Purple Rider or Radio Tomato

NYTomatoNewbie · #1

Does anyone have any information on a “purple rider” or “radio” tomatoes? I think these are heirlooms. I was given these seeds, but the person who gave them to me does not have their history. I cannot find them in a google search or a dive through tomato databases and websites. I can grow them out, but have no basis to check if labeling is correct. Thanks!

Seven Bends · #2

Nicky (from Ontario) posted this about Radio over at Tomatoville in 2015: Radio has come into the swap a few times over the years. It was listed at Salt Spring Seeds years ago, but I don't think that anyone is currently offering it. I haven't grown it, but an avid tomato grower a few years ago said: It is a smallish round red (larger than a golf ball, smaller than a baseball). Productive with above average flavour. I have heard that it is early as well.

TheSeedDetective.com describes Radio this way: Radio (indeterminate) This sensational tomato is a mystery addition to my library. Seed was given to me by a stranger at a talk I gave. Apparently it was grown in the UK during WWII as part of the Dig for Victory campaign. It is believed to have originated in Germany and the name refers to a brand of razor! Perhaps the name is wrong but I grow it regularly. Best grown under glass but does well outside in a sunny and sheltered spot.
There's a photo here (have to scroll down) https://theseeddetective.co.uk/seed-lis ... ato-seeds/

Spudleafwillie at Tomatoville had Purple Rider on a list of potato leaf varieties he/she was growing out in 2006; no other information given besides leaf type.

NYTomatoNewbie · #3

Thank you very much! Great info on radio, and I now know to look for a potato leaf in purple rider. I hope to share these seeds in 2024!

1Halcyon · #4

I just grew Radio this season. It was an indeterminate, regular variety that ended up getting around 7 or 8 feet tall. It was very prolific, producing red saladette sized fruits of varying shapes. It was super weird to see round, and oval, snowman, or pear shaped fruits, some even on the same branch or cluster!

Homegrwoninillinois · #5

NYTomatoNewbie wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:20 pm Thank you very much! Great info on radio, and I now know to look for a potato leaf in purple rider. I hope to share these seeds in 2024!

Could we have an update on how these did for you and more information?

MissS · #6

@1Halcyon What was your seed source for Radio? It's interesting that you would get such a varieties of shapes off of one plant.