How to Grow Bumblebee Tomato
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Bumblebee Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Bumblebee'
vegetableBumblebee is a striking heirloom tomato variety known for its distinctive yellow and red striped fruit. The small to medium-sized fruits resemble bumble bees, hence the name, and offer a complex sweet-tart flavor. This indeterminate vine variety is highly productive and visually striking in the garden.
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Example Bumblebee Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bumblebee Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bumblebee Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bumblebee Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; requires warm soil and air temperatures to flourish
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, developing sturdy stems under grow lights or in bright windowsills
Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily. Thin seedlings if overcrowded. Avoid cold exposure below 50°F.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksYoung transplants establishing root systems and foliage after hardening off and transplanting to garden or large containers
Harden off gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting. Plant deep, remove lower leaves. Apply mulch around base. Stake or cage early for indeterminate variety.
Flowering & Fruiting
4-6 weeksPlant flowers prolifically and begins setting small yellow-green fruits with characteristic red striping as they develop
Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Feed every 2-3 weeks with low-nitrogen fertilizer. Prune suckers on indeterminate types for air circulation.
Fruit Development
3-4 weeksFruits grow to 2-3 ounces each, with distinctive yellow-red striped pattern becoming more pronounced, gradually shifting color from green to mature striped appearance
Support heavily loaded branches. Thin excess foliage if fruits are not ripening evenly. Continue consistent watering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Harvest
Ongoing throughout season until frostFully ripe fruits display bold red and yellow striping, slight give when gently squeezed, and easily separate from vine
Pick at peak ripeness for best flavor. Can harvest at breaker stage (first blush of color) and ripen indoors. Continue harvesting to encourage new fruit production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars, encourage parasitic wasps, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if needed
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, maintain humidity and air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
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Remove lower infected leaves, improve air circulation, mulch to prevent soil splash, fungicide if severe
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Remove affected foliage immediately, copper or chlorothalonil fungicide, improve ventilation
Uses
Fresh Slicing & Salads
CulinaryThe complex sweet-tart flavor and attractive striped appearance make Bumblebee tomatoes excellent for fresh eating, salads, and table display. The smaller size is perfect for individual servings or appetizer platters. [source]
Cooking & Sauces
CulinaryThe balanced acidity and sweetness make these tomatoes suitable for fresh sauces, soups, and cooking applications. Their smaller size makes them convenient for recipes requiring whole tomatoes. [source]
Ornamental Garden Specimens
HouseholdThe striking yellow and red striped fruits are as beautiful as they are delicious, making Bumblebee a favorite for aesthetic home gardens and adds visual interest alongside traditional green foliage. [source]
Seed Saving
CulinaryAs an open-pollinated heirloom variety, Bumblebee tomatoes can be reliably saved for seeds year after year, allowing gardeners to maintain and propagate their favorite plants. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract beneficial pollinators including bees and native insects, supporting garden ecosystem health and improving fruit set through natural pollination. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick when fully colored with all-over red and yellow striping and slight give to gentle pressure. Best picked at full ripeness in morning for maximum flavor. Can pick at breaker stage (first color change) and ripen on counter indoors, especially near season's end to ripen before frost. Twist gently or cut with pruners to avoid damaging vine.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bumblebee tomatoes earned their name from their striking resemblance to the fuzzy yellow and black stripes of actual bumblebees, making them instantly recognizable in any garden.
- 🌱 The yellow and red striping pattern can vary somewhat depending on growing conditions, ripeness at harvest, and environmental factors, making each fruit uniquely beautiful.
- 🌱 As an indeterminate heirloom variety, Bumblebee tomato plants continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season until frost, rather than producing a single large crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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