Black, Blue, & Purple Tomato Plants
African Brown
Coppery brown, indeterminate
A west african beauty producing 1lb delicous slicing style fruit
Coppery brown, indeterminate
A west african beauty producing 1lb delicous slicing style fruit
Black Beauty
Black, Indeterminate
Ok, this is the darkest Tomato you are likely to encounter. In fact, it is one of the very few I would actually consider black. I see so many photos online of "black" and "blue" varieties that are so obviously altered- this one is an exception. Medium in size, this gem must be grown to appreciate it. Great flavor (something "black" tomatoes are known for). Also, this one is high in antioxidants- as all the blue/black class are. Looks quite cool hanging on the vine!
Black, Indeterminate
Ok, this is the darkest Tomato you are likely to encounter. In fact, it is one of the very few I would actually consider black. I see so many photos online of "black" and "blue" varieties that are so obviously altered- this one is an exception. Medium in size, this gem must be grown to appreciate it. Great flavor (something "black" tomatoes are known for). Also, this one is high in antioxidants- as all the blue/black class are. Looks quite cool hanging on the vine!
Black Brandywine
Blackish
A few years ago, I got some seed of this strain, I did not do any research on it- just planted them. Lenny had started planting them when I walked into the greenhouse. When I looked at the group she was planting, I noticed both Potato leaf and regular leaf plants. I was furious! Obviously I had gotten some trashy seed. I threw all those seedlings out and we did not list them. Seems I recall Lenny giving away those few that she had already planted. Anyway, fast forward a couple years later. I was doing some research and stumbled across the Black Brandywine strain. Apparently, this strain appeared in a California field of regular Brandywine- most likely a result of a natural cross between possibly Cherokee Purple or another nearby "black" variety. The other thing I learned was that both leaf traits appear in this strain- which indicates it is still a fairly new variety and still unstable. For reasons I still can not fathom, I was intrigued. Maybe I jumped the gun and I should have tried a few of those hundreds I tossed out a couple years ago. The fruit is quite large and leans to the dark purple coloring.
Blackish
A few years ago, I got some seed of this strain, I did not do any research on it- just planted them. Lenny had started planting them when I walked into the greenhouse. When I looked at the group she was planting, I noticed both Potato leaf and regular leaf plants. I was furious! Obviously I had gotten some trashy seed. I threw all those seedlings out and we did not list them. Seems I recall Lenny giving away those few that she had already planted. Anyway, fast forward a couple years later. I was doing some research and stumbled across the Black Brandywine strain. Apparently, this strain appeared in a California field of regular Brandywine- most likely a result of a natural cross between possibly Cherokee Purple or another nearby "black" variety. The other thing I learned was that both leaf traits appear in this strain- which indicates it is still a fairly new variety and still unstable. For reasons I still can not fathom, I was intrigued. Maybe I jumped the gun and I should have tried a few of those hundreds I tossed out a couple years ago. The fruit is quite large and leans to the dark purple coloring.
Black de Barao
Blackish purple, determinate
Here is a great producing paste/canner for ya. High yields of 3oz fruit in clusters of 8 or more will keep you busy in the kitchen during the canning season. Easy to grow and with the deep colored fruit, your sauces will have a particularly rich color to them. Processed flavor is great, will not "cook out" and become bland.
Blackish purple, determinate
Here is a great producing paste/canner for ya. High yields of 3oz fruit in clusters of 8 or more will keep you busy in the kitchen during the canning season. Easy to grow and with the deep colored fruit, your sauces will have a particularly rich color to them. Processed flavor is great, will not "cook out" and become bland.
Black from Tula
Blackish
Most "black" varieties are medium sized or a bit smaller. They make up for it with big flavor. Black from Tula has big flavor AND big size. The color is the typical deep brownish red, sometimes darker (cool weather produces the darkest fruit) and the flavor is wonderful. Most all "black" tomatoes seem to have originated in the Ukraine region. This is no exception. 10 oz. to a pound are common sizes.
Blackish
Most "black" varieties are medium sized or a bit smaller. They make up for it with big flavor. Black from Tula has big flavor AND big size. The color is the typical deep brownish red, sometimes darker (cool weather produces the darkest fruit) and the flavor is wonderful. Most all "black" tomatoes seem to have originated in the Ukraine region. This is no exception. 10 oz. to a pound are common sizes.
Black Krim
Blackish
This Tomato, in the black class, has an outstanding flavor-very rich and deep. The color is reddish brown and often it will have dark green shoulders. Has a very dark red interior that is appealing both juicy and meaty. Black Krim has been rather popular for the past 10 years or so. It is one of the few that some people can name off the top of their heads as a good black Tomato in our area. The size runs about 7 oz. for us.
Blackish
This Tomato, in the black class, has an outstanding flavor-very rich and deep. The color is reddish brown and often it will have dark green shoulders. Has a very dark red interior that is appealing both juicy and meaty. Black Krim has been rather popular for the past 10 years or so. It is one of the few that some people can name off the top of their heads as a good black Tomato in our area. The size runs about 7 oz. for us.
Black Prince
Blackish
I believe Black Prince was the first of the "Black" tomatoes to be offered at the commercial level. I remember plants being occasionally available around 2002. I sort of ignored it then, figuring it was a novelty like a horrid variety called "Mr, Stripey" that was being offered at the same time. What a fool was I. After years of snubbing it, I got some seed and started it. Then, get this- when Lenny and I were planting our own tomatoes, I started to run out of room and I simply tossed a couple of Black Prince, still in their pots, into a row of Blackberries. I did not want to waste space on that "stupid" Black Prince. A couple months later, I noticed a huge Tomato plant erupting out of the middle of a row of Blackberries. Of course, it was those Black Prince I tossed in to that row to die. Totally neglected, swamped by Blackberries above it, STILL in the 4"plastic pot (rooted out of the drain hole in pot) there it was, healthy, beautiful and with a good set of fruit. Once ripe, to my chagrin, they were delicious. All that being said, this Russian Tomato is often described as Garnet colored and that is just about right. Not big, between tennis and Golf ball size, something about the total package is just right for snacking right in the garden. Ok, I have said enough about Black Prince.
Blackish
I believe Black Prince was the first of the "Black" tomatoes to be offered at the commercial level. I remember plants being occasionally available around 2002. I sort of ignored it then, figuring it was a novelty like a horrid variety called "Mr, Stripey" that was being offered at the same time. What a fool was I. After years of snubbing it, I got some seed and started it. Then, get this- when Lenny and I were planting our own tomatoes, I started to run out of room and I simply tossed a couple of Black Prince, still in their pots, into a row of Blackberries. I did not want to waste space on that "stupid" Black Prince. A couple months later, I noticed a huge Tomato plant erupting out of the middle of a row of Blackberries. Of course, it was those Black Prince I tossed in to that row to die. Totally neglected, swamped by Blackberries above it, STILL in the 4"plastic pot (rooted out of the drain hole in pot) there it was, healthy, beautiful and with a good set of fruit. Once ripe, to my chagrin, they were delicious. All that being said, this Russian Tomato is often described as Garnet colored and that is just about right. Not big, between tennis and Golf ball size, something about the total package is just right for snacking right in the garden. Ok, I have said enough about Black Prince.
Black Russian
Purplish black, indeterminate
Another fine tomato that is in the black class. No, it is not black but it is dark and not red. Sometimes the whole color thing gets confusing. The flesh is greenish black though and typically you will see some slight green on the shoulders. Whatever the case, like so many in the black class, it is delicious. As is often the case with the old time tomatoes, the skin tends to be thin. This will lead to cracking if you run your plants on the dry side and then a big rain comes. Easy way around that is to pick them just prior to perfect ripeness, bring them in and let the process finish for a couple days on your kitchen counter.
Purplish black, indeterminate
Another fine tomato that is in the black class. No, it is not black but it is dark and not red. Sometimes the whole color thing gets confusing. The flesh is greenish black though and typically you will see some slight green on the shoulders. Whatever the case, like so many in the black class, it is delicious. As is often the case with the old time tomatoes, the skin tends to be thin. This will lead to cracking if you run your plants on the dry side and then a big rain comes. Easy way around that is to pick them just prior to perfect ripeness, bring them in and let the process finish for a couple days on your kitchen counter.
Black Seaman
This is an old Russian variety. A darkish red often times with some green shading on the shoulders. Rather productive on a plant that typically does not get too big. What I find notable is its flavor- complex and generally pleasing. Size tends to run 7-10 oz. (I always want to slap my hand over my mouth and giggle like a school girl when I say this name. I am so immature....sigh)
This is an old Russian variety. A darkish red often times with some green shading on the shoulders. Rather productive on a plant that typically does not get too big. What I find notable is its flavor- complex and generally pleasing. Size tends to run 7-10 oz. (I always want to slap my hand over my mouth and giggle like a school girl when I say this name. I am so immature....sigh)
Black Truffle
This one has been around for a long time. Rather pyriform shaped fruits produced on a fairly well - behaved plant are great in salads with a single slice lengthwise and dropped into the dish. The flavor is well balanced, not too sweet, not too tart.
This one has been around for a long time. Rather pyriform shaped fruits produced on a fairly well - behaved plant are great in salads with a single slice lengthwise and dropped into the dish. The flavor is well balanced, not too sweet, not too tart.
Brown Tomato
Brown, indeterminate
high sugar slicer from Baltic region
Brown, indeterminate
high sugar slicer from Baltic region
Chef's Choice Black
Another color in the new series of hybrids that is taking the tomato world by storm. This deeply colored, delicious beauty will impress you with its ease of growth and productivity. If you have been uncertain about trying different colored tomatos, the hybrid Chefs Choice series is a goof-proof way to sample the flavors of old-time varieties coupled with disease resistance and great growth habits. Big size, big flavor. You wont go wrong.
Another color in the new series of hybrids that is taking the tomato world by storm. This deeply colored, delicious beauty will impress you with its ease of growth and productivity. If you have been uncertain about trying different colored tomatos, the hybrid Chefs Choice series is a goof-proof way to sample the flavors of old-time varieties coupled with disease resistance and great growth habits. Big size, big flavor. You wont go wrong.
Chef's Choice Purple
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
Cherokee Purple
Blackish
This one has a huge fan base. It is very good, in fact, super-dooper very good at times! This is not a huge surprise since it too belongs in the blackish class. In fact, I will sometimes hear a person refer to it as Cherokee Black. Often the color will be deep purplish brown, sometimes more pinkish. Seems very dependent on temperatures while ripening. Size is variable to in my garden. Some years big- 8 to 10 oz, some years holding at 5-6. Again, this has a lot to do with growing conditions and strains. One thing that normally remains the same is the flavor. You should try it. Introduced back in the 90's by tomato expert Craig Lehoullier.
Blackish
This one has a huge fan base. It is very good, in fact, super-dooper very good at times! This is not a huge surprise since it too belongs in the blackish class. In fact, I will sometimes hear a person refer to it as Cherokee Black. Often the color will be deep purplish brown, sometimes more pinkish. Seems very dependent on temperatures while ripening. Size is variable to in my garden. Some years big- 8 to 10 oz, some years holding at 5-6. Again, this has a lot to do with growing conditions and strains. One thing that normally remains the same is the flavor. You should try it. Introduced back in the 90's by tomato expert Craig Lehoullier.
Cosmic Eclipse
Brick red with green striping, blackish overall
Beautiful 2-3 oz fruit
Brick red with green striping, blackish overall
Beautiful 2-3 oz fruit
Gargamel
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
Indigo Apple
purple greenish bicolor
Sometimes, well, a lot of times, it becomes difficult for me to decide where a particular variety goes, color-wise. This is one of them, This is a productive 2-4 oz heavy producing variety. I am never really able to find a negative about it. Indigo Rose is one of its parents, one that I like very much. Flavor is very good, middle of the road. This is a nice one sliced and used in a salad; the size is just right. The plant remains healthy all season too. Just a good, all purpose tomato that happens to be a weird color!
purple greenish bicolor
Sometimes, well, a lot of times, it becomes difficult for me to decide where a particular variety goes, color-wise. This is one of them, This is a productive 2-4 oz heavy producing variety. I am never really able to find a negative about it. Indigo Rose is one of its parents, one that I like very much. Flavor is very good, middle of the road. This is a nice one sliced and used in a salad; the size is just right. The plant remains healthy all season too. Just a good, all purpose tomato that happens to be a weird color!
Indigo Blue Beauty
I like this one. It seemed that no matter when I looked, this plant was covered in fruit at some stage of growth. It also had a very appealing color- multi shaded in mostly blue and pink tints. The growth, though strong, was far from rampant. Flavor was pleasant in all respects and size, though quite variable, tended to be more on the large side.
I like this one. It seemed that no matter when I looked, this plant was covered in fruit at some stage of growth. It also had a very appealing color- multi shaded in mostly blue and pink tints. The growth, though strong, was far from rampant. Flavor was pleasant in all respects and size, though quite variable, tended to be more on the large side.
Nyagous Black
Of German origin, Nyagous was a good producer of clusters of attractive browish red, highly flavored fruit. This problem free strain produces well over a long period. I suspect most people will enjoy this weirdly named variety! 5 oz. was about the average size in my garden- a nice handful size.
Of German origin, Nyagous was a good producer of clusters of attractive browish red, highly flavored fruit. This problem free strain produces well over a long period. I suspect most people will enjoy this weirdly named variety! 5 oz. was about the average size in my garden- a nice handful size.
Ozark Sunset
Blackish
Actually, this variety is in the blue/purple class but it gets too complicated. This is a smallish fruited type that will often times stun you with its production. The coloration is unusual and pretty. The top of the fruit will be rather darkish blue/purple shading down to a pinkish red at the bottom. Each fruit is a bit different and coloration depends on several things as I have found. The cooler it is, the bluer it is! We grew these as a Fall crop and wow! So very intense was the blue color along with the white (unripe) bottoms. That, combined with an absurd amount of fruit on the plant that it was toppling over from the weight was quite a sight. The flavor is pretty mild in Summer, in Fall it is more intense. The fruit seems to average about 2oz.-4 oz. or so- not big, but there sure were a lot of them! Grow this one and it will certainly catch your gardening friends attention. Created by Double Helix Farms in Conroe, Ar. Ozark Sunset has been a very popular variety for us the past few years.
Blackish
Actually, this variety is in the blue/purple class but it gets too complicated. This is a smallish fruited type that will often times stun you with its production. The coloration is unusual and pretty. The top of the fruit will be rather darkish blue/purple shading down to a pinkish red at the bottom. Each fruit is a bit different and coloration depends on several things as I have found. The cooler it is, the bluer it is! We grew these as a Fall crop and wow! So very intense was the blue color along with the white (unripe) bottoms. That, combined with an absurd amount of fruit on the plant that it was toppling over from the weight was quite a sight. The flavor is pretty mild in Summer, in Fall it is more intense. The fruit seems to average about 2oz.-4 oz. or so- not big, but there sure were a lot of them! Grow this one and it will certainly catch your gardening friends attention. Created by Double Helix Farms in Conroe, Ar. Ozark Sunset has been a very popular variety for us the past few years.
Paul Robison
Blackish
Quickly becoming the darling of connoisseurs, Paul has a distinctive rich flavor often referred to as "smoky". Falling loosely into the black class of tomatoes, think of the darkest brick red with hints of brown. Probably you ought to try one, see what all the fuss is about! Production is often very strong too. I like Paul a lot. A Russian introduction as are many of the black class.
Blackish
Quickly becoming the darling of connoisseurs, Paul has a distinctive rich flavor often referred to as "smoky". Falling loosely into the black class of tomatoes, think of the darkest brick red with hints of brown. Probably you ought to try one, see what all the fuss is about! Production is often very strong too. I like Paul a lot. A Russian introduction as are many of the black class.
Stripes of Yore
Blue with yellow multicolor
Not quite cherry sized, more of a saladette type. A beautiful variety that like many blues, descend from Indigo Rose.
Blue with yellow multicolor
Not quite cherry sized, more of a saladette type. A beautiful variety that like many blues, descend from Indigo Rose.
Tomatillo Gigante Verde
Yeah, I know, tomatillo's are not tomatos but what the heck, they sort of sound alike and they are close cousins.
Tomatillos are the primary ingredient used in Salsa Verde rather than tomatos. I made some one year and it was good. Considering I am a Gringo with zero cooking skills, I would guess anybody can do it. I haven't a clue as to what else you do with them! Tomatillo is a very loose, gangly plant- it grows soft. Stake them and you will enjoy the peculiar looking papery husks that cover the fruit as it develops. Not hard to grow at all. This is a bigger fruited version than what is typically found.
Yeah, I know, tomatillo's are not tomatos but what the heck, they sort of sound alike and they are close cousins.
Tomatillos are the primary ingredient used in Salsa Verde rather than tomatos. I made some one year and it was good. Considering I am a Gringo with zero cooking skills, I would guess anybody can do it. I haven't a clue as to what else you do with them! Tomatillo is a very loose, gangly plant- it grows soft. Stake them and you will enjoy the peculiar looking papery husks that cover the fruit as it develops. Not hard to grow at all. This is a bigger fruited version than what is typically found.
Wooly Bluejay
ahhh....where do I start? Every year, as you all know, I offer new varieties. Some I like, some end up in the compost heap. Wooly Bluejay is here to stay! I am partial to angora type tomatos anyway, I find the silver fuzz on the plant to be a bonus simply for its beauty. I have also noticed over the years that angora types seem to do well in the high heat. Maybe the overall whiteness of the plant reflects back some of the direct heat? Who knows? Whatever the case, Whooly Bluejay was a winner both in beauty and production. Small to medium size deep bluish tinted fruit seemed to just be non-stop for me and the flavor was great! Under the silver fuzz, the plant was noticeably deep blue or perhaps had a black cast. I think I would not mind having a few of these stuck in my flower bed would not be a bad idea simply for its form. It could also be a neat choice for container growing; strong but not crazy growth along with the novel fuzz would make it a great on the patio- a conversation piece for sure.
ahhh....where do I start? Every year, as you all know, I offer new varieties. Some I like, some end up in the compost heap. Wooly Bluejay is here to stay! I am partial to angora type tomatos anyway, I find the silver fuzz on the plant to be a bonus simply for its beauty. I have also noticed over the years that angora types seem to do well in the high heat. Maybe the overall whiteness of the plant reflects back some of the direct heat? Who knows? Whatever the case, Whooly Bluejay was a winner both in beauty and production. Small to medium size deep bluish tinted fruit seemed to just be non-stop for me and the flavor was great! Under the silver fuzz, the plant was noticeably deep blue or perhaps had a black cast. I think I would not mind having a few of these stuck in my flower bed would not be a bad idea simply for its form. It could also be a neat choice for container growing; strong but not crazy growth along with the novel fuzz would make it a great on the patio- a conversation piece for sure.
Wooly Kate
Purple/black/yellow, Indeterminate
I am just such a sucker for Angora types and here is yet another!
Bred by Gary Cass in Hawaii and introduced by Tomatofest in 2016, this one is a rush. Reminds me of Angora Primary Colors that winked out of existence a few years ago (kicking myself for not maintaining that strain!) but smaller. This is probably more to be considered a ex-large cherry type and you will have huge production as is typical of those sorts. Prepare for a crazy swirl of color and even a bit of fuzz on some of the fruits. The flavor is balanced, not to sweet like many cherry types. The part I like best? The silvery fuzzy leaves and branches. They just jump out at you in the garden. Does well in high heat and humidity.
Purple/black/yellow, Indeterminate
I am just such a sucker for Angora types and here is yet another!
Bred by Gary Cass in Hawaii and introduced by Tomatofest in 2016, this one is a rush. Reminds me of Angora Primary Colors that winked out of existence a few years ago (kicking myself for not maintaining that strain!) but smaller. This is probably more to be considered a ex-large cherry type and you will have huge production as is typical of those sorts. Prepare for a crazy swirl of color and even a bit of fuzz on some of the fruits. The flavor is balanced, not to sweet like many cherry types. The part I like best? The silvery fuzzy leaves and branches. They just jump out at you in the garden. Does well in high heat and humidity.
