Green Zebra
Early-maturing with green-ripe fruit striped in gold; compact vine thrives in shorter seasons and container gardens.
Green Zebra ripens early, making it ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons or for growers seeking an early yield. Its distinctive green-and-gold stripes remain vibrant even when fully ripe, and the flesh stays firm, tart, and sweet—perfect for salads and salsas. It grows on a bushy, determinate vine, so it suits raised beds, containers, or areas with limited space.
This variety tolerates cooler soil better than many heirlooms and sets fruit reliably at lower night temperatures (as low as 50°F). It prefers sandy loam with good drainage—soggy conditions invite rot. Because it’s determinate, it fruits all at once, so plan for batch preservation or immediate use. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer at flowering to avoid leggy growth and encourage fruit set.
Green Zebra is open-pollinated and easy to save seeds from: simply scoop and ferment seeds from fully ripe (slightly soft) fruit. Its compact habit reduces pruning needs, but removing lower leaves improves airflow and deters soil-borne pathogens. In hotter zones, afternoon shade during peak heat helps maintain flavor and prevents sunscald on the thin-skinned fruit.
