How to grow green tomatoes? And how do you know when green tomatoes are ripe? We introduce the best green tomato varieties and give tips on planting and harvesting.

The best-known green variety is 'Green Zebra'

Ripe but green tomatoes? Yes, there are, even if you have to take a closer look in the middle of the green foliage. However, they are largely unknown and few actually dare to grow them. It's a shame because they taste delicious. In addition, it is not that difficult to determine when the green tomatoes are ripe. In contrast to the colored fruits, the green ripening tomato varieties simply produce little or no coloring as soon as they ripen. Solanine is found in unripe tomatoes and makes the fruit taste bitter until ripe. As with colored varieties, the alkaloid is initially preserved in green tomato varieties, but is broken down as it ripens. When ripe, they can be enjoyed fresh or processed without hesitation. In this article we will guide you through the hidden world of green tomatoes, present the best varieties and give tips on growing them.

Green Tomatoes: The Best Varieties

Green tomatoes seem rather alien to most people. Many of the wild relatives of our cultivated tomato ripen green, for example the Chilean wild tomato (Solanum chilense). Green tomato varieties have tended to be neglected in breeding, which is why there are comparatively few. We have compiled the best open-pollinated varieties for you here.

  • 'Artisan Green Tiger' is an elongated cherry tomato that tapers at the bottom like an icicle. Light green stripes on the fruit turn golden yellow when ripe, similar to the 'Green Zebra' tomato. It tastes fruity, sweet and sour, fresh and juicy.
  • A particularly pretty and aromatic cherry tomato is 'Aunt Ruby's German Cherry'. The top half of the fruit remains dark green while the bottom half turns light yellow-orange. The fruits reach about four centimeters in diameter and taste sweet and fruity. A wonderful sweet tomato that is also visually appealing.
  • A breeding by Craig Lehoullier in 1997 is the flat roundBeefsteak Tomato 'Cherokee Green'. It turns amber in color when ripe, but remains light green on the inside. The taste is aromatic tomato, the flesh is tender and soft.
  • With a wonderful aroma and wonderfully sweet and fruity taste, the 'Green Docs' is a green cocktail tomato for beginners, as it is easy to care for and its ripe fruits are easy to recognize. When ripe, the fruits turn slightly yellowish, and the skin also becomes very tender.
The 'Green Docs' cocktail tomato tastes sweet, fruity and fresh
  • 'Green Pear' impresses with its small, pear-shaped fruits, which acquire a golden yellow sheen when ripe. A delicious cocktail tomato that tastes sweet and fruity, but also has refreshing acidity.
  • 'Green Zebra' is probably the only widespread green tomato variety. It was developed in the USA in 1983 by the tomato luminary Tom Wagner. The yellow-green striped, medium-sized fruits taste wonderfully fresh and fruity-sweet. The plants are he althy, robust and suitable for outdoor use.
  • The beefsteak tomato with the unusual name ‘Malachite box‘ comes from Russia and is called ‘Malakhitovaya Shkatulka‘ there. The flat, round, lime-colored fruits always weigh 200 to 500 grams and taste sweet, fruity and aromatic.
  • 'Smaragdapfel' or 'Emerald Apple' is a medium-sized, green beefsteak tomato. It tastes fruity and spicy and is also suitable for outdoor use. It reaches 1.80 meters in height, ripens early and then gets a golden glow.
Many varieties such as the 'Smaragdapfel' acquire a golden sheen when ripe

How to plant and care for green tomatoes

Green tomatoes are no different to tomatoes of a different color when it comes to planting and care. From the beginning to mid-May, the young plants are placed in the greenhouse, later outdoors or in a pot. A special tomato soil, such as our Plantura tomato and vegetable soil in organic quality, ensures a good start to the summer. The pH value and the nutrients it contains are precisely tailored to the needs of the nightshade family. Plant the seedlings deep in the ground and support them with a stake. Water and mulch the plants regularly throughout the season. A primarily organic organic fertilizer with a long-term effect, such as our Plantura Organic Tomato Fertilizer, provides the nutrient-hungry plants with a sustainable supply as soon as the soil's nutrients are depleted.

When are green tomatoes ripe?

Green tomatoes rarely retain the same hue as they ripen. Most turn a light golden yellow under the green skin, others turn yellow streaks. This color change is a clear sign to recognize the ripe fruit. If you are unsure or have decided on a fully green variety, squeeze the fruit a little with your fingers. If the fruit gives slightly and feels soft, it can be harvested without hesitation.

Fancy even more variety in the tomato bed? You can find a selection of delicious yellow tomato varieties in our variety article.

Category:

Vegetables