Zebra Cherry

Tomato

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Indeterminate

Sun-warmed and jewel-bright, Zebra Cherry tomatoes ripen in a mesmerizing pattern of creamy gold overlaid with bold, candy-stripe…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 1st
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (Zebra Cherry tomatoes), and how should I manage it?

Watch for early blight (dark, concentric spots on older leaves) and start treatment as soon as spots appear. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow with pruning and spacing, and apply a labeled fungicide for tomatoes if conditions are humid or spots spread. For prevention, water at the base so foliage stays dry and avoid working in the plants when leaves are wet.

How often should I water Zebra Cherry tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During fruit set and filling (around weeks 4–8 for a ~60-day crop), keep soil evenly moist with about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry, then let excess drain—don’t keep the bed constantly wet. Inconsistent moisture is a common cause of blossom-end rot and fruit cracking, so aim for steady cycles.

How can I tell when Zebra Cherry tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and turn fully colored with their characteristic yellow-orange background and darker striping. Pick with a gentle twist and slight upward pull; the fruit should detach easily and feel slightly firm but yield to light pressure. For best flavor, harvest at peak ripeness (rather than leaving them to over-soften on the vine).

Sun-warmed and jewel-bright, Zebra Cherry tomatoes ripen in a mesmerizing pattern of creamy gold overlaid with bold, candy-striped crimson. The fruits are small and perfectly round, with a crisp, juicy bite and a lively heirloom sweetness that blooms into a tangy finish. Grow Zebra Cherry for abundant fresh-snack harvests, and let their striking stripes steal the show in salads, vibrant sauces, and quick pickles.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start with sturdy seedlings (6–8 leaves) and transplant only when soil is reliably warm (≥60°F) to prevent cold-stunting, even if nights are just barely above frost.