Organic 'Indigo Apple' Tomato
Organic 'Pomme Indigo' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a splendid black tomato with indigo highlights, rich in anthocyanins and deliciously aromatic
The 'Pomme Indigo' tomato is a modern heirloom variety prized for its deep color and nutritional richness. Selected by Brad Gates from an original cross made by PKS Heirlooms (Copemish, MI), this early indeterminate tomato develops 4- to 6-oz fruits that turn glossy black in the sun , thanks to their high concentration of anthocyanins , powerful natural antioxidants. At maturity, the fruits display a beautiful gradient from glossy black to matte purple , revealing a sweet, aromatic, and balanced red flesh.
Highly resistant to cracking and exhibiting some resistance to blight, 'Pomme Indigo' offers a consistent yield of flavorful tomatoes, ideal for show-stopping salads, fresh slices, colorful dishes, or heirloom tomato tastings. A beautiful, nutritious variety that is surprisingly reliable in varying conditions.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until ripening)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Rich in anthocyanins, crack-resistant, glossy black color in sunlight, Brad Gates selection
Fruit color : Glossy black turning to matte purple, red flesh
Fruit shape : Round
Fruit size/weight : Medium (4–6 oz)
Fruit type : Table tomato / salad
Texture/flesh : Soft, aromatic, juicy
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost . Bury seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce vigorous, well-established seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) — essential for developing deep black — and regular watering (level 3) . Sturdy staking is recommended.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the color is a blend of deep black and matte purple, and the base of the fruit shows a reddish hue indicating internal ripeness. To speed up harvesting, pick those showing their first color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store the fruit at 12–21°C , under 95% relative humidity , to preserve its sweetness and aroma.
Usage ideas
• Perfect sliced fresh , spectacular in heirloom tomato platters
• Delicious in contrasting salads , where its black color shines
• Excellent on toast, colorful salsas or tomato carpaccios
• Ideal for gourmet dishes , thanks to its dramatic appearance
The 'Pomme Indigo' tomato is a visual and gustatory marvel: black, glossy, nutritious, sweet, and incredibly decorative. A modern heirloom variety that's a must-have for any gardener who loves unique and richly colored tomatoes.
