How to Grow Vintage Purple
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Vintage Purple
Solanum lycopersicum 'Vintage Purple'
vegetableVintage Purple is a heirloom indeterminate tomato variety known for its deep purple-red coloring and rich, complex flavor. The fruits are medium-sized (6-8 oz), heart-shaped, and develop attractive striping as they ripen. This variety is prized by gardeners for its disease resistance and consistent production throughout the season.
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Example Vintage Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Vintage Purple
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 Vintage Purple
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Vintage Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 4 and 10 with season extension techniques
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny sprouts with cotyledons emerge 5-10 days after planting. First true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin fertilizing with dilute liquid fertilizer after first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks indoors; continues outdoorsPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and grows rapidly. Stems become sturdy; secondary branching begins. Plant grows 6-12 inches tall before transplanting.
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Harden off seedlings 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors. Stake or cage early to support growth.
Flowering
4-6 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters (fascicles) along the stems, typically 8-10 weeks after germination. Purple pigmentation in foliage becomes more pronounced under strong sunlight.
Ensure full sun exposure for best purple color development. Maintain consistent watering and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer. Remove suckers to direct energy into fruit production.
Fruiting & Maturation
3-4 weeks per cluster; continuous throughout seasonSmall green fruits develop; they slowly enlarge and begin showing purple-red coloring and striping as they mature. Fruits reach 6-8 oz at maturity.
Continue consistent watering and feeding. Prune excess foliage only if needed to allow light penetration. Support heavy fruit clusters with string or cages. Monitor for late blight and other diseases.
Harvest
Ongoing from mid-summer until first frostFruits develop deep purple-red color with striping and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Vine-ripened fruit has peak flavor.
Harvest when fully colored but still slightly firm. Continue harvesting regularly to encourage more fruit production. Prune diseased foliage promptly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Encourage natural predators like wasps.
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Remove infected lower leaves; ensure good air circulation. Apply copper fungicide or sulfur as preventative. Mulch to prevent soil splash.
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Remove diseased leaves immediately. Apply copper-based fungicide. Ensure excellent air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintain adequate humidity.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryVintage Purple tomatoes are renowned for their rich, complex flavor with sweet and tangy notes. They are excellent sliced fresh in salads, on sandwiches, or as a standalone dish. [source]
Sauce and preserves
CulinaryThe firm flesh and deep color make these ideal for homemade pasta sauce, salsa, and tomato preserves. Their flavor concentrates beautifully when cooked. [source]
Antioxidant and nutritional content
MedicinalPurple tomato varieties are higher in anthocyanins (the pigments responsible for their color) and lycopene, powerful antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health. [source]
Garden display and ornamental value
HouseholdThe striking purple-red fruits and robust plant habit make Vintage Purple an attractive addition to ornamental vegetable gardens and cottage gardens. [source]
Seed saving
CraftAs an open-pollinated heirloom variety, Vintage Purple seeds can be saved and replanted year after year, allowing gardeners to preserve and perpetuate this excellent cultivar. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting in mid-to-late summer when fruits are fully colored and slightly soft. Gently twist and lift fruit from the vine. This indeterminate variety produces continuously until frost; pinch off flower clusters 4-6 weeks before your first frost date to redirect energy to ripening existing fruit. Store at room temperature to preserve flavor; refrigeration degrades taste.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The deep purple-red color in Vintage Purple tomatoes comes from anthocyanins, the same class of antioxidants found in blueberries, making purple tomatoes a nutritional powerhouse.
- 🌱 Vintage Purple is an indeterminate variety, meaning it continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the season until killed by frost, potentially yielding 2-3 pounds of fruit per plant in optimal conditions.
- 🌱 This heirloom variety demonstrates exceptional disease resistance, particularly to early and late blight, making it a favorite among organic gardeners and those in humid climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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