Organic 'Purple Calabash' Tomato
Organic 'Purple Calabash' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an old-fashioned purple wrinkled tomato with rich and deep flavors
The 'Purple Calabash' tomato is a spectacular heirloom variety, renowned for its deeply pleated, lobed, and sculptural fruit , almost reminiscent of a small purple pumpkin. Indeterminate, drought-tolerant, and remarkably disease-resistant, it produces an abundance of tomatoes around 5 cm in diameter, with a color ranging from chocolate brown to deep purple and wine-like hues . Their flavor is equally unique: intensely rich, complex, slightly tannic, with an almost vinous character and a subtle citrus finish . This aromatic depth makes it an exceptional tomato for refined sauces, stews, and salads, where it lends an incomparable flavor profile.
Considered one of the purplest tomatoes among heirloom varieties, 'Purple Calabash' is prized as much for its dramatic appearance as for its hardiness and excellent storage qualities. A rare, bold, and characterful tomato, perfect for gardeners who love heirloom varieties with a strong personality.
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 : Deeply wrinkled fruit, dark purple color, drought tolerant, rich and complex flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to ensure rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce stronger seedlings better suited to outdoor growth.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart and leave 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (watering level 3) , and sturdy staking , which is especially important to support the large quantity of heavy, wrinkled fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruits have fully developed their deep purple color and slightly soft texture. To get an earlier harvest, pick the fruits that have just begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity, as this variety stores surprisingly well for an heirloom tomato.
Usage ideas
• Excellent for rich sauces , reductions and stews
• Delicious in complex salads , adding a tannic and fruity touch
• Magnificent in roasted dishes , where its deep aromas are concentrated
• Superb in trays of heirloom tomatoes , thanks to its sculpted shape and dramatic color
The 'Purple Calabash' tomato is a true botanical work of art: intense, mysterious, and profoundly flavorful. An essential heirloom variety for gardeners seeking an original, hardy tomato with unparalleled aromatic richness.
