of Rosella Purple tomatoes -
Rosella Purple tomato plant in a garden bed with ripe fruit on the vine -
A ripe Rosella Purple tomato held in a gardener's hand -
Freshly picked Rosella Purple tomatoes -
Rosella Purple tomato sliced in the kitchen
Questions
How do you grow a Rosella Purple plant?
A Rosella Purple plant grows 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) tall (estimated). Space plants 16 in (40 cm) apart in rows 24 in (60 cm) apart (estimated). Start seed indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost (estimated); it germinates in 7–14 days (estimated). It needs full sun.
How long does Rosella Purple take to mature?
Rosella Purple is ready in about 80 days from transplant.
Does Rosella Purple need staking?
Rosella Purple is a dwarf plant — compact and sturdy on thick stems, still productive over a full season; it does not need staking. Expect a plant of 2–3 ft (60–90 cm).
Can Rosella Purple be grown in a container?
Yes — Rosella Purple grows well in a container of at least 15 L (3 gal).
Is Rosella Purple resistant to disease?
No disease resistance is documented for Rosella Purple.
