VegetableTomato
Ukrainian Purple Tomato
The Ukrainian Purple Tomato is a mesmerizing heirloom that transforms any garden with its deep purple, almost black elongated fruits reaching 3-4 inches long. Originally from Irma Henkel in Ukraine, this indeterminate variety takes about 90 days to produce its stunning plum-shaped tomatoes that can weigh up to six ounces. Hardy across zones 2-11, these vigorous vines climb 5-7 feet tall and reward patient gardeners with blemish-free fruits prized for their sweet, tangy flavor and meaty texture.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
84 in
Height
TypeIndeterminate
Spacing
24
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-11
Size
84in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
This remarkable heirloom captivates with its uniquely beautiful purple and green skin that deepens to an almost black hue at maturity. The plum-shaped fruits offer exceptional crack resistance and deliver sweet, meaty flesh that's perfect for both fresh eating and preserving. Despite some growers reporting occasional yield challenges, many praise the incredible taste and striking appearance that makes Ukrainian Purple an exotic treasure in any garden.
Common Uses
Ukrainian Purple tomatoes excel in applications where their meaty texture and sweet-tangy flavor shine brightest. Their substantial flesh makes them exceptional for canning, tomato paste production, and sauce making, while their striking color creates stunning fresh salsas and salads. The crack-resistant skin and dense interior also make them ideal for roasting and freezing, extending their garden bounty through the seasons.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost using high-quality seed starting mix like coco coir. Maintain warm conditions for optimal germination and avoid adding unsanitized soil, fertilizers, or chemicals during the germination stage to prevent disease and fungal issues.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors at least 3 weeks after the last frost when seedlings reach 10 inches tall and soil temperatures consistently remain above 70°F. Harden off plants by placing them in shade for several days before transplanting to prevent sunburn, wilting, and wind damage.
Harvesting
Harvest when fruits develop their full deep purple color and give slightly when gently squeezed. Grasp the fruit gently and twist until it snaps cleanly from the vine to avoid plant damage. The distinctive purple and green coloration will deepen to an almost black hue when perfectly ripe.
Pruning
As an indeterminate variety, regularly pinch off suckers and side branches to encourage more substantial growth and better fruit production. This focused energy helps the plant channel resources into developing larger, higher-quality tomatoes.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Solanum
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“The Ukrainian Purple tomato carries the legacy of Irma Henkel from Ukraine, representing the rich tradition of Eastern European heirloom preservation. This variety made its way to American gardens through the dedicated efforts of seed savers who recognized its exceptional qualities and unique beauty. As with many heirloom varieties from this region, it represents generations of careful selection for both flavor and resilience in challenging growing conditions.”