Pineapple Tomato: A Tropical Treasure with Exotic Flavor

Pineapple tomatoes are a spectacular heirloom variety that lives up to their evocative name. These large, bicolor fruits feature golden-yellow skin with red striping and deliver a remarkably sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of pineapple and other exotic fruits. For gardeners seeking a tomato with genuine personality and unforgettable taste, Pineapple tomatoes are an exceptional choice.

The Distinctive Appeal of Pineapple Tomatoes

Pineapple tomatoes are prized for their stunning appearance and complex, fruity flavor profile. The fruits typically weigh 10 to 16 ounces or more and feature a golden-yellow base color with bold red striping and occasional orange tones. The flesh is golden-yellow with red streaks throughout, creating a beautiful and unique cross-section when sliced. What truly sets this variety apart is its intensely sweet, fruity flavor with tropical undertones and remarkably low acidity—a taste experience that surprises and delights with hints of pineapple, mango, and other stone fruits.

Growing Pineapple Tomatoes

Pineapple tomatoes are indeterminate plants that require warm, sunny conditions with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They thrive in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Start seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before your last spring frost, then transplant seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F.

Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart and provide sturdy support structures such as stakes, cages, or trellises, as these vigorous plants grow tall and produce heavy fruit. Regular pruning of suckers improves air circulation and directs energy toward fruit production.

Harvest and Culinary Excellence

Pineapple tomatoes typically begin producing fruit 75 to 85 days after transplanting. Harvest fruits when they're fully colored with the characteristic striping visible and yield slightly to gentle pressure. These spectacular tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, where their exotic flavor and stunning appearance can be fully appreciated. Slice them thick for salads, layer them in sandwiches, or serve them simply with quality olive oil and fresh herbs. Their tender flesh and complex sweetness make them less suitable for long cooking, so reserve them for applications where their remarkable tropical character can truly shine.

In Summary

With its fruity, tropical notes, the Pineapple Tomato is the one you want to invite to your next luau. This 1-2 lb slicer is ready for a party in its bright yellow dress with orange-red marbling that continues straight through to the flesh. Throw a sweet, golden slice on a burger or mix it with an actual pineapple for a festive salsa. One of the most beautiful, best-tasting Beefsteak Tomatoes you can grow.

• Low acidity
• Small seed core
• Sweet and fruity, tropical notes
• Slow to ripen

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Large (1-2 lbs.)
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-95 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper