Description
Solanum lycopersicum ‘Ukrainian Purple’ is an heirloom tomato variety valued for its elongated, plum-shaped fruits and rich, traditional flavor. The plants are indeterminate and vigorous, typically reaching 1.8 to 2.4 meters in height, and require staking or caging to support consistent production. Fruits are medium-sized, cylindrical to slightly tapered, with dusky purple to reddish-brown skin and deep red flesh. The flavor is well balanced, combining mild sweetness with moderate acidity, making this variety suitable for fresh eating, salads, sauces, and drying.
This cultivar performs best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering. It is appreciated for its productivity, adaptability, and distinctive fruit shape and color.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures remain consistently above 16°C to 18°C. In regions with mild winters or frost-free conditions, seeds may be started from late winter to early spring for optimal growth and harvest.
Germination Guide
🌍 Eastern Europe, Ukraine (specifically the southern rural region near Kiev)
Easy
Solanum lycopersicum 'Ukrainian Purple', also known as Purple Russian, is an indeterminate, open-pollinated heirloom tomato from Eastern Europe producing high yields of 3-4 inch long, plum-shaped fruits with distinctive deep purple to chocolate-brown coloring and rich, full-bodied flavor. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (75-85°F) without special pretreatment, requiring consistent warmth, adequate moisture, proper seed depth, and light after emergence for successful development into vigorous seedlings.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
6 – 14 days
Temperature
Min 75°C
Ideal 80°C
Max 85°C
Light
🌑 Darkness required
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Sowing depth
Lightly covered
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
sterile seed starting mix, well-draining potting mix
Recommended container
small containers 4 inches or smaller, seed trays, individual pots
Growing Tips
Use a heat mat or bottom heat source to maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F for optimal germination (typically 7-10 days at 80°F). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use bottom watering to prevent fungal growth and seed rot. Cover trays with a dome or plastic wrap during germination (light not required). Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Once seeds germinate and break the soil surface, remove covers immediately and provide bright light (14-16 hours daily with grow lights recommended) to prevent leggy seedlings. Maintain temperatures around 70°F after emergence and remove heat mat to avoid weak, elongated growth. Thin to strongest seedlings once true leaves develop. Transplant to 3-4 inch pots when first true leaves appear, then to larger containers as needed. Harden off seedlings for 1-2 weeks in full sun before transplanting outdoors 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 50°F.
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