Tomato ‘Dancing with Smurfs’ – a tomato that’s as fun as its name! When fully ripe, the fruits are a dazzling mix of deep purple, crimson, and scarlet – beautiful enough to use as a garnish, but so tasty you’ll be popping them straight into your mouth.

This unusual variety is part of the blue tomato family, bred in the United States in the early 2000s. It was developed by plant breeders who wanted to combine high levels of natural anthocyanins (the compounds that give blueberries their colour and antioxidant power) with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. Its whimsical name – “Dancing with Smurfs” – was inspired by its striking blue-purple skins that look like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Nutritionally, ‘Dancing with Smurfs’ is a real powerhouse. The dark purple-blue colouring comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants linked to supporting heart health and fighting free radicals. Like other tomatoes, it also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fibre, making it a delicious way to boost your daily nutrients while adding a splash of colour to the plate.

One of the most interesting facts about this tomato is how the fruit changes colour. The skins are darkest purple where they get the most sun exposure, while shaded parts stay red.

In the kitchen, ‘Dancing with Smurfs’ is best enjoyed fresh in salads, lunchboxes, or as a colourful addition to grazing platters. Their sweet-tangy flavour also works well roasted or grilled, where the colours deepen even further.

The plants themselves are hardy indeterminate, meaning they’ll keep producing fruit all season if cared for. They’re compact for a cherry tomato, growing to about 1.2–1.5 metres, and produce clusters of small, juicy fruits. They’re also naturally resistant to many common tomato diseases, making them a great choice for home gardeners.

How to Grow From Seed:
At the earliest sow seeds in late winter to early spring, around 6–8 weeks before the last frost date in your area, or after Spring and into mid and late summer.

Use seedling trays or small pots filled with a good quality seed-raising mix, and sow the seeds about 0.5 cm deep.

Keep the soil warm (around 20–25°C) and moist – germination usually takes 7–14 days.

Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, pot them on into larger containers to grow stronger roots.

When they reach about 10–15 cm tall and the weather has warmed, transplant them into the garden or large pots in a sunny spot.

Space plants 50–60 cm apart, and provide stakes or a trellis for support as they grow. Regular watering and feeding with a balanced fertiliser will keep them happy. Keep picking ripe fruits to encourage continuous production right through summer.