Green Zebra Tomato Seeds
Green Zebra Tomato Seeds
Strikingly adorned with chartreuse hues and deep lime-green stripes, this tomato variety captivates with its beauty. The flesh, boasting a vibrant green hue, offers a rich taste, combining sweetness with a sharp bite. Embraced by top chefs, specialty markets, and home gardeners alike, it promises an excellent yield.
The 'Green Zebra' tomato stands as a robust cultivar, yielding medium-sized, round fruits starting in mid-July. Its distinctive appearance features light green stripes maturing into golden hues, accompanied by a uniquely aromatic flavor profile that blends sweetness with fruity notes. Typical of green tomatoes, it offers a refreshing acidity.
Green Zebra tomato seeds produce an heirloom variety cherished by both home gardeners and market enthusiasts. These tomatoes showcase a delightful combination of yellow and darker green stripes, coupled with a sweet yet zesty flavor. Their growth cycle spans approximately 75 days, showcasing their indeterminate nature.
Renowned seed expert Tom Wagner of Everett, Washington, meticulously bred Green Zebra tomato seeds by incorporating various green tomato varieties, including Evergreen. Driven by his lifelong fascination with green tomatoes, Tom aimed to overcome their tendency to crack. His dedicated efforts culminated in the creation of the Green Zebra tomato seed, first introduced in his seed catalog in 1983.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Begin sowing tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, planting seeds in a flat 1 centimeter deep and 2.5 centimeters apart. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius until germination, ensuring adequate light in a sunny window or under a grow light; keep the soil moist with proper drainage. Once the second set of leaves appears, transplant the seedlings into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest set of leaves for strong root growth. One week before transplanting seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions during the day to harden. Tomatoes cannot withstand cold weather and should only be transplanted after all frost threats have passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 21 degrees Celsius, plant seedlings in full sun and nutrient-rich soil, burying the entire stem up to the lowest leaves. If using a trellis, space plants 60 centimeters apart, or 90-120 centimeters apart if allowing vines to spread. For companion planting benefits, consider planting tomatoes with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them near cabbage or potatoes.
Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties thrive with trellises or support structures to protect against pests and diseases. Install supports before vines develop. As vines grow, tie them to supports for optimal development. Protect plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius, as they can damage production. Apply a thick layer of mulch for moisture retention and weed control; water plants weekly, avoiding wetting leaves. Pruning "suckers," or shoots between the main stem and branches, enhances plant strength and production.
Harvesting
Harvesting
To test the ripeness of tomatoes, gently press them; the flesh should yield slightly. Ripeness is also indicated by the mature color; for Green Zebra tomatoes, the green stripes will develop a pale yellow hue. If the stem does not detach easily from the vine, use scissors to cut it. While vine-ripened tomatoes offer the best flavor, all tomatoes should be harvested once frost arrives, including green ones. Unripe tomatoes will ripen over time if kept in a warm place away from direct sunlight. Renowned for their rich, tangy flavor, Green Zebra tomatoes are cherished by chefs.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
For most tomato varieties, cross-pollination is unlikely, so isolation isn't necessary. To save seeds, pick fully ripe tomatoes and halve them horizontally, then squeeze out the pulp into a container. Alternatively, for smaller tomatoes, blend them until the seeds are separated. Ferment the mixture for several days until mold forms, removing the gelatinous layer on the seeds. Discard the mold and debris, saving the clean seeds at the bottom. Rinse the seeds under running water, then dry them in a protected area away from direct sunlight. Stir them twice daily and use a fan to speed drying in humid conditions. Once fully dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Latin Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Type: Open Pollinated, Indeterminate, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 152.4 centimeters
Color: Yellow, Green