Tomato - Indigo Blue

Minimum Seed Count: 15

Next to Black Beauty, Indigo Blue produces the darkest tomato shouldering of any other! Almost a true shade of Black! This remarkable coloration comes from anthocyanin—the same powerful pigments found in blueberries and blackberries. As the tomatoes ripen, the lower portion turns red, creating a dramatic contrast that makes every fruit look like a work of art. Combined with excellent flavor and strong productivity, Indigo Blue is a standout in any garden and very low cracking!

Plant Details

• Species: Solanum lycopersicum
• Plant Type: Indeterminate
• Days to Maturity: 70–80 days from transplant
• Fruit Size: Small to medium tomatoes
• Fruit Color: Blue-purple shoulders with red undersides when ripe
• Growth Habit: Vigorous, productive vines

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix.
• Maintain soil temperatures between 70–80°F.
• Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.

Transplanting

• Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outdoors.
• Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.
• Space plants 24–36 inches apart.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (8+ hours daily)
• Rich, well-drained soil
• Consistent watering throughout the season
• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Care

• Provide sturdy cages, stakes, or trellises.
• Fertilize regularly for strong growth and heavy yields.
• Good sun exposure helps develop the deepest blue-purple coloration.
• Prune if desired to improve airflow and fruit production.

Harvesting

• Harvest when the underside of the fruit turns red and the tomato yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• The blue-purple shoulders will remain dark even when fully ripe.
• Pick regularly to encourage continued production.

History

Indigo Blue is part of the groundbreaking Indigo tomato breeding projects that introduced high levels of anthocyanins into tomato skins. These pigments, commonly found in berries, create the striking blue-purple coloration when fruits are exposed to sunlight. The result is a tomato that combines unique appearance, excellent flavor, and a fascinating breeding history.