Solanum lycopersicum 'Mr. Stripey'
vegetableA large beefsteak heirloom with vivid red-and-yellow streaked skin and sweet, low-acid bicolor flesh inside. Fruits average 1 to 2 pounds and are named for their colorful exterior markings. Low-acid profile makes this a favorite for people who find standard tomatoes too tart. Stunning on a caprese platter.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~80 days
Difficulty
medium
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
30-36 in
Planting Depth
Bury stem 2/3 deep
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; side-dress with compost at first flower set; foliar feed monthly
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 at transplant; switch to low-nitrogen tomato formula once fruiting
Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after nights consistently stay above 50 F, burying the stem deep. Stake or cage early because fruits are heavy. Water deeply and consistently — Mr. Stripey is more prone to cracking than some beefsteaks. Full sun and warm nights develop the best bicolor skin pattern.
Start seeds indoors
Mar 4
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 18
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect undersides of leaves at dusk; handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis spray
Mulch deeply and water on a consistent schedule to prevent rapid swings in soil moisture
Strong water blast; introduce ladybugs; insecticidal soap if colonies persist
Consistent watering and calcium-containing fertilizer; avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen
Pick when the red-and-yellow striping is vivid and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Low-acid tomatoes show fewer visual ripeness cues than acidic types — the squeeze test is your best guide. Eat fresh within 2 days at room temperature for best flavor.
Good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene. Bicolor flesh provides both red lycopene and yellow zeaxanthin antioxidants. Lower acidity may be better tolerated by people with acid reflux.
Eat the ripe fruit only. Tomato leaves and stems (and large amounts of very unripe green fruit) contain solanine-type compounds and are not for eating.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.