Tigerella tomatoes: facts & tips for growing
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.
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
| 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!
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!
- 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
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.
- Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables
- Liquid fertiliser for healthy plant growth & an abundant harvest
- Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly
‘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.
