Copia and other stripey toms

[johno]

I've been a big fan of bi-colors anyway, but I'm really fascinated with the striped tomatoes like Copia. I haven't grown any yet, though. Is anybody growing Copia or something similar? how's the flavor?

[flowerpower]

I never grew striped before. I have a couple Striped (speckled) Roman. I have the San Marzano for comparison. I kept 2 of the Green Zebra that I started for a friend. The pigs should enjoy them. Watch, the Green will do the best of any variety.

[mbrown]

I have one striped tomato planted, Mr. Stripey. It is loaded with tomatoes at present. This is my first experience with them.

Mike

[flowerpower]

Another striped one I would grow is the Red Zebra.

[bluelacedredhead]

I'm growing Green Zebra (courtesy of Flowerpower ) and also Jerry's German Giant (Baker Creek) which has both solid and stripes in the mix. I can't wait to see the Jerry's. I forgot to buy them when we were in MO last time and this having to wait yet another year to grow them out has been stressful, lol.

[flowerpower]

I knew the Jerry's GG had 2 colors. But I didn't know it was sometimes striped. Cool!

[bluelacedredhead]

Jerry's German Giant
Mammoth fruit can grow up to 3 lbs. This variety comes in two color forms, one is 'deep pink', the other is 'yellow with red streaks'. Both colors are very sweet, flavorful, and come mixed together in the packet. This is a local heirloom that is grown by Jerry of our local MFA tire shop and has been in his family for many years. An excellent German-type that is still popular here in the Ozark mountains, where many varieties are still being preserved by the local people of this traditional area.

[brook]

A couple of comments for what they're worth.

There is a difference between bi-colored and striped tomatoes. With the bi-colors, the color changes extend into the flesh. With striped tomatoes, the color changes are just skin deep.

Mike: If you like the version of Mr. Stripey you have, be sure and save seed. There is a great mix-up surrounding that variety.

Basically, there were two varieties introduced under that name. At about the same time, two varieties named tigerelo came out. And some suppliers were selling them cross-named. That is, one of the tigerelos would be marketed as Mr. Stripey, and vice-versa.

As a result, you get mixed reviews about those two tomatoes. Obviously it's not that two people have radically different opinions about the same tomato. It's that they're not growing the same one, despite similarity of name.

Thus, if you like the one you're growing, it is imperative that you save seed, because buying "Mr Stripey" seed next season doesn't mean you'll get the same tomato.

[downinmyback]

That is some interesting facts on Mrs Striped that i didnot know. I thought that all tomatoes that were striped were consider bi-colored. That why i like these forums as people post interesting facts.

[tomc]

I have lucky cross and little lucky growing this year. IMO they are inconsistant for flavor and striped-ness in my zone (4-5). I like em tho and some years they do better. At its best it-they are a striking tomato

[flowerpower]

I remembered that I have some Striped Cavern seeds. I offered them to Johno, but he had too many maters already I guess they could make their way to Ontario, if someone there was interested in them. ;)lol

I received Lucky Cross seeds from a reliable person over at TV. Not one germinated out of the 10 I started. Too bad, I thought they looked interesting.

[bluelacedredhead]

Ontario? did someone say Ontario?? I was thinking that a Striped Cavern plant would be appropriate in your area, then I realized that it's that other woman who lives over a very large cave, lol. Not enough coffee yet......

I would love some seed if you got some to spare. You know I hate turning down the opportunity to try something interesting.

[flowerpower]

I thought you would like them. They are pretty interesting looking. I didn't start any this yr. I had too many others. lol I think I have a Fuzzy (Garden) Peach out there. Only time will tell. My hens pulled out all my markers. Naturally, I kept no written chart. I was putting them in during a thunderstorm. So I was trying to be quick about it.

[bluelacedredhead]

No chart? Not good you know, unless of course you like Mystery Gardens? LOL

What were you using for markers that the girls pulled out? Can't be very large or sturdy?

[flowerpower]

I used posicle sticks for markers. Oops. lol Better they pull up the sticks than the plants themselves. I think I might be able to identify most of the varieties. I have a list somewhere.