Green Grape Cherry Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 95% Sep 2024 Packed for 2025
Origins and History
The Green Grape Cherry Tomato is a relatively modern heirloom introduction, developed by breeder Tom Wagner in the 1980s, the same plant breeder responsible for the well-known Green Zebra tomato. Wagner’s goal was to create small, flavorful cherry tomatoes that retained the tangy-sweet balance of his larger green-striped cultivars. Since then, Green Grape has earned a reputation among gardeners and chefs as a specialty heirloom variety, prized for both its distinctive appearance and its complex taste.
Appearance and Characteristics
Green Grape Cherry Tomatoes grow in clusters of small, round fruits about the size of large grapes, typically 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Their skin matures from bright green to a yellow-green blush, sometimes with subtle golden tones when fully ripe. The flesh is juicy, tender, and green throughout, with a sweet yet slightly tangy flavor. Plants are indeterminate, producing vigorous vines that continue to set fruit throughout the growing season.
Culinary Uses
The unique color and flavor of Green Grape Cherry Tomatoes make them a standout in the kitchen. They are especially appealing in fresh salads where their chartreuse color contrasts beautifully with red, yellow, or purple tomatoes. Their balance of sweetness and acidity also makes them excellent for roasting, skewering for appetizers, or incorporating into salsas. For gourmet presentations, they are often used alongside other multicolored cherry tomatoes to create visually stunning dishes.
Growing Tips
Green Grape is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–11, thriving in warm, sunny conditions. Seeds should be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors once nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, keeping soil moist and warm (70–80°F) for best germination. Like most indeterminate varieties, Green Grape requires staking, caging, or trellising for support as vines can become heavy with fruit. Consistent watering and mulching help maintain even soil moisture, reducing the risk of cracking.
Harvesting Guidance
Green Grape Cherry Tomatoes are typically ready to harvest 70–80 days from transplanting. Fruits should be picked when their green skin takes on a slight amber or golden glow, indicating peak ripeness. Because their flavor intensifies when fully mature, it’s important not to harvest too early while the fruits are still a flat, unripe green. Regular picking encourages continuous production throughout the summer until frost.
