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Organic seeds
Solanaceae
Organic 'Purple Russian' Tomato Seeds
Solanum lycopersicum
Product code : GAIAS-0448
This organic variety is part of Gaia's seed selection for Canadian gardens. Also called Ukrainian Purple. A Russian heirloom tomato from Irma Henkel in Ukraine. A regular-leaf plant with wispy foliage produces huge amounts of purple-red, 5-7 oz., 3-4″ long, oblong, (plum-shaped to egg-shaped) tomatoes with a blemish-free skin and excellent sweet flavour. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements. tomato seeds are presented here with Canadian seed starting and seasonal care guidance.
- Quantity
- Approximately 25 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common namePurple Russian Tomato
FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
Specieslycopersicum
CultivarPurple Russian
TypeOrganic seeds
Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes
Organic 'Purple Russian' Tomato Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum). This organic variety is part of Gaia's seed selection for Canadian gardens. Also called Ukrainian Purple. A Russian heirloom tomato from Irma Henkel in Ukraine. A regular-leaf plant with wispy foliage produces huge amounts of purple-red, 5-7 oz., 3-4″ long, oblong, (plum-shaped to egg-shaped) tomatoes with a blemish-free skin and excellent sweet flavour. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Reduce water & nitrogen when hardening off. Staking needed. 1/8-1/4″ 10-35°C 5 to 10 days (gradual hardening off recommended) Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Starting tomato seeds with steady warmth supports even emergence; move each tomato seedling into bright light promptly.
For the best flavour, harvest when fully ripe, once the fruit has developed its full colour. You can also harvest the tomato when mature green and showing its first blush; if so, let tomato ripen off-vine above 21°C. Basil, Parsley, Carrot, Asparagus, Alliums, Celery, Borage, Marigold, Calendula, Mint, Sage, Peppers, Dill (until maturity). The packet contains 25 seeds. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
6 mm (1/4 in).
Spacing / density
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) between plants.
Germination temperature
21 to 29 °C (70 to 84 °F).
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Propagation
Seed propagation
Growing method
For Purple Russian Tomato, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Reduce water & nitrogen when hardening off. Staking needed. 1/8-1/4″ 10-35°C 5 to 10 days (gradual hardening off recommended) Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Maintain even moisture without saturating the soil. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.
Soil type
Use loose, well-drained soil suited to the crop. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.
Fertilization
Amend with mature compost and feed moderately according to soil fertility. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.
Seasonal care
For Purple Russian Tomato, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Reduce water & nitrogen when hardening off. Staking needed. 1/8-1/4″ 10-35°C 5 to 10 days (gradual hardening off recommended) For the best flavour, harvest when fully ripe, once the fruit has developed its full colour. You can also harvest the tomato when mature green and showing its first blush; if so, let tomato ripen off-vine above 21°C. Basil, Parsley, Carrot, Asparagus, Alliums, Celery, Borage, Marigold, Calendula, Mint, Sage, Peppers, Dill (until maturity). The packet contains 25 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container of at least 20 L (5 gal US), with support and good drainage.
Growing Purple Russian Tomato in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. In-ground growing recommended; use a very large container of 40 L or more only with support and regular watering. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft).
Width / spread
0.6 to 0.9 m (2-3′)
Foliage type
Herbaceous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Vining or trailing
Bloom period
Organic 'Purple Russian' Tomato flowers after establishment when seasonal light and warmth are suitable. The exact timing varies with the sowing date, plant development and local Canadian conditions.
Fruiting
Elongated fruit ripen from purplish red to mahogany brown.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Basil, Parsley, Carrot, Asparagus, Alliums, Celery, Borage, Marigold, Calendula, Mint, Sage, Peppers, Dill (until maturity). Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Ripe fruit
For four servings with Purple Russian Tomato, harvest about 500 g of edible material at the recommended stage. Rinse under potable water, remove damaged sections, and use a clean cutting board. Cut the crop into even pieces. Warm 30 ml of oil in a skillet or preheat the oven to 200°C, then cook until tender and lightly browned. Season with 15 ml of lemon juice or mild vinegar, a small pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Serve with a cooked grain or pulses. Adjust cooking time to the size of the pieces and the maturity of the harvest. Eat only the parts correctly identified as edible. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How many 'Purple Russian' Tomato seeds are in the packet?
For Purple Russian Tomato, the packet information states: Approximately 25 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.
How should I start 'Purple Russian' Tomato seeds in Canada?
For Purple Russian Tomato, the stated sowing period is Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting. Reduce water & nitrogen when hardening off. Staking needed. The recommended method is Seed propagation, at a depth of 3 to 6 mm (1/8-1/4″). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.
How long do 'Purple Russian' Tomato seeds take to germinate?
For Purple Russian Tomato, the stated germination period is 5 to 10 days, with a germination temperature of 10-35°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. The tomato seed germination time for 'Purple Russian' Tomato should be judged against the verified range above rather than a fixed national calendar. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.
Where should I grow 'Purple Russian' Tomato in the garden?
For Purple Russian Tomato, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 0.6 to 0.9 m (2-3′). For container growing, the product record recommends: the detailed directions in the product record. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Place plants where their growth can be observed and stress can be addressed early.
When and how should I harvest 'Purple Russian' Tomato?
For Purple Russian Tomato, the confirmed edible parts are: Ripe fruit. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.
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