Aunt Ginny's Purple

Described as rich and sweet, often compared favorably with Brandywine and a little earlier. This is the recurring catalog and grower description, not a measured claim.

A German potato-leaf heirloom brought to the United States and shared through the seed-saving community.

• Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.
• Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.
• A moderate grow, no special tricks but worth steady attention.
• Will set in cooler conditions, though warmth still helps it along.
• Prone to cracking and splitting after wet spells.
• One of our picks for the cold, short-season gardens of New England.

Sold out, or after a change? The closest alternatives, and how they differ.

Brandywinebut reportedly earlier with similar rich flavorGerman Pinkbut a different German pink lineage

• Tomato Growers Supply Company
• Urban Farmer

• Heirloom vs Hybrid Tomatoes
• Slicer vs Beefsteak Tomatoes

Is Aunt Ginny's Purple determinate or indeterminate?

Aunt Ginny's Purple is an indeterminate variety. Indeterminate vine. It keeps growing and setting fruit right up to frost, so plan on a tall stake or cage and regular pruning through the season.

How long does Aunt Ginny's Purple take to ripen?

Aunt Ginny's Purple ripens in about 80 days from transplant. Mid-season timing, ripening around 70 to 80 days from transplant.

Is Aunt Ginny's Purple an heirloom or a hybrid?

Aunt Ginny's Purple is an heirloom, an open-pollinated variety with a documented history, so seed saved from it comes back true to type.

What can I grow instead of Aunt Ginny's Purple?

A close swap is Brandywine, but reportedly earlier with similar rich flavor.