How Big Does an 'Indigo Rose' Tomato Plant Get?

Characteristics

• The “Indigo Rose” cultivar is an indeterminate tomato variety, which means that the plant will continue growing until killed by a hard frost. Under optimal growing conditions, some indeterminate tomato plants can grow 15 feet high. “Indigo Rose” plants are more likely to reach heights between 3 and 5 feet, with a 3- to 4-foot spread. The more open plant structure allows maximum sun exposure to growing fruit. This is essential for the “Indigo Red” tomato's purple fruit. If kept in the shade, an “Indigo Red” tomato will turn from green to red as it matures, rather than the characteristic purple.

Growing Preferences

• Like most tomatoes, the “Indigo Rose” variety is a warm-weather annual that grows best in full sun with dry to normal irrigation levels. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil, with pH levels between 6.0 and 6.8. Lime or sulfur can be added to soil with pH levels too low or too high, respectively. Soil should also be loose, well-drained and rich in organic matter. The will allow the “Indigo Rose” tomato's roots to best take up water and soil nutrients, as well as expand as the plant grows and develops.

Planting

• "Indigo Rose” tomatoes have a longer growing season than some tomatoes, with mature fruit ripening between 80 and 90 days after planting. Therefore, in most locations seeds need to be started indoors in February or March, or about six to eight weeks before the estimated local last frost date. Soil temperature needs to be between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for seeds to germinate. After risk of frost has passed, young plants can be transferred outdoors. “Indigo Rose” tomatoes can be transplanted into containers or garden plots. Multiple plants should be spaced 3 feet apart to allow for caging and spread.

Staking

• To ensure continued health growth and development of “Indigo Rose” tomato plants, as well as healthy yields of flavorful fruit – typically between 60 and 100 tomatoes per plant – stake the plants and pinch off side shoots. Staking and pruning save space in the garden, increase fruit size, result in an earlier harvest and lower risk of fruit rot. Although the “Indigo Rose” cultivar shows resistance to common fungal infections like early blight and powdery mildew, staking will improve air circulation around plants and further reduce chance of disease.