How to Grow Picasso Tomato
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Picasso Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Picasso'
vegetablePicasso is a striking determinate tomato variety known for its unique bicolor appearance featuring red fruit with yellow-orange streaks and patterns. These medium-sized tomatoes (2-3 oz) combine excellent flavor with ornamental appeal, making them popular for both kitchen gardens and visual interest. The plants are compact and disease-resistant, ideal for containers and small spaces.
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Example Picasso Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Picasso 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 Picasso Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Picasso Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with season extension
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Get my Picasso Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves, pale green cotyledons visible
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily; maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F); fertilize weakly at 2-3 week intervals with dilute fertilizer
Vegetative
3-4 weeksBushy compact growth with multiple branches; determinate form reaching 2-3 feet tall
Transplant to larger containers or garden after last frost; pinch off bottom leaves as plant grows; provide support cage or stakes early; continue consistent watering and fertilizing
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters along branches; plant reaches full height and width
Maintain consistent moisture to prevent flower drop; switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer (5-10-10); ensure adequate sun exposure; support branches with fruit load
Fruiting
3-4 weeksGreen fruits develop and begin showing characteristic red and yellow striping; fruits ripen progressively
Continue deep, consistent watering; mulch around base to regulate soil moisture and temperature; monitor for pests and diseases; remove any yellow lower leaves to improve air circulation
Harvest
Ongoing through frostFruits fully colored with vibrant red and yellow patterns; soft to gentle pressure; seeds visible when cut open
Pick fruits at full color for best flavor and appearance; harvest regularly to encourage continued production; use pruning shears or gently twist and lift to detach
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; encourage parasitic wasps; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Ensure good air circulation; spray sulfur or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves; water at soil level only
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide; mulch to prevent soil splash on leaves
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; attract natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryPicasso tomatoes are excellent for fresh consumption with a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor and firm texture. Their striking bicolor appearance makes them visually stunning in salads, sliced fresh, or as a garnish. [source]
Sauce & Preservation
CulinaryThe dense flesh and flavor profile make Picasso suitable for making tomato sauce, salsa, and other preserves. Their medium size and determinate growth make them practical for processing multiple fruits at once. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
HouseholdThe unique red and yellow striped appearance makes Picasso tomatoes valued as ornamental plants in decorative edible gardens. They are attractive enough for landscape plantings and container gardening displays. [source]
Lycopene & Antioxidants
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Picasso contains lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants that support heart health and may have anti-inflammatory properties. The bicolor variety contains both red (lycopene) and yellow (carotenoid) pigments. [source]
Seed Saving
CraftPicasso is a hybrid variety, so seeds saved may not produce true-to-type plants. However, gardeners interested in seed saving can collect seeds for experimental growing or educational purposes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully colored with bright red and yellow striping, typically 70-80 days after transplanting. Gently twist and lift or use pruning shears to avoid damaging the vine. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and fruit production. Fruits can be picked just-ripe or at full maturity; they store well at room temperature. In cold climates, pick remaining fruits before first frost and ripen indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Picasso' name references the famous artist's use of bold colors and striking contrasts, perfectly describing this tomato's vibrant red and yellow striped appearance.
- 🌱 Despite being a modern hybrid variety, Picasso tomatoes demonstrate excellent disease resistance (often to Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt) compared to many heirloom bicolor tomatoes.
- 🌱 The determinate growth habit means all fruits ripen within a concentrated timeframe (typically 2-3 weeks), making them ideal for canning, sauce-making, or preserving.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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