Indigo Pear Drops

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Indigo Pear Drops brings a velvet-sweet burst of flavor with a complex, berry-bright tang—its skin turns a jewel-deep indigo-purple that glows against the garden light.

The fruits are petite and pear-shaped, with a crisp, juicy bite and a smooth, glossy surface that feels almost lacquered. Grow this cherry tomato for fresh snacking, vibrant salads, and striking sauces where its dark color and lively taste shine through.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Botanical illustration of Indigo Pear Drops

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These are the kind of cherry tomatoes that taste like sweet fruit until the tang shows up—so you want them barely handled: cold, blistered hot, or reduced fast. The thin lacquered skin and crisp juice make them hold shape in salads and shine in a quick butter-balsamic pan sauce.

Best Uses

cold snack pints—eat them straight so the tang pops
salads where their firm snap holds against delicate greens
quick, high-heat blistering to intensify color and concentrate juices
drizzle-worthy pan sauces for chicken or fish—finish with butter to round the acidity

Flavor Profile

velvet-sweet cherry tomato flavor berry-bright tang with a faint smoky edge crisp, juice-forward bite with a clean finish glossy, thin skin that stays neat, not leathery

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil garlic balsamic vinegar fresh mozzarella fresh black pepper grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease problem is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) “Indigo” types, and how do I stop it?

Tomato plants commonly suffer from early blight (Alternaria), which starts as brown, target-like spots on lower leaves and spreads upward. Remove and discard affected leaves early, keep foliage as dry as possible by watering at the soil line, and apply a labeled fungicide if spots begin during warm, humid weather. Space plants for airflow and avoid overhead watering to slow further spread.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during the main growing phase?

During fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry, because irregular watering can trigger blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Mulch around the base to steady moisture around the root zone.

How can I tell when “Indigo Pear Drops” tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach a fully developed, uniform deep color (typically dark purple-black with green shoulders fading), and they feel slightly firm but not hard. They should come off the vine with a gentle twist rather than requiring pulling. For best flavor, pick frequently from about day 60 onward as ripe fruits develop quickly in warm weather.