The pineapple tomato convinces in terms of appearance, yield and taste in equal measure. In the portrait you will learn everything you need to know about these unusual tomatoes.

In a nutshell

  • Pineapple tomatoes are late ripening
  • Depending on the variety, different colors can appear
  • Ideally, the plants are raised as single shoots
  • Pineapple tomatoes are very sensitive to unfavorable locations and diseases

Origin and appearance of the pineapple tomato

Pineapple tomatoes are considered beefsteak tomatoes. This makes them one of the largest tomatoes ever. Their shape is often described as flat-round. This simply means that the normally grown fruit is wider than it is tall. Like every beefsteak tomato, the tomato has clear vertical ribs. In terms of color, the typical bright red through to orange gives an idea of the pineapple that gives it its name, although this naturally has no biological connection to the beefsteak tomato. There are also specimens with different colors.

maturity and taste

As a late-ripening variety, the fruit ripens in August and later. It tastes very sweet and mild. The tomato is clearly reminiscent of the pineapple, both in terms of the cut of the pulp and in terms of taste, which ultimately gave it its name. Ripe fruit softens quickly and tends to spoil quickly. Long storage is therefore only possible with difficulty.

Tip: Even when they are not fully ripe, pineapple tomatoes are edible and tasty. The flesh, which is still firm, keeps well, so that it can be stored for several days without any problems.

The site

The pineapple tomato places high demands on where it grows:

  • bright
  • very warm
  • protected against cold and draughts
  • ideally rain protection

It is very sensitive to deviations from these requirements and is therefore often referred to as the "mimosa among tomatoes". Rearing in the shelter of a greenhouse is ideal. Outdoors, it should at least be provided with wind and rain protection.
In terms of substrate, a typical, nutrient-rich potting soil should be used to provide the foundation needed for growth. Well suited are soils with a high compost or humus content, or special tomato soils from the trade.

Notice: The pineapple tomato does not die immediately under poor conditions. However, disadvantageous locations lead to a significant reduction in yield. In extreme cases, the plants bear only a few fruits or even no fruits at all.

The growth habit

Pineapple tomatoes are considered a growing form and can reach heights of 1.60 to 1.80 meters. However, a climbing aid is required for this. For an optimal yield, it is raised as follows:

  • single drive
  • Consistently remove stinging shoots in the leaf axils
  • If the flower density is too high, break out and remove individual fruit buds to strengthen the later tomatoes

sorts

Even if the typical yellow-reddish pineapple tomato is the best known, there are other varieties with significantly different colors:

Yellow pineapple tomato

  • marbled flesh in yellow, orange and light red
  • Fruit sizes up to 1 kilogram

pineapple green

  • inconspicuous green tomato
  • tender, aromatic pulp

Pineapple Noir

  • with increasing maturity coloring to dark red, pink to brownish
  • Top remains olive green
  • the entire range of colors that appear in the flesh is recognizable

Pineapple Bleu

  • The basic color of the fruit is deep dark yellow to bright orange
  • Upper side bluish to violet
  • Leaves and stem also shimmering bluish-violet

frequently asked Questions

The plant consists of only a few small fruits. Why?

The most likely is an unfavorable place with too little heat and possibly drafts. Try a windbreak first and if necessary change the location to more sun.

How do I recognize the ripeness of differently colored pineapple tomatoes?

If the color does not give you an indication of maturity, you can use the size as a guide. As soon as the flesh starts to soften, you should start harvesting.

Can I overwinter pineapple tomatoes?

Pineapple tomatoes are already very sensitive during the season. Theoretically, overwintering in a protected environment is possible, but it is certainly easier to plant new plants in the following year.

Category:

Garden plants