Tomato Aunt Ruby’s Green seeds
Solanum lycopersicum
Packet: 30 seeds, 1g
Aunt Ruby’s Green is a well-loved heirloom tomato, originally from Tennessee, USA. Unlike common red tomatoes, this variety ripens to a rich green with a hint of yellow when fully mature. The fruits are large, often weighing 300–500 grams, with a sweet yet tangy flavour. Many growers describe it as one of the best-tasting green tomatoes available.
In different gardening circles, it is called Green Beefsteak Tomato or Heirloom Green Tomato, but its true name honours Ruby Arnold of Greeneville, Tennessee, who first grew it.
Growth Habit
This is an indeterminate variety, which means the vines continue to grow and produce throughout the season. Strong support, such as stakes or cages, is essential, as the large fruits can weigh down the plant.
How to Grow
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Starting indoors: In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Use a warm seed-raising mix (18–22 °C). Transplant outdoors once the soil is warm and frost risk has passed.
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Sowing depth: 5–10 mm deep.
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Plant spacing: 50–60 cm between plants.
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Row spacing: 90–100 cm between rows.
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Soil type: Rich, free-draining soil with plenty of compost or aged manure. A pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal.
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Watering: Water deeply and regularly. Keep soil evenly moist to reduce cracking. Avoid watering leaves to minimise fungal problems. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.
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Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser at planting. Switch to a higher potassium and phosphorus level once flowers form to encourage strong fruit set. Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
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Protection: Provide windbreaks in exposed areas. In very hot regions, light shade cloth during extreme heat helps protect fruit from sunscald.
Companion Planting
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Good companions: Basil, parsley, marigolds, and carrots. These deter pests and improve growth.
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Avoid: Potatoes and fennel, which can increase disease pressure.
Harvest
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Harvest around 85–90 days from transplanting.
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Pick when fruits are green with a golden blush and feel slightly soft to the touch.
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Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.
Common Problems and Organic Solutions
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Early blight or leaf spot: Rotate crops, prune lower leaves, and water at the soil level. Organic copper sprays may help if the disease appears.
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Powdery mildew: Improve airflow by spacing plants properly. Use a homemade milk spray or sulphur-based organic treatment if needed.
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Aphids and whitefly: Knock them off with a strong spray of water or use neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
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Fruit cracking: Keep watering consistently and mulch well.
Uses in the Kitchen
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Slice fresh for salads and sandwiches
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Adds colour and tang to salsas and bruschetta
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Excellent in fried green tomato recipes
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Juicy and flavourful for sauces and relishes
