Green Zebra Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Seeds per pack ~25
Germination: 91% Oct 2023
DISCOUNTED
Origins and History
The Green Zebra Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a relatively modern heirloom that was bred in the 1980s by tomato breeder Tom Wagner of Everett, Washington. Unlike many traditional heirlooms that trace their lineage back generations, the Green Zebra was intentionally created to add diversity to tomato colors and flavors. Though newer, it has earned heirloom status because of its cultural significance, popularity among seed savers, and its role in expanding the palette of home gardeners beyond the typical red tomato. Its striking green-striped fruit quickly gained a reputation for both beauty and flavor, making it a staple in specialty gardens and farmers’ markets.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Green Zebra is a small to medium-sized tomato, typically weighing 3–5 ounces. Its most distinctive trait is the bright green skin overlaid with golden-yellow stripes as it ripens. Inside, the flesh is a vibrant green, juicy, and slightly tangy. The plant is indeterminate, meaning it will continue to grow and set fruit throughout the season, and it produces generously. Its flavor is often described as zesty and slightly tart, with a balance of sweetness that appeals to those who enjoy tomatoes with a bit of bite.
Culinary Uses
This tomato’s eye-catching stripes make it a favorite for fresh presentation. Green Zebras shine in salads, where their color contrasts beautifully with reds and yellows, and they pair well with mozzarella in Caprese-style dishes. Their tangy-sweet flavor also works well in salsas, bruschetta, and as a garnish. When roasted or grilled, their acidity mellows, creating a complex, savory-sweet flavor that enhances sandwiches and pasta dishes. Chefs often highlight them in mixed heirloom tomato platters for both flavor and aesthetics.
Growing Tips (Zones & Sowing)
Green Zebra Tomatoes thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10, though they perform best in warm, frost-free conditions. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost, sowing them ¼ inch deep in well-draining seed-starting mix. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F. Plants need full sun and fertile, well-amended soil. Because they are indeterminate, they require staking, caging, or trellising to support their continuous growth and fruit set. Consistent watering helps prevent cracking, which this variety can be somewhat prone to.
Harvesting Guidance
Green Zebra Tomatoes can be tricky to judge for ripeness because their base color remains green. Look for the stripes to turn from light green to golden-yellow as a cue for harvest. Another indicator is a slight softening of the fruit when gently squeezed. Typically, they reach maturity in about 75–80 days from transplanting. Harvesting frequently encourages continued production. For best flavor, pick when fully ripe and allow them to finish ripening at room temperature if needed.
