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Vegetable Seeds
Midnight Roma Tomato Seeds
"Black, Deep Red & Purple Roma Tomato"Sun: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75 - 80 Days
Fruit Size: 1 - 3 Ounces
Heirloom: Yes
Summary / History
HEIRLOOM - The Midnight Roma tomato was created in 2021 by Dr. Jim Myers, a horticulture professor at Oregon State University (OSU). Myers focused his career on breeding vegetables for increased nutrition and disease resistance. One of his goals was to develop a Roma-type plum tomato with the high anthocyanin trait (the same healthy antioxidant found in blueberries). Anthocyanin, along with the purple pigmentation, come from wild tomato genetics native to the Galapagos Islands and Chile; these traits were first isolated and crossbred by OSU researchers. Myers created the Midnight Roma by crossing two other OSU-developed tomatoes: the dark, high antioxidant Indigo Rose and the large, fleshy, slicer Oregon Star. Developed using traditional, non-GMO crossbreeding methods, the Midnight Roma was specifically created to pack an intensely concentrated, sweet and savory flavor, making it perfect for home canning and culinary processing. While developed at a public university, exclusive seed rights were granted to the Row 7 Seed Company in 2021, a culinary breeding company that partnered with organic growers and chefs to cultivate and distribute the seeds.
Plant Characteristics
The Midnight Roma tomato is famous for its deep reddish-purple skin; the purple pigment intensifies with direct sun exposure. The coloration is caused by anthocyanin, which is the same antioxidant found in blueberries. These elongated paste tomatoes are typically 3-4 inches long and weigh between 1-3 ounces each. The flavor is described as a well-rounded tomato flavor that features a bright upfront sweetness followed by a deeply rich, savory finish. Their dense flesh and low water content allows them to be cooked down into a paste or sauce quicker compared to red Roma tomatoes. They offer a great balance of sweetness and acidity, which makes them perfect for making marinara/pizza sauce, slow-roasting for bruschetta, or adding a pop of color to fresh salads. Semi-determinate plants grow to a manageable 4–5 feet; semi-determinate means the plants grow like determinate plants but produce over a longer, extended season. Plants are easy to stake but benefit significantly from pruning. Sunlight is crucial as the deep purple color develops only where the tomato receives direct sunlight. Excellent resistance to verticillium wilt.
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Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Solanum Lycopersicum
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Planting Season: Warm Season
- Plant Type: Semi-Determinate
- Features: Open-Pollinated, Resistant To Verticillium Wilt
- Fruit Size: 1 - 3 Ounces
- Days to Maturity: 75 - 80 Days
- Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches
- Planting Depth: 1/4" to 1/2"
- Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow
- Cold Stratification: No
- Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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