Red Zebra

Tomatoes commonly suffer from early blight (Alternaria), which shows as dark, concentric rings on older leaves and can quickly spread upward. Start by removing and discarding infected leaves, and improve airflow by spacing plants and keeping foliage off the ground with stakes or cages. Water at the soil line (not overhead) and apply a preventive label-rate fungicide if you’ve had blight in past seasons, especially during warm, humid weeks.

Harvest when fruits are fully colored with the classic red-and-yellow striping and are firm but slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Avoid picking too early—striped tomatoes often ripen unevenly, and under-ripe fruit will stay bland. For best flavor, pick after the fruit has reached full size and striping is distinct, then allow any slightly under-colored fruits to finish ripening indoors.