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Growing Green Zebra Salad Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Starting indoors is the first step in growing these delicious tomatoes. You'll want to begin this process about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This gives your tomatoes a head start and gives them the best chance at surviving and fruiting outdoors. Planting the seeds is simple and easy. Use a fine seed starting mix in small pots or trays, sowing the seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and keep the pots in a warm, bright spot. Use grow lights if you don’t get at least 8 hours of sunlight through your windows. As your seedlings grow, they'll need plenty of light to avoid becoming leggy. A bit of patience and daily checks will soon reward you with the sight of tiny sprouts pushing through the soil.

When the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, it's a good sign they're getting ready for their next big move. However, don't rush them outdoors just yet. They need to be gradually introduced to the outdoor environment, a process known as hardening off. Over a week or more, slowly increase their outdoor exposure each day to acclimate them to the sunlight, wind, and temperatures they'll soon call home.

Transplanting your Green Zebra tomatoes into the garden or outdoor containers is the next exciting milestone. Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. When the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are well-acclimated, it's time to transplant. Dig a hole for each plant, spacing them about 24-36 inches apart to give them room to spread their leaves and roots. Bury them up to the first set of leaves to encourage strong root growth. A good watering at the time of transplantation will help them settle in their new home.

Caring for your Green Zebras involves consistent watering, especially as fruits begin to develop. Watering consistency prevents splitting. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and control weeds. A stake or cage will support their growth and keep fruits off the ground, reducing disease risk.

Companion planting can enhance your tomatoes' health and flavor. Basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums are not just decorative; they help repel pests and can improve the growth and flavor of your tomatoes. Diversity in the garden will be your best friend to avoid crop loss. Avoid planting near corn or potatoes, as they can share common pests that could spoil the party.

Throughout the season, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Regular checks and prompt action can prevent most issues. As your Green Zebras mature, you'll notice the unique striping become more pronounced, and the bottom of the fruit will yield slightly to pressure when ripe, usually 75-80 days after transplanting.

Harvesting Green Zebra Tomatoes

Unlike traditional red varieties, Green Zebras are ripe when their green background deepens to a more yellowish hue, and the darker green stripes become even more pronounced. A ripe Green Zebra will also feel slightly soft to the touch. To harvest, simply hold the fruit firmly and twist it gently from the stem, or use a pair of garden shears to snip it off, leaving a small part of the stem attached.

About Green Zebra Tomato Garden Seeds

With its striking green and yellow stripes, this variety is not only a feast for the eyes but also a foodie’s delight with its tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Growing Green Zebra tomatoes from seed can be a rewarding endeavor, offering a unique twist to your garden and kitchen.

Developed by the famed tomato breeder Tom Wagner, this variety was introduced to the gardening world in the early 1980s. Wagner, who has a knack for creating uniquely colored and flavored tomatoes, aimed to produce a tomato that was visually striking and packed with flavor. The Green Zebra delivers on both counts. It has vibrant green stripes on a yellow-green background and a zesty, slightly tangy taste.

The Green Zebra was bred for its distinctive green-striped appearance, excellent flavor, and good disease resistance, making it a favorite among chefs and gardeners alike.

The Green Zebra tomato is an indeterminate variety, meaning it grows and produces fruit continuously throughout the growing season until the first frost hits. This growth habit makes it ideal for gardeners who enjoy a steady harvest rather than a single, large crop.

This variety is also quite suitable for container gardening, thanks to its relatively compact growth habit for an indeterminate variety. With adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, Green Zebra tomatoes can thrive in pots.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Green Zebra tomato is not just a delight for the senses; it's a testament to the beauty and diversity that can be achieved through thoughtful breeding and a passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, the Green Zebra offers something unique and rewarding for everyone."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Green Zebra Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 125 mg packet - Approximately 44 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Green Zebra Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.