How to Grow Outback Purple

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Outback Purple

Solanum lycopersicum 'Outback Purple'

vegetable

Outback Purple is an Australian heirloom tomato variety known for its deep purple-brown color and rich, complex flavor. This indeterminate vine produces medium-sized fruits with exceptional taste and disease resistance, making it popular among home gardeners seeking unique heritage varieties.

When should you plant Outback Purple in your zone?

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Example Outback Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Outback Purple
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Outback Purple
Around Jul 1

≈ 75 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Outback Purple dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily

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Water: Consistent moisture of 1-2 inches per week; water deeply at soil level to avoid fungal diseases. Maintain even moisture during fruit development to prevent cracking and splitting.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 75-85 days from transplant

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplant deeply (bury stem up to first true leaves)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced organic fertilizer Calcium (crushed eggshells or gypsum to prevent blossom end rot) Phosphorus-rich bone meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny plants with 2 cotyledons followed by true leaves; 1-2 inches tall with delicate stems.

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily under grow lights. Maintain 70-75°F temperatures.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks before first flowers

Strong upright growth with 4-8 true leaves; plant reaches 6-12 inches. Roots establish deeply.

Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors. Space 24 inches apart. Prune lower suckers once in ground. Install sturdy stakes or cages early.

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Yellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters (trusses) along the stem. Plant is 18-24 inches tall with dense foliage.

Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage fruit set. Ensure excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Prune some foliage for sun exposure.

Fruiting

4-6 weeks

Small green fruits develop from flowers, gradually enlarging to golf-ball to medium-apple size. Purple-brown coloring begins as fruits mature.

Continue consistent watering and support heavy-laden branches. Remove some leaves to allow direct sunlight on developing fruit. Monitor for pest pressure. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Harvest

Continuous from 75-85 days through frost

Fruits reach full deep purple-brown color with slight softness to gentle pressure. Fully ripe and bursting with complex flavor.

Pick fruits when fully colored and slightly yielding. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Use ripe fruits within 1-2 weeks for best flavor. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Marigold Borage Parsley Carrot Onion Garlic Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) Fennel Potatoes Other nightshades

Common Pests

Hand-pick large caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps; spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if severe
Use yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; neem oil as last resort
Prune lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide preventatively
Remove infected foliage immediately; apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicide; space plants well for airflow
Increase humidity; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage predatory mites
Plant resistant varieties; use disease-free soil; avoid overhead watering; remove infected plants

Uses

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Fresh slicing and cooking

Culinary

Outback Purple offers a rich, complex, slightly sweet flavor with subtle earthiness, making it exceptional for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, and heirloom tomato dishes. Its dense flesh holds up well in cooking applications. [source]

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Sauce and preservation

Culinary

The concentrated flavor and lower water content make it excellent for making rich tomato sauces, salsas, and preserves. Purple tomatoes contain unique anthocyanin compounds that add color depth. [source]

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Antioxidant nutrition

Medicinal

Purple tomatoes are notably higher in anthocyanins and other antioxidants than red varieties, offering potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular consumption supports overall health. [source]

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Ornamental heritage garden

Household

As a striking heirloom variety with unique coloring, Outback Purple adds visual interest and historical value to garden landscapes. It serves as a conversation piece and heritage seed-saving project. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The vibrant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting broader garden ecosystem health while ensuring productive fruit set. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Wait for fruits to develop full purple-brown color and slight softness before picking. Outback Purple's flavor intensifies as it fully ripens. Harvest regularly throughout the season to encourage continuous production. If frost threatens, pick all mature and mature-green fruits and ripen indoors. Fully ripe fruits store best at room temperature (not refrigerated) for 1-2 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Outback Purple is an Australian heirloom developed through careful selection in Australian gardens, reflecting unique growing conditions and flavor preferences of the region.
🌱 The deep purple coloring comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that make blueberries purple—a rare occurrence in tomato plants that offers superior antioxidant benefits.
🌱 Despite its indeterminate (vining) growth habit, Outback Purple remains relatively compact and manageable, making it suitable for large containers and smaller garden spaces compared to other heirloom varieties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom pH Sucker Transplant True Leaves

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