The Red Zebra Tomato is a unique and beautiful twist on your average tomato. The Red Zebra was first found growing in California by Jeff Dawson in the 1990’s. It was found growing in a patch of his Green Zebra Tomatoes so it is clearly a breed of that and an unknown red parent. The following year, he planted the unique tomato and actually produced four different types of tomatoes; one of them being the Red Zebra.
Red zebras have been known to be the best tasting striped tomato on the market today. The fruits are dark red on the inside, with a bright red outside and skins streaked by golden stripes. Red zebra tomatoes are very juicy and flavorful and are about 6 to 8 ounces when fully ripened. They can be used for fresh eating, roasting, canning, or even making sauces. Red Zebras compliment aged cheeses and also pair well with mushrooms, eggplant, avocado, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and herbs such as basil and cilantro.
The high yielding indeterminate vines are ready to harvest anywhere from 75-90 days from first planting.
Red zebra tomatoes are known for their antioxidant content, especially lycopene, which has been linked in several studies to the prevention of certain types of cancer. Tomatoes are also a good source of calcium and iron and have high levels of Vitamin C; as well as Vitamins A and B.
Quick Facts
- Type: Tomato
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Striped Red / Orange
- Height: 4′ Tall
- Harvest: 75 to 90 Days
- Fruit Size: 6 oz. to 8 oz.
- Environment: Full Sun
Sowing The Seed
For many Northern gardeners, tomatoes are best established indoors, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Start in peat pots, sowing each seed at a depth of 1/4” under topsoil. The use of stakes is not required for this variety, due to it’s compact growth habit. When the weather is warm & all danger of frost has passed, transplant or direct sow your tomatoes in the garden. You can also transplant into larger pots and containers as well.
Growing Conditions
Tomatoes will thrive in an area of full sunlight with temperatures of at least 60F or higher. They prefer a rich soil, that is filled with organic matter. Make sure that the sowing medium is also well drained, as this is very important for a healthy root structure. Adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil, can increase drainage. Water daily with a light moisture setting to avoid drowing the seedlings.
Germination & Growth
Your tomato seeds will begin to germinate in roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants themselves will grow to a mature height of up to 4 feet tall and can grow up to 3 feet wide. Tomato plants will need a fair amount of area to grow and can be spaced about 36 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 36 inches apart. Stakes & supports are crucial to growing tomato plants, since the fruits are very heavy.