How to Grow Glazed Purple Stripe
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Glazed Purple Stripe
Unknown - Likely Solanum lycopersicum cultivar
vegetableGlazed Purple Stripe is a heirloom tomato variety known for its distinctive purple and red striped appearance with a glossy, lacquered finish. This indeterminate variety produces medium-sized fruits with complex, rich flavors and exceptional ornamental appeal. The plant is prized by gardeners for both its aesthetic beauty and excellent taste.
When should you plant Glazed Purple Stripe in your zone?
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Example Glazed Purple Stripe timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Glazed Purple Stripe
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Glazed Purple Stripe
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Glazed Purple Stripe dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension and zones 9-10 with shade in intense heat
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerging; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks
Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily under grow lights. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Maintain 65-75°F. Begin fertilizing weakly at 3-4 weeks with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks after transplantingPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and a strong stem; lateral branches form along main stem
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors. Plant in soil at least 60°F. Provide consistent water and balanced fertilizer. Install sturdy support stakes or cages early. Pinch off lower leaves once plant is established.
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters along the stems; characteristic tomato flower architecture visible
Ensure consistent watering and avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Gently shake plant midday to aid pollination. Continue staking/supporting plant as it grows. Remove suckers on indeterminate varieties to direct energy.
Fruiting & Development
3-4 weeksFruit sets after flowers drop; begins as small green orbs. Purple and red striping develops as fruit matures. Fruits reach 2-3 inches diameter
Maintain steady watering to prevent cracking and blossom end rot; calcium supplementation (crushed eggshells, gypsum) helps prevent latter. Switch to higher-phosphorus fertilizer (5-10-5) to support fruiting. Thin foliage moderately to allow light penetration for proper color development. Support heavy fruit clusters.
Ripening & Harvest
2-3 weeks per fruit; staggered over 4-6 weeks per plantFruits develop full purple-red striped coloring with glossy appearance; sugar content peaks at full ripeness. Fruits shift from hard to slightly yielding when gently pressed
Stop heavy pruning once fruits are ripening to allow leaf cover for protection from sunscald. Continue consistent watering. Harvest at full color when fruit yields slightly to palm pressure. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. In late season, pick mature-green fruits to ripen indoors before first frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps (Ichneumonidae); use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray for small caterpillars; neem oil as preventive
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Yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; reflective mulch
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Increase humidity; spray water to dislodge; neem oil; sulfur dust; predatory mites
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Remove infected lower leaves promptly; ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide or sulfur-based fungicide; mulch to prevent spore splash
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Space plants well for air flow; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves immediately; apply copper fungicide at first sign; resistant varieties in humid areas
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Maintain consistent soil moisture; add calcium amendment (gypsum or crushed eggshells); avoid excessive nitrogen; ensure proper soil pH
Uses
Fresh slicing and salads
CulinaryGlazed Purple Stripe's complex, sweet-tart flavor with hints of blackberry and earthy undertones makes it exceptional for fresh eating, slicing into salads, and featuring in sandwiches. The striking purple-red striped appearance adds dramatic visual appeal to any dish. [source]
Sauces and cooking
CulinaryThe rich, full-bodied flavor develops beautifully when cooked down for pasta sauces, salsas, and stews. The natural sugars and acidity balance well for long-cooked preparations. [source]
Ornamental garden display
HouseholdThe stunning purple-striped fruit with glossy finish makes this variety as beautiful as it is productive, serving as a decorative focal point in vegetable gardens, containers, and landscape arrangements. [source]
Antioxidant-rich nutrition
MedicinalTomatoes contain lycopene and other polyphenolic compounds with documented antioxidant properties. The purple coloring indicates high anthocyanin content, suggesting enhanced phytonutrient density compared to red varieties. [source]
Seed saving
CraftAs an open-pollinated heirloom variety, Glazed Purple Stripe can be seed-saved for future seasons. Tomato seed fermentation is a straightforward process that maintains genetic purity when isolated from other tomato varieties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruit develops full purple-red striped coloring and yields slightly to gentle palm pressure. Morning harvest yields better flavor and shelf life. In cooler climates, pick mature-green fruits (full size, slight color blush) 1-2 weeks before first frost date and ripen indoors at 65-70°F in darkness or moderate light. Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes as it damages flavor and texture; store at room temperature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'glazed' appearance in the name refers to the distinctive lacquered, glossy finish of the fruit, which gives it an almost jewel-like appearance in the garden and on the table.
- 🌱 Purple and striped tomato varieties contain higher levels of anthocyanins (the compounds responsible for purple coloring in berries and grapes) compared to conventional red tomatoes, making them nutritionally distinct.
- 🌱 As an indeterminate variety, Glazed Purple Stripe will continue producing fruit until killed by frost, potentially yielding 100+ fruits per plant in a long growing season with proper care.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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