Black Zebra

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your fork into Black Zebra’s dramatic, smoky-sweet slices—deep mahogany-red flesh threaded with bold, near-black striping that looks as striking as it tastes.

The texture is firm yet juicy, with a balanced, lightly tangy bite that shines in fresh salads and makes a stunning showpiece for sliced platters. For gardeners who love character, this 85-day slicing tomato delivers rich color, confident performance, and an unforgettable visual harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Determinate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Black Zebra’s near-black striping comes with a darker, smokier sweetness and a firm, juicy slice—great when you want the tomato to hold its shape. It’s the kind of slicing tomato that doesn’t need disguise: salt, good olive oil, and a light tang keep it sharp instead of muted.

Best Uses

thick slicing for platters where the dark striping can stand up to table light
raw salads with minimal dressing so the smoky-sweet bite stays loud
open-faced sandwiches or burgers where the flesh won’t collapse into wet mush
quick pan sauces or blistered tomato toppings that reduce without turning flat

Flavor Profile

smoky-sweet, dark-fruit tomato flavor firm yet juicy slice with a lightly tangy bite noticeable earthiness that reads more complex than classic reds

Kitchen Pairings

sea salt and flaky salt balsamic vinegar fresh mozzarella arugula olive oil grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Black Zebra tomatoes (typical fruiting/leaf disease problem)?

Watch for dark, target-like spots on older leaves and spreading yellowing, especially in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves immediately, then spray with a copper-based fungicide and repeat according to the label during active risk periods. Keep plants spaced and water at the base to reduce leaf wetness, because early blight spreads quickly when foliage stays damp.

How often should I water Black Zebra during the main growing phase (from transplant to fruiting)?

During active fruiting (about mid-season), keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week total, adjusting for heat and rain. Water deeply 1–3 times per week rather than daily sprinkles, and stop once the top few inches are moist and the soil doesn’t dry out too fast. Avoid letting the soil swing from dry to soggy, since Black Zebra tomatoes are prone to cracking and blossom-end rot under irregular moisture.

What are the best signs that Black Zebra tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits are fully colored—deep, striping “zebra” markings with a glossy skin—and give slightly under gentle pressure. Count on about 85 days from sowing/transplant timing, but don’t rely on days alone: if shoulders still look pale or the skin feels firm and matte, wait a few more days. Pick regularly as they ripen to keep the plant producing.