Organic 'Michael Pollan' Tomato
Organic 'Michael Pollan' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a unique green and yellow bicolor, sweet, prolific and sculptural
The 'Michael Pollan' tomato, developed by breeder Brad Gates, is a modern heirloom variety that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Its bicolored green and yellow fruits, striped or marbled, offer a unique, almost artistic appearance. Their shape is particularly variable—sometimes pear -shaped, sometimes heart -shaped, sometimes oval —giving each harvest a charming visual diversity. Generally weighing 50 to 80 g , these sweet-fleshed tomatoes have a lower acidity than the Green Zebra, while retaining the bright freshness typical of variegated tomatoes.
Indeterminate, robust, and disease-resistant, 'Michael Pollan' is distinguished above all by its multiflora habit, producing abundant clusters of 10 to 20 fruits per stem , making it an extremely productive variety. Ideal for snacking, salsa, creative cooking, or even canning, it also offers good post-harvest shelf life. An exceptional variety for gardeners who love growing unique tomatoes, full of charm and flavor.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 120 to 150 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Multiflora variety, disease resistant, variable form, very productive
Fruit color : Variegated green and yellow
Fruit shape : Pear, heart or ovoid
Fruit size/weight : Small to medium (50–80 g)
Fruit type : Cherry/oval multiflora
Texture/flesh : Soft, sweet, slightly acidic
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination (5–10 days). Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to encourage strong seedlings.
Transplant once the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart and leave 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (watering level 3) , and sturdy staking , which is necessary to support the numerous grape clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit fully displays its green-yellow variegation and becomes slightly soft. To advance the harvest, pick the fruit that has already shown its first color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store it between 12 and 21°C at 95% relative humidity , which ensures excellent post-harvest shelf life.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for snacking , sweet, crunchy and full of charm
• Ideal for colorful salsas , thanks to its unique blend
• Delicious in fresh salads , adding sweetness and originality
• Excellent for artistic preserves , where its color stands out beautifully
The 'Michael Pollan' tomato is a true living work of art: surprisingly productive, delicious, visually incomparable, and perfect for gardeners who love unique and expressive varieties. A tomato you absolutely must discover.
