Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
This open-pollinated purple variety yields small, dark-hued fruits that range from dusky rose to deep purple-brown when fully ripe. They boast the savory, rich, and almost smoky flavor profile characteristic of black heirloom tomatoes, condensed into a juicy, bite-sized package. They are an absolute must-grow for culinary enthusiasts looking to add complex flavors and dramatic colors to fresh summer dishes.
Light
Give it the sunniest spot you have, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct light each day. Through peak summer, filtered afternoon light is kinder to the blossoms than harsh midday sun. Dark skinned fruits colour best with good sun exposure.
Water
Water deeply and consistently, about 2.5 to 4 cm a week, more in hot weather and daily for pots in peak summer. Even moisture prevents cracking and blossom end rot, and watering at the base keeps the leaves dry.
Humidity
Comfortable in average humidity. Warm, damp, still air invites blight and leaf spot, so give each plant space, remove lower leaves and avoid wetting the foliage in humid coastal weather.
Temperature
Adapts to most of Pakistan's growing weather, thriving at about 15 to 35 C and flowering most freely between 18 and 32 C. Even in 35 C+ weather they hold up well in shade with mulch and regular water, though blossoms may fall until temperatures ease. Start seed in late winter or late summer to time flowering outside the peak heat.
Pets and children
Fully ripe tomatoes are fine for people, and the ASPCA lists the ripe fruit as non-toxic for pets. Solanine and tomatine in the leaves, stems and green fruit make the plant toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs including hypersalivation, stomach upset and weakness.
Soil
Well drained, rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Mix plenty of compost or vermicompost into garden soil, with some cocopeat in pots, and use a large container of at least 20 litres.
Fertilizer
Feed moderately rather than heavily. Give a tomato fertiliser low in nitrogen at planting, at fruit set and after the first harvest, so the plant makes fruit rather than excess foliage. Open pollinated plants vary a little from plant to plant, and you can save seed from your best fruit for next season.
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