Who doesn’t love blue tomatoes? Nature grows these unique varieties of tomatoes with a bluish hue. These tomatoes come in various shades, from light blue to deep navy blue and indigo.
If you’re interested in growing tomatoes, read on to learn about the different types of indigo tomato plants with their care requirements.
Contents
List of The 11 Best Blue Tomatoes
There are several different types of such tomatoes, each with their distinct flavor, appearance, and growing requirements. Here is the list of the 11 best blue tomatoes:
– Indigo Rose Cherry
It is a cherry tomato that is deep blue in color. Its skin is smooth, and the flesh is juicy and sweet. This type of tomato is suitable for eating fresh or used in salads. The plant is prolific and easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners.
Their plant requires full sun and well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. They are relatively drought-tolerant and can be grown in various climates. However, they do best in warm weather and will not produce fruit if the temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Indigo rose cherry tomatoes are indeterminate growers, meaning they will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost kills the plant.
These Indigo tomatoes are also known to be one of the healthiest types of tomatoes due to their high antioxidant content. Some blue tomato benefits include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, preventing cancer and heart disease, and promoting healthy skin and hair.
– Purple Bumble Bee
The Purple bumblebee tomato is a variety of ancient tomato that is relatively easy to grow. It is a determinate type of plant, meaning it will only grow to a specific size and then stop growing. This makes it a good choice for those who do not want their plants to take over their gardens.
These dusky purple tomatoes are disease-resistant and can be grown in various climates. It prefers full sun but will also do well in partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
It is a medium-sized plant that produces small, purple fruits. The fruits have a sweet and tangy flavor and are often used in salads or for making sauces. This variety of tomato is usually ready to harvest within 70 days of planting.
– Cherokee Purple
There are many different types of blue-colored tomatoes with unique flavors and appearances. The Cherokee purple tomato is no exception. This ancient tomato is beloved by many for its sweet, smoky flavor. It can reach up to a few ounces when grown in ideal conditions. These beefsteak fruits are deep burgundy with green shoulders.
It prefers bright sunlight and well-drained soil to grow correctly. It is also essential to keep the plant evenly watered, especially during the fruiting period. Tomato plants are generally considered annuals, meaning they will only produce fruit for one growing season. However, with proper care, it can produce fruit for several years.
Interestingly, the Cherokee purple tomato is believed to have originated with the Cherokee people in Tennessee. It’s unclear exactly how or when the tomato made its way to the Cherokee Nation, but it’s thought to have been introduced by European settlers.
– Blue Tomatoes: Black Beauty
The Black tomato is a type of heirloom tomato that has been around for generations. This variety of tomato is known for its deep black color and rich flavor. This mesmerizing dark-colored tomato is famous for home gardens.
This tomato plant requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is a determinate plant, producing a set number of tomatoes per growing season. This makes it a good choice for growers who want to know how many tomatoes they will harvest.
In addition, this black beauty is a mid-season variety, meaning it will produce its fruit in about 60 to 70 days. The plant is resistant to common diseases, such as early blight and fusarium wilt. With proper care, the Black tomato plant will produce abundant fruit for harvesting.
The fruit of this tomato can vary in size but is typically around two to three inches in diameter. The skin of the Black beauty is smooth and shiny. The flesh of the tomato is dark red and has a rich, earthy flavor.
– Blue Beauty Tomato
There are endless possibilities regarding their colors, shapes, and sizes when it comes to tomatoes. But this tomato is in a league of its own regarding flavor. Its flavor is truly unique. It’s earthy and rich, with a hint of sweetness. This tomato is perfect for use in sauces, soups, and stews.
It is best suited for growing in areas with long growing seasons. Plants will need full sun and well-drained soil to perform their best. Water requirements are average, so keep an eye on the soil moisture level and adjust accordingly. Fertilize plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
The plants typically reach a height of two to three feet and a width of one to two feet. They will begin bearing fruit about 65 days after planting. Once fruits start to form, support the plant with a cage or trellis to keep the fruit from getting too heavy and breaking the stems. Harvest fruits when they are fully blue and slightly soft to the touch.
It is an ideal variety of tomatoes among home gardeners. The plant is easy to grow and produces a large amount of fruit. However, it is susceptible to diseases like blossom end rot and early blight. The plant is also vulnerable to pests such as tomato hornworms.
– Fahrenheit Blues
The Fahrenheit blues is a vigorous plant that produces large fruits bursting with flavor. The unique taste of this tomato results from the high levels of sugars and acids in the fruit. The tomato is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. The plant will reach a height of approximately six feet.
It was developed by cross-breeding different varieties of tomatoes. Tom Wagner used traditional breeding methods to create a new type. The result is a plant intolerant to frost and should be grown in an area with warm temperatures. It is a determinate plant, meaning it will produce fruit for a set period and then stop growing and produce large, flavorful fruits.
The Fahrenheit blue is an excellent addition to any garden. The plant is easy to care for, and the fruits are an excellent source of nutrition. Additionally, it is a tomato that is resistant to disease and pests.This particular variety of tomato requires full sun and well-drained soil.
– Blue Pear
The Blue Pear tomato plant is a determinate variety of tomatoes that produces small, pear-shaped fruit. It is a vining plant that is ideal for growing in small spaces. This unusual tomato is not just a pretty face; it is also delicious, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that makes it perfect for eating fresh.
The Blue Pear tomato is a heat-tolerant variety and can withstand temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil.
The plant grows to a height of four to six feet and produces fruit two to three inches in size. The Blue Pear tomato plant is resistant to several common diseases, such as Fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, and nematodes.
Interestingly, the blue pear tomato’s blue coloring results from a natural mutation in a single plant. This mutated plant was then propagated or reproduced, so today, many plants share this same blue coloring. Anthocyanins cause the blue color, pigments also found in other blue fruits and vegetables like blueberries and blackberries.
– Clackamas Blueberry
The Clackamas blueberry tomato is a variety of tomatoes that was developed at the Oregon University.
Tom Wagner used OSU blue-colored tomatoes to breed this tomato. This type of tomato is known for its small size, intense flavor, and high sugar content. The Clackamas blueberry tomato is a popular choice for canning and making sauces due to its unique tomato taste.
It has small, round fruit that weighs between 17 to 35 oz. The fruit’s skin is thin and delicate, and the flesh is bright red. The flavor of the Clackamas blueberry tomato is sweet and tangy, with a hint of smokiness.
This blueberry plant is determinate, which means it will reach a certain height and stop growing. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. The Clackamas blueberry is a vigorous plant that produces an abundance of fruit. It is an excellent choice for fresh eating, canning, or freezing.
– Blue Bayou
It is native to the Bayou region of Louisiana. The Blue bayou tomato is known for its deep blue color and rich flavor that combines sweetness and tartness. This heirloom tomato is a favorite among Louisiana gardeners and cooks.
The Blue Bayou is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes other popular vegetables such as potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It is closely related to the Cherokee purple tomato, another heirloom variety with a rich flavor and deep color.
It is a determinate variety, producing fruit for a set period and then stopping growing. This stunning tomato is a good choice for gardeners who want to harvest all their tomatoes at once.
The Blue Bayou Tomato is also a relatively disease-resistant variety, making it a good choice for gardeners who want to avoid common problems such as blossom end rot and tomato spotted wilt virus.
– Blue Green Zebra
This Blue-green zebra tomato is a variety of tomato characterized by its bluish-green stripes. The fruit is small to medium in size and has firm flesh with a slightly tart flavor. This variety is characterized by its mottled blue-green fruits that have a striped appearance. The fruits of this plant are usually about two to three inches in diameter and weigh around six oz each.
This plant is a determinate variety, meaning it will only grow to a certain size and then stop growing. It typically reaches a height of two to three feet and a width of two to three feet. The Blue green zebra tomato is an indeterminate variety, which means it will continue to grow and produce fruits throughout the growing season.
While this blue-green tomato is not as widely known as some of the other more common types, it is becoming increasingly popular among home gardeners and those who appreciate its unique flavor. If you want something a little different in your tomato repertoire, this blue-green zebra tomato is worth trying.
– Blue Chocolate
As their name suggests, Blue chocolate tomatoes are a variety of tomatoes that are dark blue in color. They are also known for their sweet and chocolatey flavor. These tomatoes are indeterminate growers, meaning that they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. Blue chocolate tomatoes typically mature in about 80 days.
The plant prefers to grow in warm weather conditions. They should be planted in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. They also need to be given plenty of room to grow, so make sure to space them out accordingly when planting.
When it comes to watering, Blue chocolate tomatoes should be kept evenly moist. Too much or too little water can both cause problems for the plant. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure to also provide a deep watering at least once a week.
Despite its striking appearance, the blue chocolate tomato is quite delicate. It is susceptible to cracking and bruising, so handle it with care. When ripe, the fruit will have a soft, velvety texture and a rich, sweet flavor. The blue chocolate tomato is a great choice to add visual interest to your garden or dining table.
Comparison Table
Best Blue Tomatoes | Description |
Indigo Rose Cherry | Prolific easy-to-grow plant with sweet and juicy fruit. |
Purple Bumble Bee | A determinate plant that combines sweet and tangy flavor in its fruits. |
Cherokee Purple | Photophilic plant with sweet and smoky fruit. |
Black Beauty | A mid-seasoned variety with rich and earthy flesh. |
Blue Beauty | Earthy taste with a hint of sweetness does well in long growing seasons. |
Fahrenheit Blues | Vigorous plant produces fruits with high levels of sugar and acid. |
Blue Pear | Vine plants, the fruits are sweet and slightly tangy. |
Clackamas Blueberry | Determinate tomato plants and have fruits with high sugar content. |
Blue Bayou | Grows in a limited period; the flavor combines sweetness and tartness. |
Blue Green Zebra | Indeterminate growers with a firm flesh having a slightly tart flavor. |
Blue Chocolate | Needs ample space to grow; the fruits have a sweet and rich flavor. |
Conclusion
Some of the most popular varieties have been discussed above, each with its own growing requirements. A few of the expected points that you need to remember are:
- Blue-colored tomatoes need full sun, well-drained soil to grow well, and require more water than other types of tomatoes.
- They get their blue color from anthocyanins, pigments also found in other blue fruits and vegetables like blueberries and blackberries.
- Blue tomatoes can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your plants and take steps to prevent problems.
- Blue or indigo tomatoes are a fun and unique addition to any garden; with the proper care, they can thrive.
If you’re thinking of planting blue-colored tomatoes this year, make sure you read up on the different types available and find the one that best suits your needs.
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