Organic 'Red Zebra' Tomato
Organic 'Red Zebra' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a vibrant two-tone red and gold with a lively and spicy flavor
The 'Red Zebra' tomato is a fascinating heirloom variety, resulting from a natural cross between the famous Green Zebra and an unknown parent. This genetic mix has produced a tomato that is as bold as it is delicious: beautiful, round, red fruits adorned with light yellow stripes that give them a striking zebra pattern. Measuring 5 to 7 cm in diameter, these abundant fruits entice with their juicy flesh, initial sweetness, and slightly tangy, slightly spicy finish —a rare combination that adds vibrancy to salads, fresh dishes, and heirloom tomato platters. Indeterminate, productive, and naturally disease-resistant, it proves to be as reliable as it is ornamental.
Its vigorous growth habit can reach 150 to 240 cm , offering a generous production from mid to late season. 'Red Zebra' is one of those tomatoes that combines beauty and taste with striking elegance, bringing a luminous artistic touch to the vegetable garden while being perfectly suited for everyday culinary use.
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 : 150 to 240 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Red fruits with yellow stripes, sweet and tangy flavor, very productive, disease resistant
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Place the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to ensure rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce strong, well-formed seedlings.
Transplant outdoors when temperatures are stable and all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart and allow 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support vigorous growth and abundant fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruits are fully red and yellow striped. To advance the harvest, pick tomatoes that have already begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them at 12-21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their freshness and flavor.
Usage ideas
• Superb in fresh salads , with a bright and colorful flavor
• Looks stunning in trays of heirloom tomatoes , thanks to its luminous zebra stripes
• Delicious in raw salsa , where its spicy kick really stands out
• Perfect for artistic dishes and vibrant summer recipes
The 'Red Zebra' tomato is a true culinary and visual spectacle: a vibrant combination of colors, vivacity, and personality. A must-have variety for gardeners looking for a tomato that is original, productive, and deliciously bold.
