How to Grow Striped Phantom Tomato
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Striped Phantom Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Striped Phantom'
vegetableStriped Phantom is a heirloom indeterminate tomato variety known for its striking dark purple-black striped appearance with green undertones. The fruits are medium-sized, typically weighing 4-6 ounces, with complex sweet and slightly smoky flavor. This visually stunning variety produces abundantly throughout the growing season.
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Example Striped Phantom Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Striped Phantom 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 Striped Phantom Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Striped Phantom 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 3-10 with proper timing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; pale green coloring
Provide bright light (14-16 hours daily under grow lights), maintain soil moisture, maintain 65-75°F temperature
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRobust growth with multiple sets of compound leaves; plant reaches 12-18 inches before flowering
Harden off seedlings before transplanting; plant deeply to encourage strong root development; begin light fertilization with balanced NPK
Flowering
4-6 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters (trusses); plant continues indeterminate growth
Support with stakes or cages; maintain consistent watering; switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus and potassium) to encourage fruit set; monitor for pests
Fruiting
4-6 weeksGreen fruits develop, gradually transitioning through purple-striped patterns; fruits reach full size before ripening
Prune lower leaves for air circulation; maintain consistent watering; provide calcium supplementation; stake heavily for support of fruit load; fertilize every 2-3 weeks
Harvest
Until frostFruits fully ripen to deep purple-black with green stripes; fully colored and slightly soft when gently squeezed
Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production; pick at first color break if frost threatens; can ripen indoors on windowsill
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick daily; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage parasitic wasps; plant borage and nasturtium for predatory insect attraction
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide at first sign; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves immediately; ensure good air circulation; apply sulfur or copper-based fungicides; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Fresh slicing and eating
CulinaryThe complex sweet and slightly smoky flavor profile makes Striped Phantom excellent for fresh eating, slicing into salads, or as a centerpiece dish where its striking visual appearance can be showcased. [source]
Cooking and sauces
CulinaryWith balanced acidity and sweetness, these tomatoes work well in sauces, soups, and cooked dishes. The deep color produces visually dramatic sauces with rich flavor. [source]
Canning and preservation
CulinaryThe fruit's size and texture make it suitable for whole canning, though low-acid batches require pressure canning. Can also be made into jam, paste, or dried tomatoes. [source]
Ornamental gardening
CraftThe striking purple-black striped fruit makes Striped Phantom an excellent choice for ornamental vegetable gardens, farmers markets, or photography. Often grown as much for visual appeal as flavor. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalDark purple tomatoes contain elevated levels of anthocyanins and lycopene, providing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that support cardiovascular and cellular health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruits are fully colored (deep purple-black with green stripes) and slightly soft to gentle pressure. For peak flavor, allow fruits to fully ripen on the vine. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. In cool climates, pick at first blush of color and ripen indoors. Striped Phantom tomatoes store well at room temperature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Striped Phantom's dark purple coloring comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds found in blueberries and red wine, making it one of the most nutrient-dense tomato varieties.
- 🌱 The variety name 'Phantom' likely refers to the ghostly green undertones visible beneath the dark purple striping, creating an almost supernatural appearance on the fruit.
- 🌱 As an indeterminate variety, Striped Phantom will continue flowering and producing fruit until killed by frost, making it ideal for extended harvests in longer growing seasons.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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