The ‘Green Zebra’ heirloom tomato was created in the United States by Tom Wagner, and first introduced to the UK in 1983. This green tomato has since found its way into many people’s hearts and gardens. However, it is by no means the first cultivated green tomato. In South America, green tomatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Taste and characteristics
The ‘Green Zebra’ is a robust species that bears medium-sized, round fruits from mid-July on. With light green stripes that turn golden as they ripen, the ‘Green Zebra’ boasts a unique, aromatic flavour that is sweet and fruity. And, as is typical for green tomato varieties, it tastes refreshingly acidic.
What is more, the ‘Green Zebra’ is an heirloom variety, so it can be grown from its own seeds
SOWING NOTES
Tomatoes require a long growing season, and are best started indoors 6 weeks before the anticipated transplanting date (after the final frost of the spring). For best results, sow seeds ½" deep in a well-drained, soilless starting mix. Seeds require warm soil between roughly 65-90 degrees F. Warmer soils will promote faster germination. Keep soil moist, but not soggy while awaiting germination. Moderate watering slightly once seedlings break through the soil.
SOIL & GROWING NEEDS
Tomato plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil, high in organic matter. Fertile clays and loams produce the highest yields, but lighter soils that drain and warm quickly can produce earlier harvests. It can tolerate slightly acidic soils, and is most productive with pH 6.0 to 6.8.
Tomato is a heavy feeder and should be fertilized with an organic blend rich in phosphorus and potassium, and containing moderate nitrogen.
Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun daily, and will develop faster with increased exposure. If possible, grow on a slight slope with southern or southeastern exposure. Tomatoes are native to tropical regions, and have the greatest light needs of any standard garden vegetable.
Staked and pruned plants can grow to well over 6 feet tall in favorable growing seasons, can be trained to narrow spreads. If space is limiting, use smaller determinate varieties.
Plant highlight: Green Zebra
#TheOutpost 🍅👨🌾🌿🌱
Tomato: Green Zebra Overview - Growing Tips www.smartgardener.com/plants/192-t...