Organic ‘Purple Russian’ Tomato

Organic ‘Purple Russian’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a mauve-red Ukrainian plum with a sweet flavor and remarkably versatile

The ‘Purple Russian’ tomato, also known as Ukrainian Purple, is a magnificent heirloom variety passed down by Irma Henkel in Ukraine. Indeterminate and highly productive, it forms plants with regular, slightly fuzzy foliage that bear an abundance of oblong, mauve-red fruits, weighing 5 to 7 oz and measuring approximately 7 to 10 cm long. Their elongated plum shape, smooth, spotless skin, and sweet, mild flesh make them a particularly sought-after tomato, both for eating fresh and for processing. Its rich, balanced flavor makes it a favorite among chefs, who appreciate both its crispness when sliced and its deep color on the plate.

‘Purple Russian’ excels in salads, salsas, sauces, and even preserves, thanks to its firm texture and ability to retain its flavor after cooking. It matures in 80 days , offering a reliable, generous, and remarkably high-quality harvest throughout the season.

Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash

Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Oblong, purple-red fruits, sweet and mild flavor, ideal for sauces, salsas and preserves

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 36 mm (1/81/4″) deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 2329C for rapid germination, in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to strengthen seedlings and encourage vigorous growth.

Transplant outdoors when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support the large quantity of elongated fruit.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the purple-red color is fully developed. To get an earlier harvest, pick the tomatoes when they begin to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22C or higher . Store between 12 and 21C with a relative humidity of around 95% to maintain their firm texture and natural sweetness.

Usage ideas

Delicious in salads , thanks to its sweetness and firm texture
Ideal for homemade salsas , where its sweet taste brings balance and depth
Perfect for tomato sauces , its flesh holds up well during cooking
Excellent preserved , in wedges or as a smooth sauce

The ‘Purple Russian’ tomato is a jewel of Ukrainian heritage: elegant, flavorful, and remarkably versatile. An essential variety for gardeners seeking an exceptional plum tomato, as beautiful as it is delicious, and perfectly suited to a multitude of culinary uses.