Tomato Seeds - Salad - Red Zebra

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Growing Red Zebra Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Sow the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Plant the seeds about 0.25 inch deep in seed-starting mix or small pots with good drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and ensure they have access to plenty of sunlight or use grow lights if natural light is limited. Red Zebra tomatoes germinate best between 70-80 F. After germination, ensure seedlings have 12-16 hours of light daily and rotate them for even growth.

Once your seedlings have grown 4-6 inches tall and developed their first set of true leaves, harden them off. This process takes about a week, where you gradually introduce the plants to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure daily. Transplant your Red Zebra tomatoes outdoors when nighttime temperatures remain above 50 F. Plant them in a full sun location with well-draining soil, spacing them about 24-36 inches apart. Bury the plants deep, covering part of the stem to promote strong root growth.

Red Zebra tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season until the first frost. Support your plants with stakes or cages, as they can grow quite tall and need extra support to keep their stems upright and fruit off the ground. Consistent watering is crucial, especially when the plants start setting fruit, and mulching around the base will help retain moisture. Companion plants like basil, marigolds, or borage can help improve growth and deter pests.

Harvesting Red Zebra Tomatoes

The tomatoes are fully ripe when around 2-3 inches in diameter, are bright red with yellow stripes, and their skin is shiny yet slightly soft. Simply twist the tomato gently or use pruning shears to snip it from the vine, leaving a small stem attached to the fruit to prolong freshness. Since Red Zebra tomatoes are indeterminate, you can expect to harvest them continuously throughout the growing season.

About Red Zebra Tomato Garden Seeds

Red Zebra is a descendant of the Green Zebra tomato, bred by renowned tomato breeder Tom Wagner in the early 1980s, specifically for its aesthetic appeal and robust flavor profile.

This variety has garnered attention from tomato enthusiasts and foodies alike for its excellent balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it ideal for fresh salads, slicing, or even making sauces.

Although it isn’t specifically bred for containers, you can grow it in large pots or raised beds, provided it has proper support and enough room to grow its roots.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"When growing tomatoes, it is important to place the plants far enough apart to give them good airflow and water them regularly."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Red Zebra Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 160,600 Seeds