With their sunny yellow-orange striped skin and sweet tropical flavor, Pineapple tomatoes captivate gardeners and cooks alike.
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Pineapple tomatoes are a variety of heirloom tomatoes that are known for their large size and distinctive yellow, orange, and red streaked flesh. They are a favorite among many home gardeners for their unique taste and beautiful appearance. Although these tomatoes are slow to ripen, their large size and amazing flavor are definitely worth the wait!
When it comes to taste, Pineapple tomatoes are a real treat. They have a sweet, fruity flavor with low acidity and hints of citrus. These beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for salads, sandwiches, sauces, and more!
| Common name | Pineapple tomato |
| Botanical name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Plant type | Indeterminate, heirloom, beefsteak tomato |
| Hardiness zones | 3-12 |
| Planting time | Spring, summer |
| Days to maturity | 85-95 |
| Fruit size | 500-900gr |
| Light | 8-10 hours, full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining, loamy, and fertile |
| Height | 1.5-2m (6-8ft) |
| Spread | 45-61cm (18-24inch) |
In This Article
Pineapple Tomato Varieties
Apart from the common Pineapple tomato, there are several different types of pineapple tomato varieties, each with its own characteristics. Some variants are ‘Ananas Noire’, ‘Ananas Bleue’, Hawaiin Pineapple and Green Pineapple tomato.
Where to Buy Pineapple Tomato Seeds
How to grow Pineapple tomatoes
Sowing
Sow your Pineapple tomato seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. You can use a plastic container or bag to cover your seed trays in order to provide a moist and warm environment for your seeds. Just make sure to remove the cover once your seedlings have germinated, this will prevent mold from growing.
Using a heating mat to speed up the germination process is also a great idea.
Transplanting
When the first set of true leaves have emerged, transplant your seedlings into separate containers and place them by a sunny window.
Once the danger of frost has passed transplant your seedlings into the garden. Pineapple tomatoes grow best in greenhouses, but if you’re planting them outside, choose a sunny location as they thrive in full sun.
For strong and sturdy plants, bury one-third of the stem into the soil. Doing this will lead to a stronger root system and more nutrient uptake as tomatoes can develop roots anywhere along their stems.
Pineapple tomatoes can reach a height of more than 2 meters, so staking is necessary to support this growth.
Light
These tomatoes love lots of sunlight and heat. For best yields, provide 8-10 hours of sunlight every day.
Water
When watering Pineapple tomatoes, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but be careful of overwatering as this can lead to root rot. In order to avoid fungal diseases, water at the base of the plant.
During the hot weather water more often, especially if you are growing in containers. Add mulch such as wood chips, cardboard, or leaves to retain moisture in your soil.
Soil and Fertilizing
Pineapple tomatoes prefer soil that is well-draining, loamy and fertile. These plants are also big feeders, so mix in compost or a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season to provide adequate nutrients to the plant.
Pollination
Pineapple tomatoes are self-pollinating (their flowers have both male and female parts). If you would like to save seeds for next year, then be sure to plant them away from other tomato varieties, this is because they are open-pollinators.
Staking and Pruning
Pineapple tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. To support this growth, use stakes or cages to keep the plants upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.
Pruning side shoots regularly can also help promote air circulation, prevent diseases, and direct the plant’s energy to produce and ripen more fruit. When the first frost is approaching, prune back vines and any new flowers to allow the tomatoes to ripen before the frost and prevent new ones from growing.
Pests and Diseases
It’s important to check your plants frequently for signs of pests. Some common ones to look out for include aphids, blister beetles, armyworms, and hornworms. In case you detect any, consider using organic pesticides such as neem oil or garlic spray to eliminate them.
Pineapple tomatoes are known to be quite resistant to diseases. However, they have delicate skin which makes them susceptible to cracking during periods of heavy rain or uneven watering. To avoid this problem maintain consistent soil moisture and harvest the fruits as soon as they ripen. Additionally, providing good airflow between plants can help to reduce fungal problems caused by humid climates such as powdery mildew.
Check out this article for more information on tomato pests and diseases.
Harvesting Pineapple Tomatoes
To get the best flavor out of your Pineapple tomatoes, it is recommended to allow them to ripen fully on the vines before harvesting.
The tomatoes are ripe when they have reached their full size and have turned into a vibrant yellow-orange color with red streaks. This may take around 85-95 days. You can also check the skin of the tomato, which should be slightly soft to the touch, indicating that the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked.
To harvest Pineapple tomatoes, gently twist the fruit to detach it from the vine. Be careful not to bruise or crack the skin, as these tomatoes are more prone to cracking than other beefsteak varieties. If necessary, use clean pruners or scissors to snip off the fruits instead of pulling them to avoid damaging the vines.
FAQ
Why are they called ‘Pineapple’ tomatoes?
Pineapple tomatoes are named for their yellow-orange color resembling pineapples. They have a sweet and tangy flavor reminiscent of the tropical fruit.
How big are Pineapple tomatoes?
These large beefsteak tomatoes can weigh between 500-900 grams (17-30 ounces).
Can you grow Pineapple tomatoes in containers?
It is best to grow them in the ground due to their deep root system. However if you choose to grow them in containers, use a 75-litre pot (20 gallons) with only one plant in each.
How many tomatoes per plant?
On average, a healthy pineapple tomato plant can produce between 10-20 fruits per plant.
Want to add a cheerful touch to your garden? Here is a list of 10 Stunning Yellow Tomato Varieties you can grow!
