Indigo Cherry Drop is a striking cherry tomato variety known for its deep purple-to-black skin (caused by anthocyanins) with red undertones when fully ripe. The fruits are small (cherry-sized), round, and typically grow in clusters.
Key characteristics
Flavor: Mildly sweet with a slightly tangy finish
Color: Dark purple/black shoulders with red interior
Growth habit: Indeterminate (continues producing all season)
Days to maturity: ~7080 days from transplant
Use: Fresh eating, salads, garnishes
Growing Instructions
1. Starting Seeds
Start indoors 68 weeks before last frost
Sow seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep
Keep soil temperature around 2127°C (7080°F) for best germination
Seeds usually sprout in 510 days
2. Transplanting
Move seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed
Space plants 4560 cm (1824 inches) apart
Bury stems deeper to encourage strong root development
3. Sun & Soil
Full sun: 68+ hours daily
Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Ideal pH: 6.06.8
4. Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases
Typical need: ~2.54 cm (11.5 inches) per week
5. Support
Use stakes, cages, or trellises
Indeterminate plants can grow 1.52 m (56+ ft) tall
6. Feeding
Use balanced fertilizer at planting
Switch to low-nitrogen, higher phosphorus/potassium once flowering begins
7. Pruning
Optional but helpful: remove suckers to improve airflow and fruit size
Harvesting Tips
Pick when fruits are deep purple/black with slight softness
Fully ripe fruits often show reddish tones underneath
Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production
Common Issues
Blossom end rot caused by calcium imbalance (consistent watering helps)
Cracking irregular watering
Leaf diseases avoid overhead watering
Why Its Unique
The dark pigmentation comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries, which may offer added nutritional benefits.
