Mr. Stripey stands out as one of the most visually striking heirloom tomatoes you can grow, with its vibrant yellow skin adorned with bold red stripes that make every harvest feel like a treasure hunt. Developed in Georgia in the 1990s by Wayne Hilton, this indeterminate beefsteak variety produces massive 1-2 pound fruits in 75-80 days across zones 3-10. Its low-acid, sweet flavor and juicy texture have made it a beloved choice for gardeners who want something that tastes as spectacular as it looks.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
96in H x ?in W
—
High
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This Georgia-born beauty delivers both stunning visual impact and exceptional eating quality in one remarkable package. The massive beefsteak-style fruits can reach 1-2 pounds each, showcasing that distinctive yellow background painted with dramatic red stripes that sets it apart from every other tomato in the garden. Its high sugar content and low acidity create a mild, sweet flavor that makes fresh eating irresistible, while the meaty texture holds up beautifully for slicing. As an indeterminate variety reaching up to 8 feet tall, it provides a continuous harvest throughout the growing season until frost.
Mr. Stripey excels as a fresh eating tomato where its striking appearance and sweet, low-acid flavor truly shine. Those massive, colorful slices are perfect for caprese salads and fresh appetizers, where the yellow and red striping creates an eye-catching presentation. The meaty texture and mild flavor make it ideal for slicing onto sandwiches and burgers, while its high sugar content and juicy flesh work beautifully in colorful garden salads where you want the tomato to be the star ingredient.
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Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. Plant seeds in high-quality organic seed starting mix, covering with approximately 0.25 inch of soil. Maintain warm, consistently moist conditions with temperatures around 65-85°F for optimal germination. Allow seedlings to develop 2-3 sets of true leaves before transplanting.
Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Set seedlings slightly deeper than they were in their containers, burying stems up to the top set of leaves to encourage additional root development. Space transplants 24-36 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting and apply organic mulch around plants.
Harvest when fruits reach their vibrant yellow color with distinct red stripes and give slightly to gentle pressure without feeling overly soft. The continuous harvest window of this indeterminate variety means you can begin picking ripe fruits while the plant continues producing new ones throughout the season until first frost. Use garden shears or carefully hand-pick tomatoes, supporting the vine to prevent damage to the continuing production.
Regularly prune excessive foliage, especially at the base of plants, to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Remove suckers that develop between main stems and branches to direct energy into fruit production and maintain manageable plant size.
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“Mr. Stripey's story begins in Georgia during the 1990s, where Wayne Hilton developed this distinctive variety that would capture gardeners' hearts with its dramatic appearance. Though closely related to the English 'Tigerella' tomato, Mr. Stripey was specifically bred to be larger in size, creating the impressive beefsteak proportions that distinguish the American version. This heirloom quickly gained popularity among home gardeners and farmers for its unique visual appeal, substantial size, and delightful flavor profile, establishing itself as a cherished variety that continues to be passed down through seed saving networks today.”