Is the Purple Tomato GM? Purple Bliss Questions Answered

The purple tomato has arrived in Australia. Purple Bliss™ is the first genetically modified fresh food approved here, it made the front page of The Sunday Age, and the first fruit sold out in its first week in shops. Garden Express has the exclusive first release of the plants, so you can grow your own. Here are straight answers to the questions we're asked most.

Is the purple tomato genetically modified?

Yes. Purple Bliss contains two genes from the edible snapdragon flower. These genes switch on the tomato's own ability to produce anthocyanins, the natural purple pigment found in blueberries, blackberries and red cabbage.

The result is a tomato that's purple all the way through the flesh, not just on the skin.

Is the purple tomato safe to eat?

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) assessed Purple Bliss and approved it for sale as food in Australia. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) separately assessed it before licensing it to be grown here, and concluded it poses negligible risk to people or the environment. As with all GM foods in Australia, the fruit is labelled as genetically modified when sold.

How is Purple Bliss different from other purple tomatoes?

Whole and sliced Purple Bliss tomatoes showing purple flesh

You may have seen purple or "black" tomatoes before. They're quite different:

Heirloom "black" tomatoes such as Cherokee Purple and Black Cherry get their dusky colour from a mix of red and green pigments. They aren't high in anthocyanins.
Indigo-type tomatoes such as Indigo Rose were conventionally bred to produce anthocyanins, but only in the skin. Cut one open and the flesh is red.
Purple Bliss produces anthocyanins in the flesh as well as the skin, so it's deep purple right to the centre.

Why was the purple tomato developed?

Most GM crops were developed to resist pests or herbicides. Purple Bliss wasn't. It was developed by UK plant scientist Professor Cathie Martin at the John Innes Centre, whose research focuses on making everyday foods more nutritious. Her aim was to boost anthocyanins in a food people already eat every day.

Is it approved in Australia?

Yes, by both of Australia's regulators:

FSANZ approved it as food.
The OGTR licensed its commercial release, which allows it to be grown throughout Australia, subject to restrictions in some states.

Purple Bliss is the first GM fresh fruit or vegetable to clear Australia's rules. It was approved in the United States first and has been sold there since 2024. Canada approved it in 2025.

Where can I buy purple tomatoes in Australia?

To grow your own: Purple Bliss plants are available exclusively from Garden Express. Choose a single Purple Bliss plant, or the Tomato Trio, which pairs it with red and orange cherry tomatoes.

To eat: Purple Bliss fruit launched in selected Australian greengrocers in October 2026, starting in Victoria. Supply is limited while production ramps up.

Can I buy purple tomato seeds?

Purple Bliss isn't available as seed for home gardeners. Garden Express sells young plants only, ready to go straight in the ground.

How do I grow purple tomatoes?

Purple Bliss tomato plant in an 8 cm biodegradable jiffy pot

Much like any cherry tomato: full sun, rich soil and regular water. Purple Bliss is a vigorous, tall grower, so give it a sturdy stake, cage or trellis. Plants arrive in an 8 cm biodegradable jiffy pot that goes straight in the ground. Our full guide covers everything: How to Grow Purple Tomatoes.

Why can't I buy it in Tasmania or WA?

Tasmania has a moratorium on growing genetically modified organisms, which runs until November 2029. Western Australia has its own plant quarantine rules. For these reasons we're unable to send Purple Bliss plants to either state.