Mr. Stripey

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sun-warmed stripes ripple across each slice-ready fruit in a dramatic blend of deep red and golden-gold—an eye-catching, heirloom-style beauty that tastes as rich as it looks.

Mr. Stripey delivers a juicy, tender flesh with a balanced, classic tomato tang and a pleasantly firm bite, ideal for thick slices that hold their shape. Grow it for standout summer salads and showpiece platters, where its bold color and velvety texture steal the spotlight.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
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

Built for the camera and the fork: this slicer’s firm-but-juicy interior holds together on a cutting board and doesn’t collapse into mush under sharp, acidic dressings. Use it raw or just-cooked so the tang stays lively and the stripes stay distinct on the plate.

Best Uses

thick slicing for summer platters where the stripes don’t bleed into the plate
tomato-forward salads that need structure under vinaigrette
quick pan-sear or broil for charred edges while keeping the interior juicy
chunky salsa or bruschetta topping that holds its shape

Flavor Profile

balanced classic tomato tang juicy, tender flesh pleasantly firm bite that stays sliceable

Kitchen Pairings

black pepper garlic olive oil balsamic vinegar mozzarella red onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Solanum lycopersicum (Mr. Stripey tomatoes), and how do I control it?

Early blight (Alternaria) shows up as brown, target-like spots on older leaves and can quickly spread in humid weather. Remove infected leaves early, water at the soil line (not the foliage), and space plants for airflow; if it keeps worsening, apply a labeled fungicide starting as spots appear and repeat according to the label. Catching it in the first few lesions is key to keeping it from defoliating the plant before fruit set finishes.

How often should I water during the main growing phase for Solanum lycopersicum?

During flowering and fruit development, keep the soil evenly moist: usually 1–2 inches of water per week total, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply to wet the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent splitting and blossom-end rot. Aim for consistent moisture—big swings between dry and soaking commonly cause cracking and poor fruit quality.

How can I tell when Mr. Stripey tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and develop a deep, striped red-pink color with a slightly firm, “springy” feel. If you gently lift a tomato and it releases with a minor twist, it’s typically ready; fully colored fruit that still feels rock-hard often needs a few more days. For best flavor, pick at peak color but before they get overly soft, especially if nights are cool and days are warm.