Midnight Roma Tomato Seeds
Best unique heirloom for home garden enthusiasts.
This unique purple-skinned, high-antioxidant sauce tomato was developed by Oregon State University breeder Dr. Jim Myers. Jim has devoted years to breeding tomatoes for purple anthocyanins, hoping to explore the antioxidant potential of these pigments and their impact on human health. With this new variety, Myers brought the high anthocyanin trait into a plum (aka paste) tomato, the purple-pigmented skin encasing a deep red flesh ideal for processing and sauce applications. In the rows, it will stop you in your tracks. In the kitchen, this purple wonder shines for its quick cook time and memorable flavor, producing sauces and pastes with layers of sweetness, acidity and rich umami.
$4.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Days to Maturity
80
/ days from transplant
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking visually stunning produce for culinary creations
- Health-conscious individuals prioritizing nutrient-dense, homegrown food
- Home cooks and preservers desiring versatile tomatoes for kitchen projects
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners in short-season climates needing quick-yielding varieties
- Families with picky eaters or those preferring classic, sweet tomato tastes
- Budget-conscious gardeners or those preferring widely available, inexpensive seeds
Performance breakdown
Nutritional Density
High anthocyanin content elevates this variety above standard paste tomatoes.
Culinary Versatility
Deep umami profile makes it exceptional for quick-cooking sauces and pastes.
Growth Habit
Semi-determinate nature offers a manageable balance between yield and plant size.
Visual Appeal
Striking purple-red skin provides a unique aesthetic in the garden.
Ease of Cultivation
Thrives in fertile soil with minimal fertilization requirements for home growers.
Breeding Impact
Directly supports public plant breeding research through every seed purchased.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
80 days from transplant
Appearance
3-4” deep purple-red fruit. Purple color increases with direct sun exposure.
Field Notes
Semi-determinate. Thrives in the Pacific Northwest. Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soils with an optimal pH of 6.5. Little to no additional fertilization needed. Avoid high nitrogen prior to flowering, as it will delay fruiting. Phosphorus and calcium will boost yields and prevent blossom end rot. Plant Support: Provide trellising or other support for ease of maintenance and harvest.
Spacing After Transplanting
Plant spacing: 12-24”, Row spacing: 3’
Seed Specs
14,200 seeds/ounce; 227,000 seeds/pound
Know before you buy
Semi-determinate tomatoes grow to a compact, manageable size but continue to produce fruit over a longer period than strictly determinate varieties. They are a great middle-ground option that typically requires some trellising for support, but won't take over your entire garden space.
The deep purple pigment is triggered by direct sun exposure. To maximize the color, ensure your plants are situated in a spot that receives full, direct sunlight throughout the day.
Midnight Roma tomatoes typically reach maturity in 80 days from the time you transplant them into your garden. Plan your planting schedule accordingly to ensure they have enough time to ripen before your first frost.
While you can eat them fresh, they are specifically bred as a paste tomato. Their quick cook time and complex balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami make them an excellent choice for processing into rich, flavorful sauces.
These plants thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers before the plants flower, as this can delay fruit production; instead, focus on phosphorus and calcium to support healthy yields.
For optimal airflow and growth, space your transplants 12 to 24 inches apart. If you are planting multiple rows, keep the rows at least 3 feet apart.
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