Demascus Steel

Damascus Steel (often spelled “Damascus”) is a mid‑season, striped plum/small slicer noted for purple and red anthocyanin‑rich striping. Bred by Dean Slater from a cross of ‘Purple Dragon’ × ‘Striped Sweetheart,’ it produces clusters of ~2‑inch fruits with bold, slightly acidic flavor. Indeterminate plants with regular leaves are productive and benefit from staking; harvest over an extended window. Expect first ripe fruit around 75 days from transplant under warm conditions. A distinctive, high‑color selection that brings visual flair to salads and roasting pans. Fruits shine in both fresh salads and slow‑simmered sauces where their natural balance comes forward. Plants respond well to consistent moisture and mulching, which helps reduce blossom‑end stress and keeps fruit quality high. Give sturdy support and prune lightly to maintain airflow and make harvest easier as clusters build.

Days: ≈75
Tomato Type: Specialty plum/small slicer (anthocyanin)
Growth Habit: Indeterminate
Plant Height: 5–7+ feet with support
Fruit Size: ≈2 inches (~80–120 g reported)
Leaf Type: Regular
Color: Purple/red striping with anthocyanin shoulders
Shape: Oval plum to small round
Flavor: Bold, slightly acidic
Usage: Fresh, roasting, salads
Creator: Dean Slater (‘Purple Dragon’ × ‘Striped Sweetheart’)