Tigerella tomatoes: facts & tips for growing

Regina

I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food.

Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries
Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic

With its eye-catching stripes and unique golden colour, ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes live up to their name. Here, you will find the best varieties and tips on how to care for this wonderful variety.

Ripe Tigerella tomatoes rest on the vine. — The ‘Tigerella’ is a medium-sized, striped stake tomato [Photo: Livia Gaffield/ Shutterstock.com]

The bright striped ‘Tigerella’ has the best of both worlds: robust growth and delicious fruit. But there is more to this tomato than meets the eye.

Contents

‘Tigerella’ tomato: profile
‘Tigerella’: origin and history
Properties and taste
Growing ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes: what to pay attention to
‘Tigerella’ tomatoes: harvest and use

‘Tigerella’ tomato: profile

Fruit	Salad tomato; deep red with orange-gold stripes
Flavour	Fruity, sweet, mild acidity
Ripening time	Mid-season
Growth	Indeterminate, up to 2m in height
Location	Greenhouse, sheltered bed or pot outdoors

‘Tigerella’: origin and history

The striking ‘Tigerella’ was first introduced to the market in the early 70s. Nowadays, it is mainly grown by hobby gardeners. No one knows exactly where ‘Tigerella’ was first grown, but it is thought to have been bred from the famous red salad tomato ‘Ailsa Craig’. The popular ‘Craigella’ and ‘Tangella’ varieties are both siblings of ‘Tigerella’ and most likely originated in the UK around the same time.

Properties and taste

‘Tigerella’ is a low-maintenance plant, suitable outside or in the greenhouse. It is aromatic, with fruit that ripens around Mid-July. You will know the fruit is ripe because orange, almost golden, spots will form on the tomatoes’ dark, red skin. The tomatoes are exceptionally fruity, with hints of sweetness and mild acidity. Many gardeners adore this staked variety, which is an heirloom, so can be propagated from its own seeds.

Tip: The new variety ‘Tigerella Cherry’ produces smaller, sweeter fruits. Perfect for snacking!

Tigerella in different stages of ripeness hang on the vine — While ripening, ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes show a great display of colours [Photo: terra incognita/ Shutterstock.com]

Growing ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes: what to pay attention to

‘Tigerella’ tomato plants grow well in pots and garden beds. It is best to support young plants with specially designed potting soil. Our Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost is a great choice. It contains important nutrients and no peat – a perfect start to the season!

For optimal growth, be sure to plant your ‘Tigerella’ as deeply as possible. Simply prune the plant’s lowest leaves, dig a hole and place ‘Tigerella’ in. This variety can reach up to two metres in height and will need some form of climbing aid, such as a trellis, to truly flourish.

Grow your ‘Tigerella’ variety with either two or three main shoots; either prune the side shoots or leave them to fall out. By pruning side shoots, your plant will focus on root production not stem production.

Like most tomato varieties, ‘Tigerella’ will appreciate some shelter from the rain. Additionally, mulching and watering your tomato plants will help support soil life and save water!

Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost, 40L

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Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables such as chillies, courgettes & more
For strong & healthy plant growth as well as an abundant vegetable harvest
Peat-free & organic soil: CO₂-saving composition

£16.99

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Potted plants often struggle to get enough nutrients because their roots cannot grow very long. A natural, slow-release fertiliser, such as Plantura Tomato Food, can be a life-saver for potted tomato plants. This fertiliser releases its minerals and nutrients gradually, which nourish the plant sustainably and over a longer period of time.

Additionally, our Plantura Liquid Tomato Food is particularly suitable for weekly fertilisation. With a nutrient composition specifically designed for tomatoes, the fertiliser can even treat yellow leaves or blossom end rot. To apply liquid fertiliser, simply mix it into your watering can before watering.

Liquid Tomato Food, 800ml

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Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables
Liquid fertiliser for healthy plant growth & an abundant harvest
Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly

£8.99

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‘Tigerella’ tomatoes: harvest and use

The ‘Tigerella’ variety is firm, juicy and aromatic. In short, it is perfect for salads or as a snack. This medium-sized tomato also lends itself well to preservation.

If ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes are among your favourite tomatoes, we recommend taking a look at our article on other varieties of striped tomatoes, such as the ‘Chocolate Stripes’ tomato.