Rosella Purple
Single source · Reviewed Sep 9, 2026
Values marked like this (estimated) are model estimates, not confirmed from a source.
Open-pollinated beefsteak from Australia, 2011. Dwarf Tomato Project release: heirloom smoky depth on a three-foot plant. Ready in about 80 days from transplant.
- Open-pollinated
- 80 (estimated) days to maturity (from transplant)
- Dwarf
- Large fruit
- Moderate (estimated)
At a glance
- Fruit type
- Beefsteak 6–10 oz (170–280 g) · Flattened globe (estimated)
- Leaf type
- Regular leaf
- 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)
- 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: heirloom smoky depth on a three-foot plant.”
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
- 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. It carries the smoky depth of a dusky beefsteak 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 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.
See also
Other beefsteak varieties people put next to this one.
Grows like this one
Dwarf, mid-late, full sun. Same support, same calendar.
