Indigo Rose
Cichorium intybus
Indigo has been the most reliable radicchio in both our hot- and cool-weather trials. It is remarkably sure-heading, very tolerant to tipburn, and resistant to bottom rot. The firm, 4-5" diameter heads are a nice burgundy color with good flavor. For spring, summer, and fall production. Also available with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Harvest
65d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Indigo Rose in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 tomato →Zone Map
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Indigo Rose · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – April | June – July | — | August – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 5 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | March – March | May – June | — | July – September |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 8 | February – February | April – May | — | June – August |
| Zone 9 | January – January | March – April | — | May – July |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | — | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High, Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Brown oblong and 5-ribbed achene with blunt ends. The wider end has a bristles across the top.
Color: Brown/Copper, Cream/Tan. Type: Achene.
Bloom time: var. foliosumBelaian Endive, French Endive, Radicchio, var. foliosum
Edibility: Leaves can be used in salads or cooked to reduce bitter flavor. Roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute.
Storage & Preservation
Store ripe Indigo Rose tomatoes at room temperature for 3-5 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture. The purple pigments are sensitive to cold, so avoid refrigerating unless fully ripe and you need to extend storage by 2-3 days. Keep fruits out of direct sunlight, which can cause uneven ripening and color fading.
For preservation, these cocktail-sized tomatoes excel in freezing whole for smoothies and sauces – the anthocyanins remain stable through freezing. Simply wash, remove stems, and freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. The unique color makes them spectacular in fermented salsas, where the purple hues create visually striking results. Dehydrating works well too; slice in half and dry until leathery for concentrated flavor. The high antioxidant content makes them ideal for juicing and blending into health-focused preserves.
History & Origin
Origin: Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
- +Wildlife value: Bees and butterflies nectar at the flowers.
- +Edible: Leaves can be used in salads or cooked to reduce bitter flavor. Roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while potentially improving tomato flavor
Marigold
Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural pest-repelling compounds
Carrots
Help break up soil for tomato roots and don't compete for nutrients
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control pests
Lettuce
Provides living mulch, conserves soil moisture, and utilizes different root zones
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling whiteflies
Chives
Repels aphids and may help prevent fungal diseases with sulfur compounds
Peppers
Share similar growing requirements and don't compete significantly for resources
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that causes tomato wilt and stunted growth
Fennel
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit tomato growth and development
Corn
Both attract corn earworm/tomato hornworm and compete for similar nutrients
Brassicas
Heavy nitrogen feeders that compete with tomatoes and may stunt growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #321360)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good general disease resistance, less prone to cracking
Common Pests
Tomato hornworm, aphids, flea beetles
Diseases
Early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt