The Green Zebra (Solanum lycopersicum Green Zebra) tomato was first created in the 1980s. It is a beautiful cross between four different heirloom tomatoes. This “hybrid heirloom” tomato has the strength and disease-resistance of a hybrid tomato as well as the unique flavor and look of an heirloom tomato. The plant gets 4 to 6 feet tall and has bright green or chartreuse fruits that have green stripes that look like zebras on them. The taste of green zebra tomatoes is sweet and fruity with a hint of sourness. This makes the flavor rich and complex. Theyve become more popular and available, and are fairly easy for home gardeners to grow.
The green zebra is an indeterminate variety of tomato. It has long vines that need some form of support in the garden. These delicious tomatoes are an early cultivar that is one of the first tomatoes ready to harvest. If you want to enjoy the flavor of the skin, green zebra tomatoes are best eaten raw. Olive oil and salt can make the flavor even better. The green zebra tomato is delicious for salsa, salads, or sliced for a light summer meal.
Green tomatoes offer a tasty alternative to fully ripened red tomatoes. With their tangy flavor firm flesh and versatility in recipes, it’s worth dedicating a portion of your vegetable garden to growing green tomatoes. Follow these tips for a bountiful harvest.
Choosing Green Tomato Varieties
Many tomato cultivars can be picked while still green Good options include
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Lemon Boy – Sweet, yellow fruited variety, stays firm when green
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Cherokee Green – Prolific producer, medium-sized lime green fruits
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Green Zebra – Small striped green and cream fruits with great flavor
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Aunt Ruby’s German Green – The classic for fried green tomatoes
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Evergreen – Vining plants produce abundant 1-2″ smooth green fruits
Growing Conditions for Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes require the same growing conditions as other tomatoes:
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Full sun location (at least 6 hours direct sun daily)
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Well-draining, nutrient rich soil
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Consistent moisture – about 1-2″ per week
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Shelter from strong winds
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Daytime temperatures 70-80°F, night temps above 50°F
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Space plants 18-36″ apart depending on variety
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Support with cages or stakes as needed
When to Harvest Green Tomatoes
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Begin harvesting fruits when they reach full size for the variety but are still completely green.
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Pick every 3-5 days to encourage more production.
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Handle gently to avoid bruising.
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Use scissors for a clean cut if stems resist pulling off.
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Pick just before first frost if cold nights are coming.
Storing Fresh-Picked Green Tomatoes
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Leave stems on and store at 45-50°F with good air circulation.
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They will keep for 2-3 weeks with proper storage conditions.
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Check frequently and use quickly once ripening begins.
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Letting them ripen fully indoors will give poor flavor.
Freezing Green Tomatoes
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Wash, core and slice fruits. Leave whole for fried green tomatoes.
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Blanch slices for 3-4 minutes in boiling water or steam.
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Cool rapidly in ice water bath then drain well.
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Pack in freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
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Frozen greens will keep for about 8 months.
Common Green Tomato Growing Problems
Even when grown under ideal conditions, green tomato plants can still encounter issues. Watch for these potential problems:
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Blossom end rot – Dark leathery spot at bottom of fruit caused by irregular watering. Avoid by maintaining even soil moisture.
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Hornworms – Large green caterpillars that quickly defoliate plants. Hand pick them off plants or apply Bacillus thuringiensis.
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Cutworms – Plump caterpillars that chew through stems at soil level. Put collars around plants to protect or hand pick pests.
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Early blight – Leaf spots and defoliation caused by fungus. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
How to Grow Prolific Green Tomato Plants
Follow these tips to maximize your green tomato harvest:
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Plant disease-resistant varieties selected for your region.
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Space plants to allow air circulation and pest monitoring.
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Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil, reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
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Install trellising or cages early to support productive plants.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced vegetable food.
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Consistent watering is key – about 1″ per week from rain or irrigation.
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Harvest fruits regularly to spur further production.
With proper care throughout the season, your green tomato plants will reward you with armloads of firm, tangy fruits perfect for all sorts of recipes from fried green tomatoes to relishes, salsas and more!
Where to Plant
Plant your green zebra tomato seedlings in garden beds or containers. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with at least six hours of sunlight. On the other hand, the best spot in the garden can give your green zebra tomatoes some light shade on hot days.
Green Zebra Tomato Care
Properly caring for green zebra tomatoes will yield firm, juicy fruits. Green zebra tomatoes have deep roots that make them pretty drought-tolerant. When they are young, they need regular watering in well-drained soil, but once they are established, they don’t need as much water.
What to do with Green Tomatoes
FAQ
Is a green tomato just an unripe tomato?
How long does it take to grow green tomatoes?
Do green tomatoes taste different?
How to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse?
From the beginning to the middle of May, the young plants are placed in the greenhouse, later in the open air or in a pot. A special tomato soil ensures a good start to summer. The pH value and the nutrients it contains are precisely adapted to the needs of the nightshade family.
What is the best type of tomato to buy?
When buying tomatoes, it is important to observe some characteristics such as the integrity of the skin, whether there are any signs of contamination by fungi or other microorganisms or by chemical contaminants. Organic tomatoes, with a vivid red color and firm consistency to the touch, are recommended for purchase. The Italian tomato is one of the most common varieties and has a good profile of nutrients and bioactive compounds that help with health.
How do you grow a tomato plant in a vegetable garden?
Tomatoes are among the most popular plants to grow in the vegetable garden. With the right care and a few helpful tips, your tomato plants can produce delicious, ripe fruit. The trick to growing great-tasting tomatoes is to choose the best varieties, start the plants off right, and control problems before they happen.
How do you ripen green tomatoes?
If you have multiple green tomatoes that you want to ripen, a cardboard box can be a useful tool. Place the tomatoes in the box, making sure they do not touch each other. Adding a ripe banana to the box can also speed up the ripening process.
How do you grow tomatoes from seed?
Northern gardeners should use grow lights 14 to 18 hours a day or seedlings will be spindley. Learn how to start tomatoes from seed. Planting seedlings or transplants in the ground. If your seedlings were grown indoors or in a greenhouse, do not just set starter plants in the cool ground.
How long does it take to grow tomatoes?
You can root tomato suckers in water to grow additional plants. The best time to harvest tomatoes depends on whether you planted early-, mid-, or late-season varieties. Early-season tomatoes mature in 40 to 70 days, midseason in 60 to 70 days, and late-season tomatoes in 80 to 100 days from planting.