Organic 'Purple Bumblebee Cherry' tomato
Organic 'Purple Bumblebee Cherry' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a vibrant purple cherry with metallic green stripes and irresistible sweetness
The 'Purple Bumblebee Cherry' tomato, the result of the remarkable breeding work of the late Fred Hempel, is a modern heirloom cherry with striking charm. Indeterminate, vigorous, and bred to thrive in challenging conditions, it produces small tomatoes with dark red skin streaked with metallic green , revealing juicy, plump, and sweet purple flesh . On the palate, it offers a rich sweetness balanced by a fruity note, making it a true gem for summer salads and heirloom tomato platters. Highly resistant to cracking, it perfectly meets the needs of growers seeking reliable, uniform, and attractive fruit.
It matures in 60 to 70 days and climbs tall, requiring a sturdy trellis. Suitable for growing in the ground or in patio pots (5 gallons or more), 'Purple Bumblebee' is distinguished as much by its vibrant appearance as by its generous flavor and abundant yield. A variety that brings color, vigor, and deliciousness to any vegetable garden.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
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 : Purple cherry with green stripes, juicy and sweet, crack-resistant, ideal for difficult conditions
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to encourage rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to promote strong, well-developed seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (watering level 3) , and install a sturdy trellis , essential for its vigorous, indeterminate growth habit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is richly colored, a blend of deep purple and green stripes. To encourage earlier ripening, pick fruit that has shown its first signs of color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store it between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve its juiciness and freshness.
Usage ideas
• Sublime in summer salads , where its purple flesh and green stripes visually pop
• Delicious as a fresh, sweet and refreshing snack
• Perfect for trays of heirloom tomatoes , adding an artistic touch
• Excellent in kebabs , salsas or quick stir-fries
The 'Purple Bumblebee Cherry' tomato is a modern marvel: colorful, resilient, and bursting with flavor. An exceptional heirloom variety for gardeners seeking a cherry tomato that is as beautiful as it is delicious, capable of thriving even in demanding conditions.
