I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Though we typically think of them as a red fruit, some tomatoes are ready to eat when green. But how can you tell when green tomatoes are ripe? Here are our favourite green tomato varieties and some tips on planting, caring for and harvesting them.
Ripe green tomatoes? Yes, they do exist, even if camouflaged amongst green foliage. However, they are largely unknown and few dare to grow them. Which is a pity really, because they taste delicious. And, despite appearances, it is not actually that hard to tell when green tomatoes are ripe. Unlike red and yellow tomatoes, the colour of green tomato varieties changes very little, if at all, as they ripen. In unripe tomatoes there is an alkaloid (solanine) that makes the fruit taste bitter until ripe. Just as in coloured varieties, the alkaloid is initially present in green tomato varieties, but is broken down as they ripen. Although still green, they can be safely enjoyed fresh or processed when ripe. In this article we will guide you through the hidden world of green tomatoes, introduce you to the best varieties and give tips on cultivation.
Green tomatoes are a delicious Southern specialty perfect for frying baking and using in relishes and salsas. While you may think of green tomatoes as simply unripe red tomatoes, there are actually heirloom varieties of tomatoes bred to stay green when ripe. With some TLC and the right growing conditions, you can harvest bushels of tasty green tomatoes from your own backyard.
What Are Green Tomatoes?
Green tomatoes belong to the nightshade family Solanaceae along with peppers eggplants and potatoes. The most common varieties used for green tomatoes are ‘Cherokee Green’, ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’, ‘Green Zebra’, and ‘White Wonder’.
Unlike unripe red tomatoes that are hard and tart, ripe green tomatoes are full sized with thin skins and tender, juicy flesh. They have a mild, slightly acidic and sweeter flavor than unripe tomatoes.
Green tomatoes contain useful nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folate, and calcium. Some research suggests they may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
When and Where to Plant Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes grow best in hot, humid climates with temperatures between 70-85°F. They need at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day.
In most regions, the ideal planting time is 8-10 weeks after your last expected frost when soil temperatures reach at least 55°F. This is usually sometime between late March and mid May.
Choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and fertile, well-draining soil. Green tomatoes like slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
You can start seeds indoors 5-7 weeks before your last frost for a head start on the growing season. Just remember to harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.
How to Grow Green Tomatoes from Seedlings
Follow these steps for growing green tomatoes from seedlings:
1. Prepare the Soil
Amend soil with 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This provides nutrients and improves drainage.
A week before transplanting, work a balanced organic fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. This gives plants an extra feeding at the start of the season.
2. Transplant Seedlings
Wait until seedlings have at least 4-6 mature leaves and roots fill the container. Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting.
Dig holes 12-18 inches deep and 2 times wider than the root ball. Place seedlings at the same depth they were growing in the pot. Refill holes and gently press soil around stems.
3. Install Supports
Install tomato cages or stakes at planting to support plants as they grow. Staking keeps fruit off the ground and improves air circulation.
4. Water and Mulch
Water transplants immediately after planting and weekly during dry spells. Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to conserve moisture and block weeds.
5. Fertilize
Side dress plants once every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer following label instructions.
6. Prune and Trellis
Pinch or prune suckers (new shoots) weekly to encourage a single main stem. Train main stem to trellis or cage as needed.
7. Scout for Pests
Check undersides of leaves frequently for common pests like hornworms, aphids, flea beetles, and stink bugs. Remove by hand or use organic methods like insecticidal soap.
8. Harvest Green Tomatoes
Start checking your green tomato plants around 60-80 days after transplanting. Gently twist fruits when they reach desired size to remove from vine.
Store harvested green tomatoes at 45-55°F for 2-3 weeks. Leave stems attached until ready to use.
Growing Green Tomatoes in Containers
You can also grow green tomatoes in containers at least 18-24 inches deep. Use a quality potting mix and choose compact, container-friendly varieties like ‘Green Grape’ and ‘Sweet Olive’.
Follow usual planting instructions, water when soil dries out, and feed weekly with a soluble fertilizer made for vegetables. You may need to prune or trellis plants more aggressively to keep them upright and producing in pots.
Common Problems When Growing Green Tomatoes
Here are some potential issues to watch for in your green tomato patch:
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Blossom End Rot – Caused by calcium deficiency and erratic watering. Prevent by maintaining even soil moisture and spraying plants with calcium chloride if needed.
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Cracks – Can happen when soil moisture fluctuates from very wet to very dry. Use drip irrigation and mulch to keep soil consistently moist.
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Insects and Disease – Scout regularly and remove pests by hand. Fix issues like fungus early before they spread.
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Sunscald – Overexposed fruit turns yellow and shrivels. Lightly prune leaves around developing tomatoes to filter sunlight.
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Poor Fruit Set – Usually tied to weather that is too cool, too hot, or too rainy during flowering. Little you can do except wait out unfavorable conditions.
How to Harvest and Store Green Tomatoes
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Harvest green tomatoes once they reach mature size for variety – usually 2-6 inches diameter.
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Twist fruits gently from vine rather than pulling to avoid damage.
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Leave stem attached until ready to use to extend shelf life.
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Store at 45-55°F for 2-3 weeks. Check frequently and use quickly once ripening starts.
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Wrap individually in newspaper or paper towels before refrigerating. Never store tomatoes below 41°F.
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Overripe tomatoes can be cooked down into sauce. Underripe ones may ripen indoors on the counter.
Delicious Ways to Use Your Fresh Green Tomatoes
Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy green tomatoes:
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Pan fried green tomatoes – Slice and bread slices before frying until golden brown.
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Green tomato salsa – Dice green tomatoes and mix with onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
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Green tomato pie – Bake green tomatoes layered with cheese, bacon, and spices in a pie crust.
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Pickled green tomatoes – Preserve crunchy slices in jars with vinegar and spices.
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Green tomato relish – Chop and simmer into a sweet and tangy condiment for hot dogs, burgers, etc.
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Green tomato soup – Puree with onions, garlic, broth, and cream. Garnish with basil.
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Green tomato curry – Use diced green tomatoes in any curry along with chickpeas and spinach.
So don’t discard those green tomatoes at summer’s end! With the right care, you can grow bumper crops of green tomatoes perfect for all sorts of delicious Southern dishes.
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Though we typically think of them as a red fruit, some tomatoes are ready to eat when green. But how can you tell when green tomatoes are ripe? Here are our favourite green tomato varieties and some tips on planting, caring for and harvesting them.
Ripe green tomatoes? Yes, they do exist, even if camouflaged amongst green foliage. However, they are largely unknown and few dare to grow them. Which is a pity really, because they taste delicious. And, despite appearances, it is not actually that hard to tell when green tomatoes are ripe. Unlike red and yellow tomatoes, the colour of green tomato varieties changes very little, if at all, as they ripen. In unripe tomatoes there is an alkaloid (solanine) that makes the fruit taste bitter until ripe. Just as in coloured varieties, the alkaloid is initially present in green tomato varieties, but is broken down as they ripen. Although still green, they can be safely enjoyed fresh or processed when ripe. In this article we will guide you through the hidden world of green tomatoes, introduce you to the best varieties and give tips on cultivation.
Green tomatoes: the best varieties
Green tomatoes seem quite strange to most people. Yet there are in fact lots of relatives of our cultivated red tomatoes that ripen green, like the wild tomato Solanum chilense which is native to northern Chile and Peru. But green tomato varieties have been fairly neglected in breeding, which is why they are less well known and why there are comparatively few of them on the market. The following are the best heirloom varieties:
- ‘Artisan Green Tiger’ tomato is an elongated cherry tomato that tapers to a point at the bottom. Light green stripes on the fruit turn golden yellow when ripe, similar to the ‘Green Zebra’ tomato. Its taste is sweet, sour, fresh and juicy.
- ‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green Cherry’ tomatoes are particularly pretty and aromatic. The upper half of the fruit remains dark green, while the lower half turns a yellow orange. The fruits reach about four centimetres in diameter and taste sweet and fruity. A wonderful nibbling tomato that is a real feast for the eyes too.
- ‘Cherokee Green’ is a stunning cultivar by Craig Lehoullier from 1997. It is a squat round beef tomato that develops an amber sheen on the outside when ripe but remains a light green on the inside. Cherokee green tomatoes are aromatic, tender and soft.
- ‘Green Doctors’ is a cocktail tomato with a wonderful aroma and delicious taste, that is great for beginner tomato growers. It is easy to care for and its ripe fruits are easy to recognise. When ripe, the fruits turn slightly yellow, and the skin becomes very tender.
- The ‘Green Pear’ tomato lives up to its name with its small pear-shaped fruits that take on a golden yellow sheen when ripe. This delicious cocktail tomato tastes sweet and fruity but also has refreshing acidity.
- ‘Green Zebra’ is probably the most widely grown green tomato variety. Introduced in 1983 by tomato luminary Tom Wagner in the USA, the yellow-green striped medium-sized fruits taste wonderfully fresh and fruity. The plants are hearty, robust and suitable for outdoor cultivation.
- From Russia comes a beef tomato with the remarkable name ‘Malakhitovaya Shkatulka’. These squat, lime-coloured fruits reach a weight of 200 to 500 grams and taste sweet, fruity and aromatic.
- The ‘Emerald Apple’ tomato is a medium-size, green beef tomato. It tastes fruity and spicy and is well suited to growing outdoors. The plant reaches a height of 1.80 metres and ripens early, taking on a golden sheen.
What to do with Green Tomatoes
FAQ
Is a green tomato just an unripe tomato?
Yes, a green tomato is often just an unripe tomato, but some varieties are bred to stay green when ripe.
How do I grow green tomatoes?
Plant the young tomato plants deep in the soil and support them with a stake. Water and mulch the plants regularly throughout the season. A slow-release fertiliser, such as our Plantura Tomato Food, provides the hungry plants with a lasting supply of nutrients.
Why put an egg in the hole when planting tomatoes?
Burying a whole egg in the planting hole when transplanting tomatoes is a gardening trick to provide a slow-release source of calcium, potentially preventing blossom end rot.
Is it better to pick green tomatoes or let them ripen on the vine?
Yes, tomatoes that ripen on the vine are generally considered better than those ripened off the vine for several reasons: Flavor: Tomatoes ripened on the vine tend to have a fuller, sweeter flavor. They continue to develop sugars and acids while still attached to the plant, which enhances their taste.