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Growing Purple Bumble Bee Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
Sow the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Fill small containers or seed trays with seed-starting soil mix and plant the seeds 0.25 inches deep. Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Maintain a temperature of around 70-80 F for optimal germination, which typically takes 7-14 days. Providing a grow light will help the seedlings grow strong and prevent them from getting leggy.
Continue to keep the soil moist, and feed them with a diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. When they reach 6-8 inches tall, you can begin "hardening off" the seedlings about one week before transplanting them outdoors. This process involves gradually introducing the plants to outdoor conditions.
You can transplant your Purple Bumble Bee tomatoes when the outdoor soil temperature is consistently above 60 F, and all danger of frost has passed. Select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart. Bury them deeply, up to their first set of true leaves. Tomatoes can develop roots along the buried stem, which leads to stronger, more resilient plants. Be sure to stake or cage them early to support their growth.
Throughout the growing season, water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Mulch can help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Tomatoes love a good feeding, so apply some fertilizer once the plants start flowering. Avoid Nitrogen heavy mixes as this can lead to excessive foliage growth over fruit production. As an indeterminate variety, Purple Bumble Bee will need regular pruning to remove suckers (small shoots that form between the main stem and branches).
Harvesting Purple Bumble Bee Tomatoes
Purple Bumble Bee tomatoes are ready to harvest when they fully develop their signature purple-red coloration with green-gold stripes. The fruits are cherry-sized, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and should feel firm but not hard. Gently twist or snip the fruits from the vine when they reach this stage. As an indeterminate variety, these tomatoes will keep producing new fruits throughout the growing season until frost kills the plant.
About Purple Bumble Bee Tomato Garden Seeds
Purple Bumble Bee was bred by Fred Hempel of Artisan Seeds, and it was introduced to the public around 2014 as part of his "Bumble Bee" series of cherry tomatoes, which are known for their colorful and flavorful fruits.
This variety is good for containers or hanging baskets as long as you provide a sturdy support system since the plants are indeterminate and will continue growing vigorously throughout the season. Maintenance will be needed throughout the season, as the plant will still grow quite large.
Purple Bumble Bee is an indeterminate variety, meaning it will keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season rather than ripening all at once. This makes it perfect for continual harvesting, providing cherry tomatoes over several months.
This variety has gained popularity among home gardeners and small-scale farmers for its vibrant appearance, excellent taste, and prolific production. Its marbled skin and sweet, tangy flavor make it a standout in salads, fresh eating, and market displays.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Fertilizing once or twice in the early season with a micronutrient blend or calcium powder will reduce the risk of blossom end rot."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Purple Bumble Bee Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 130 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 3,700 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 14,800 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 59,400 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 237,700 Seeds